In our last Industry Experts blog, we heard from Sophie Bujold, a digital marketing strategist and speaker from Vancouver, who explained how we can leverage social media channels to build trust, and ultimately, make a sale.

Go to How to sell on social media (part one)

Bujold is back again, this time serving up an easy-to-implement Top 10 Sales techniques. Whether you currently use social media for selling, or you’re dipping a toe in for the first time, this list will guide you through the steps of how to use social media to connect with potential clients. For a daily dose of inspiration, keep a printed version close at hand.

Sophie Bujold’s Top 10: How to Sell on Social

1. Pick networks and channels that attract your ideal client and appeal to you. This is the easiest way to increase your ROI from the get-go.

2. Start by listening to get a feel for what your target clients are interested in. What are they discussing? Now use this information to create content that matters to them.

3. Make a plan that includes where you’ll hang out (LinkedIn or Facebook? Twitter or Instagram or Pinterest?), how often will you be active on that channel (daily or three times a week, etc.) and what kind of things will you be posting and tweeting. This will help focus your efforts and maximize time.

4. Tie whatever you do on social media with what’s happening on your website, blog, e-mail list and offline. Always include a link back to your online home.

5. Get fans and followers on your mailing list by offering free, high-value content like an e-book, a webinar, or something else. This is where you can sell harder.

6. Aim to create value and conversation with your posts with tantalizing sales promotions. As much as possible, attach images (but only good ones!) to your posts and tweets. In the long run, this will help you sell more.

7. Develop the art of selling without selling: relate the content you share to what you do without making it a direct sales pitch.

8. Getting social also means showing up where your people already hang out. Don’t be afraid to reach out of your own channels to interact with interest groups or other discussions rather than waiting for clients to come to you.

9. If a great offer or booking season comes along, it’s okay to sell a little stronger. Remember though, always explain why you’re recommending it, and for whom (i.e. keep it targeted), to strengthen your position as an expert.

10. Implement and stay consistent. This is how you build trust. And trust leads to sales.

Now give it a try!

For more tips and tricks from Sophie Bujold, visit sophiebujold.com.