MetroplexInteractive

When you imagine a horse trainer you probably think of someone spending their days  taking horses through various training exercises to ensure the horses execute their craft perfectly, such as speeding around barrels or cutting cattle from the heard. What you probably don’t think of when envisioning a horse trainer is someone sitting in front of a computer screen using social media tools to position themselves as an expert, increase sales, and engage customers. Here are three ways a non-tech savvy person can use social media tools to improve their business.

Position Yourself as an Expert using Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter

Let’s suppose for a moment you are a horse trainer. You’ve spent years training horses to perform various tasks – so much so that you would consider yourself a bit of an expert. And while you have paying customers who agree you are an expert, how widely are you viewed as an expert in your field? Just within your circle of friends? In the local community? Or worldwide?

Social media tools such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter can be used to position you as an expert in your industry. Posting advice, how-to’s, and tips shows that you understand how to train horses, especially if you post unique or thoughtful ways to accomplish a specific objective. For someone looking for a horse trainer, they might stumble upon your posts and seek out your fulltime services. Of course, as the saying goes “don’t give away the farm” with the information you post online. You’ll want to give someone just enough information that they view you as an expert but don’t have enough information to do it completely on their own.

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Engage Your Customers using Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter

Customer engagement is used to keep your existing customers connected to the services you provide so that they continue using or even expand them. Using social media tools like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn you can post status updates of interest to your customers. For instance, “Showing in Fort Worth horse show this weekend” posted to your Facebook page might be of interest to your customers – especially the ones in Fort Worth. Additionally, using social media to inform customers of specials or new products and services you now offer is an excellent way to engage existing customers.

Increase Sales using Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter

Using social media tools to increase sales is the holy grail of all Web 2.0 initiatives. Fortunately, sites like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter make it easier to generate new sales by providing a tool to broadcast your company’s name and offerings far and wide quickly and efficiently. Posting your products and services on your profile, status or page will make it easier for potential customers to find you. Participating in social networking communities focused on horse training will position you as an expert while broadening your contacts. Lastly, posting exciting announcements garners attention.

Social media tools like Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter can be effective tools for industries not traditionally associated with the technologically savvy. Using the simple steps described above a horse trainer, for example, can turn horse sense into a thriving business.