Social Media

What does research says about Social Media & eCommerce

76%

of Americans use social media

89%

of businesses saw increased market exposure due to social media

71%

of businesses saw increased market exposure due to social media

What does research says about Social Media & eCommerce

76%

of Americans use social media

89%

of businesses saw increased market exposure due to social media

71%

of consumers are more likely to make a purchase from social media referrals

*2016 Social Media Marketing Industry Report

**Source: Global social media research summary 2016

*2016 Social Media Marketing Industry Report    |   **Source: Global social media research summary 2016

For anyone who is selling online marketing via social media is one of the most effective ways to bring products to the attention of customers early in their shopping process and thereby inspire them to make their purchase from you.

Brands like eBay aren’t the only ones making greater use of social media. Businesses of all types and sizes use social media to reach new consumers and connect with existing customers.  Best of all, businesses don’t need a big budget or tons of resources to start social media marketing. It’s often free and accessible to anyone.

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For anyone who is selling online marketing via social media is one of the most effective ways to bring products to the attention of customers early in their shopping process and thereby inspire them to make their purchase from you.

Brands like eBay aren’t the only ones making greater use of social media. Businesses of all types and sizes use social media to reach new consumers and connect with existing customers.  Best of all, businesses don’t need a big budget or tons of resources to start social media marketing. It’s often free and accessible to anyone.

Whether you’ve dipped your toes into social media marketing or are starting from square one, we’ve put together

Some tips that all businesses should keep in mind

Whether you’ve dipped your toes into social media marketing or are starting from square one, we’ve put together

Some tips that all businesses should keep in mind

Are you looking to boost awareness and market your products to more buyers, increase traffic to your store or listings, or simply increase brand loyalty?

Each has its own strengths and particular audience, which you should consider in relation to your goals.

It makes sense to keep your social media name (aka “handle”) the same as your eBay seller name. If it isn’t available, you can add an introductory word (like “The” or “eBay”) or underscores.

There are so many resources available just a Google or YouTube search away. For instance, eBay’s social media managers often stay up to date with trends through the very thorough “SocialBakers” blog.

5. Build your followers.Follow your friends, your competitors and your competitors’ followers. Avoid buying fans—it’s not worth it! You want to build followers who are going to be genuinely engaged with your account.

Pay attention to what’s working and do more of it. On the other hand, do less of what isn’t working. Take advantage of the analytic tools on the platforms to learn what’s getting the kind of engagement you’re looking for.

Drive traffic to specific listings straight from your posts, by including a link to your eBay store in your post. eBay links tend to be long, so use a link-shortening service like Bitly.

We recommend sellers start with exclusively organic posts as you build an understanding of how the platform works and the types of content that work best for you. When you’re feeling comfortable and seeing a little success, you can begin testing paid marketing. Each platform has its own tools for creating ads or boosting posts, which you can utilize, often at a very low cost, to boost your organic posts.

Carve out time in the day to dedicate to social media marketing, and treat it as an investment in your business. Free publishing tools like Hootsuite allow you to plan and schedule your content in advance.

Marketing with Videos

Video is a powerful way to engage with buyers, show them more about yourself and reinforce your brand. There are a variety of video types you might consider, depending on your goals.

Marketing with Videos

Video is a powerful way to engage with buyers, show them more about yourself and reinforce your brand. There are a variety of video types you might consider, depending on your goals.

Check-ins

A “talking-head” type video where a representative gives followers some insight into what’s happening with your business now.

Product-launch videos

Give customers the inside scoop on new or upcoming products to build awareness and excitement.

How-to videos

 A video to explain inventory that needs guidance on its purpose, value, or function. How-to videos can also present you as a knowledgeable resource.

Behind-the-scenes videos

Walk customers through your business or introduce them to your staff. This can “humanize” you and help customers to feel like they really know you and are personally investing in your business.

Unique-inventory videos

Showcase the products that make your eBay store unique! Tell customers the special attributes or backstories for specific inventory. Best practices for videos depend largely on what platform you’re sharing it on.

Check-ins

A “talking-head” type video where a representative gives followers some insight into what’s happening with your business now.

Product-launch videos

Give customers the inside scoop on new or upcoming products to build awareness and excitement.

How-to videos

 A video to explain inventory that needs guidance on its purpose, value, or function. How-to videos can also present you as a knowledgeable resource.

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Behind-the-scenes videos

Walk customers through your business or introduce them to your staff. This can “humanize” you and help customers to feel like they really know you and are personally investing in your business.

Unique-inventory videos

Showcase the products that make your eBay store unique! Tell customers the special attributes or backstories for specific inventory. Best practices for videos depend largely on what platform you’re sharing it on.

YouTube

YouTube is ideal for long-form content, between 3-5 minutes. For example, product demonstrations and how-tos work well on YouTube. Include important keywords in your title and descriptions to ensure you show up in searches, and always include links back to your eBay store.

Facebook and

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Instagram

Facebook and Instagram Story segments are limited  to a maximum of 15 seconds each, so either plan to keep your videos under 15 seconds, or let Instagram automatically chop up your story into 15-second segments.

No matter what kind of video you choose, be your own art director. Look at each shot, make sure your background isn’t too cluttered, and that your shirt doesn’t clash with your surroundings. Make sure the camera angle is complimentary and leaves you looking at your best.

Yes, this may all seem like a lot—maybe too much—but there’s no need to go from zero to 100 in your first month on social media. We recommend taking it slow and consistently dedicating a little time each week to build up to your goals.

Let’s get social!

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YouTube

YouTube is ideal for long-form content, between 3-5 minutes. For example, product demonstrations and how-tos work well on YouTube. Include important keywords in your title and descriptions to ensure you show up in searches, and always include links back to your eBay store.

Facebook and

blank

Instagram

Facebook and Instagram Story segments are limited  to a maximum of 15 seconds each, so either plan to keep your videos under 15 seconds, or let Instagram automatically chop up your story into 15-second segments.

No matter what kind of video you choose, be your own art director. Look at each shot, make sure your background isn’t too cluttered, and that your shirt doesn’t clash with your surroundings. Make sure the camera angle is complimentary and leaves you looking at your best.

Yes, this may all seem like a lot—maybe too much—but there’s no need to go from zero to 100 in your first month on social media. We recommend taking it slow and consistently dedicating a little time each week to build up to your goals.

Let’s get social!