Have you ever noticed the desperation in some of the social media and email marketing tactics that hit your social media feeds or inbox?
It’s one of those tactics that creeps in, especially during trying times like we’re having now. I often see others commenting about how it turns them off when it happens to them. It turns me off too.
It’s not just the “buy my stuff” posts from contacts and followers who never take the time or make the effort to engage and actually get to know you, but also those who are passive aggressive, insulting, and sometimes even inappropriate.
Sadly, this trend is not just from those who don’t know any better, but from those who have been in business for a good, long while, and are well-known. What is really sad, is sometimes this happens because there is a so-called Guru out there teaching others to use this strategy in their marketing. No Bueno!
For example: It’s an old, but true, cliché … “You can catch more flies with honey than vinegar!” So rather than insulting people and inferring they are stupid for not signing up for your webinar or not buying their product, show them the value and benefit.
If you’re building relationships with people on social media and providing lots of value and benefit when you interact, if your product or service is right for them, and if it’s the right time, they will buy. It’s as simple as that. Feigning shock and making passive-aggressive comments about how they must be insane or not interested in being successful when they don’t buy, just isn’t cool. And it ticks people off.
I’ve even seen people use the devastation of hurricanes, fires, and other calamities to sell their products and services. Yes, it’s a good marketing ploy to tie your marketing strategy into current events and other things happening at the time, but very inappropriate to use natural disasters and the hardships of others to try and make a buck.
And as tempting as it is to offer gifts to others on your birthday … make sure that gift is free. If I have to hand over my email address to someone to get their free gift, or that free gift is simply a discount on a product or service I have to buy, it’s not a gift. A gift is something someone gives someone else free of charge, no strings attached.
Don’t be a sleazy car salesman when it comes to marketing.
- Have a great product or service.
- Build relationships.
- Offer value and benefit.
If you follow this very easy approach to marketing, the right people will be attracted to you, and they will buy from you at the right time!
Happy marketing!
