3 Ways to Increase Brand Loyalty And Sales on Social Media (Post-COVID-19)

Are you looking to increase brand loyalty and sales through social media?

The COVID-19 pandemic has not only fundamentally changed the way people shop, but also tested brand loyalty like never before.

People's preference of where they shop means more to them than it did in the past - it’s based on a lot more than on price alone brands - and to succeed on social media in a post-COVID-19 world, businesses must rise to the occasion.

In this blog post, I'll share with you 3 considerations that are influencing purchase decisions and brand loyalty, and what you can do on social media to align your strategy with what customers want.

For each strategy, I’ll also share a real-world example to demonstrate how brands are already making strides into this new world of serving their customers.

All of these strategies are backed by global data gathered by research from Facebook. However, these strategies will work just as well across any social media platform: Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat included.

Increase Brand Loyalty Tip '#1: Encourage dialogue on social media

This one's all about being available to your customers on social media. Make it clear when and where you're available to help through your social channels, and try to queries as soon as possible.

77% of shoppers globally say they feel more connected to a brand if they are able to contact it directly to ask questions or provide feedback.
63% of customers expect quick responses from businesses when they need their help.

In the example below, Apple’s fast response time is appreciated by a customer on Twitter:

What you can do: Adapt your social customer service strategy to provide responses to customer queries as quickly as possible, and provide a way for them to share feedback that will help shape your future products and services.

For lots of strategies to increase your social media response time, check out this post: 3 Easy Ways to Speed Up Your Social Media Response Time

Increase Brand Loyalty Tip #2: Be transparent and eco-friendly

While price and convenience are still two of the biggest factors in influencing customers’ purchasing decisions, there has been a big shift towards brands who reflect their customers’ values, and that are environmentally conscious.

56% of consumers globally say it’s very important that the brands they buy from support the same values they believe in.
55% of shoppers globally say it's important that the brands they choose use environmentally friendly manufacturing practices.

In the example below, a customer raves about a brand’s eco-friendly packaging:

What you can do: Don't be afraid to open up to share your brand's mission and values. Be transparent about your processes and manufacturing credentials; share what you're doing to lower your carbon footprint. All of these will help to build brand trust.

Brand Loyalty Tip #3: Make people feel valued

This one's about ensuring your customers feel appreciated by you as a brand, and the actions you take to show it.

35% of consumers globally say they want brands to make them feel valued.
46% of online shoppers say they love brands that give them exclusive sales on products or services in exchange for their loyalty.

In the example below, a brand shares an exclusive sale just for its social followers:

What you can do: Think about how you can add value to your customers' lives through personal interactions, and how you can make the journey from consideration to purchase as seamless as possible.

Increasing Brand Loyalty on Social Media Conclusion

So there you have it! Three simple strategies for increasing brand loyalty on social media, in a world where consumers are looking for brands that are more than faceless entities, peddling products. Customers demand that the companies they buy from are present on social media, open to feedback, and honest in their appreciation of the people who support them.

What are your best strategies for increasing brand loyalty on social media? Let me know in the comments below!

Andrew Macarthy is a social media consultant and the author of the #1 Amazon Web Marketing Bestseller, 500 Social Media Marketing Tips.

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Increase Brand Loyalty Tip '#1: Encourage dialogue on social media

77% of shoppers globally say they feel more connected to a brand if they are able to contact it directly to ask questions or provide feedback.

63% of customers expect quick responses from businesses when they need their help.

Increase Brand Loyalty Tip #2: Be transparent and eco-friendly

56% of consumers globally say it’s very important that the brands they buy from support the same values they believe in.

55% of shoppers globally say it's important that the brands they choose use environmentally friendly manufacturing practices.

Brand Loyalty Tip #3: Make people feel valued

35% of consumers globally say they want brands to make them feel valued.

46% of online shoppers say they love brands that give them exclusive sales on products or services in exchange for their loyalty.

Increasing Brand Loyalty on Social Media Conclusion

Andrew Macarthy - Social Media Marketing