5 Ways to Build Trust Using Social Media


We all know that people do business with those they know, like, and trust… but how does this translate in the rapidly accelerating world of social networking?

With so many sites to keep up on and thousands of new names in our networks, it’s no surprise that people are struggling with the concept.

If developing trust leads to revenues, then NOT developing trust costs you money. How much more simpler can it be?


Navigate your visibility the right way. Here are 5 things you can focus on to build trust and attract pre-sold, ready to buy clients:

1. Make Your Profile Shine

Your social networking profile is your calling card, your handshake, and your eye contact all rolled into one. I say that over and over, but it bears repeating. If people can’t figure out who you are, what you do, and how they can get more information on you, then that’s a lost opportunity. Get “Does Your Social Networking Profile Pass the 10 Second Test” to get tips and examples on transforming your social media profile.

2. Provide Top Notch Content

Social media is all about content: relevant, pertinent, informative content. Prove yourself to the world with great articles, videos, audio, links to blogs, etc.

3. Be Real

You don’t have to always be “on” to attract clients and followers. In fact your followers will be relieved to know that you’re human too when they witness how you deal with the little calamities of life.

I’m talking to you success coaches, million dollar mentors, manifesters, positive thinkers, law of attraction devotees, life coaches, etc. You can break a nail every now and then and Tweet about it-  it actually helps us trust and understand you more when we find out that life happens to you too.

4. Be Gracious

Acknowledge the people in your network for what they’re doing. Retweet someone else’s great content and give shouts of gratitude when someone retweets your posts. Like in life, gratitude activates a landslide of blessings.

5. Think Win-Win

Think “generosity” as you peruse the Facebook live stream. Does a picture, note, video or status update catch your eye? Then comment! It’s a win-win and you both get a visibility push. Post other people’s notes or videos to your profile page, link to them on Twitter… come in with a generous mindset.

There are many more things to add to this list, but wanted to spotlight 5 key points.

What would you add to my list? Drop a comment below.


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About Nancy Marmolejo

I'm a soul-driven strategist who teaches entrepreneurs how to turn followers into fans and fans into clients using social media and heart based marketing. My approach integrates proven strategies and intuitive hits so each client finds her special way to stand out and sizzle in the spotlight.

  • http://asktinu.com Tinu

    Hey Nancy,

    The "Be Real" tip is very true. Just be yourself, add a random thought now and then. Even if it's not about a complaint, anything that helps people see you as human is a good thing.

  • http://www.AffirmingCreativity.com Vicki Schroeder

    Well said, Nancy! I love gratitude and generosity. I second content – and would add brevity. I'm so tired of space being taken up by the trivial, esp. on twitter. I have a limited time there, and really like variety and interesting info, not 10 posts in a row from one person. So I'd add – be brief to make it count!

  • http://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisshallow Chris Shallow

    Great concise practical info., Nancy. I'd add if you build trust you build your brand. The stronger your brand the more valuable you are!

  • http://www.vivavisibilityblog.com Nancy Marmolejo

    Tinu: I find that when I express what's not going well, the Tweeps come out of the woodwork offering me their support. It can be a funky web page or a sore throat, but what I find is that there are so many helpful people out there, it gives them the chance to share their brilliance with me.

    Vicki: I hope this is brief enough… LOL… nobody likes a lot of chatter on Twitter. Peeps don't need to reply to EVERY post they see.

    Chris: Social media is so awesome for brand awareness and integrity. Really helps businesses walk their talks.

  • http://realurl.org/twitted.php?id=2528376362 Twitted by VickiSchroeder

    [...] This post was Twitted by VickiSchroeder [...]

  • http://www.mesablogger.com @Takuya_Hikichi

    True.

    It's not how unsual great social networkers are, but it's so easy to do what they do, but only a few people do.

    I like "be real". A lot of other people have different agendas for other people, and being real means being authentic, truly expressing what matters to us personally, and not trying to do how others want us to become.

    <abbr>@Takuya_Hikichis last blog post..How to Get Popular and Attract Customers</abbr>

  • http://whatawebsite.org/ Will McCulloch

    Hallo Nancy, What A Good Post – it makes me want to visit your site again … Best wishes from Hamburg. Will P.S. I'd add "Be persistent" – however good the website/business model … it always takes time to gain trust & trade & build a good reputation

    <abbr>Will McCullochs last blog post..Branding Category</abbr>

  • http://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisshallow Chris Shallow

    You're absolutely right, Nancy, Social Media is so a great way to increase brand awareness and enhance integrity in a natural, personal way. However, I still think that Facebook is better for this than Twitter because Facebook reaches a far broader audience.

  • http://socialnetworkinglifestyle.com/blog/top-5-social-media-posts-week-ending-july-12-2009/ Top 5 Social Media Posts Week Ending July 12 – 2009

    [...] 5 Ways to Build Trust Using Social Media [...]

  • http://www.AskViki.com/ Viki Garrison

    Thank you for the tip 'be real', it's great!

  • http://www.BetterSexRadio.net Chrystal Bougon

    Nancy, these rules could work well for all forms of networking… but my favorite is to extend grace and be gracious. Social networking is all about karma. What you give comes back on you in some for or another.

  • http://www.sevenoaksconsulting.com Jeanne Grunert

    Thank you for the "be real" message. I am so tired of one life coach who ONLY posts about "how great her day is" – sun is shining, her maid is polishing the silverware, wouldn't you like to be me? Pay mega bucks for my package! Yuck! Why doesn't she ever share anything of USE or VALUE? Or even just say howdy (to anyone other than her mega-bucks-member coaching circle?). You are such a breath of fresh air in a room filled with hot air, Nancy!

  • http://www.basketsbyconsuela.com Consuela

    I constantly feel overwhelmed on how much I don't know about Twitter and Facebook communicating. I'm on both and really need to figure out how best to use them.

  • http://www.vivavisibilityblog.com Nancy Marmolejo

    Yes, these tips are universal for online and offline networking. That seems so obvious but the amnesia of my online colleagues keeps me blogging. :-)

    Jeanne: I'm soooo with you on that one! It just feels so staged when I see people posturing this great life. I wonder if they're afraid of being real

    Consuela: Take it slow! Don't try to figure out Facebook and Twitter at the same time, that's a death wish. Pick one, hang with it for 30 days, then add in more. Play calming music in the background, whatever you can do to conquer the overwhelm! That's why I made the 3 part system I promote, go up and click http://www.vivavisibilityblog.com/products and check out Quick and Easy product.

    :-)

  • http://real-home.biz/blog Kimberly Flores

    What a great article! Thanks for great reminders Nancy.

    To be real: I'm wary of scaring people away, but hey, that's what it's about, being real.

  • http://VisionForSuccess.biz Ali Rodriguez

    I LOVE #4-"Be gracious" – Sometimes we get busy and forget or neglect the obvious. Gosh, so many "thanks" to be given! Great reminder "not to take things and people for granted".

    So in the spirit of appreciation and gratitude: Gracias Nancita for all of what you do, all of what you give, and all of what you teach us.

  • http://www.real-home.biz/blog/networking/develop-social-trust-friendship-reap-rewards/ Develop Social Trust, Friendship; Reap Rewards | Real-Home.Biz Blog

    [...] 5 Ways to Build Trust Using Social Media [...]

  • http://blog.achieve-momentum.com Joan Schramm

    Be real and be gracious — rules to live by in any situation. Thanks for helping us put our best selves out there in social media.

  • http://www.WWAHHMpreneur.com Donna WWAHHMpreneur

    Nancy,

    Where have you been all of my life?

    Thanks for all you're doing. You are a very valuable part of my cache of mentors.

    I have already been chatting up these principles on my blogs and on twitter because I also understand, given my own experience in offline marketing and sales, the vital importance of connecting with people in a genuine and transformative way.

    It's awesome to be able to point to you as a real expert for my twitter connections to pay attention to and to emulate, as well.

    Enjoy your day and week, Nancy!

    –Donna
    .-= Donna WWAHHMpreneur´s last blog ..Donna's on a Serious Mission! So, You're Invited! =-.