Most people and businesses now realize the importance of building an online audience but the question is “how do we get started?” In this article, I’ll dive into how build an online audience and get them engaged. 

Before I start, it is important to state that online audience is NOT limited to social media platforms. I see most brands focusing on increasing their Instagram followers and totally forget about other digital platforms. I’d like to remind you that Instagram (unlike before) is now built in such a way that you’ll have to pay (promote a post) to get your most of your followers to see your posts. Why spend more when you can reach them for free by sending them newsletters? 

Anyways, lets get started:

1. Share valuable content

If all you do is share content about yourself or your brand, you will lose followers easily. This is because human beings are selfish in nature. Everyone wants to consume content that will directly benefit them so you need to play by this trick. For example, if you sell a skincare product, you need to educate your followers (potential client) on how to take care of their skin and then, suggest some of your product that will help them achieve their skincare goals. See, it’s easy.

2. Gather Data

Data is the new oil in Advertising. It is your company’s most valuable resource. The most effective Marketing and Advertising campaigns today are driven by DATA. Effective use of Data can drive creativity and innovation which will in-turn, enable you deliver amazing customer experiences, increase sales and build an online audience. The most beautiful things is that Data neither scarce nor costly to acquire. You only need to ask or get them to give it to you. 

There are different types of Data: 

a. First-Party Data: This is generated by you or your brand.

b. Second Party Data: This is the type of data that is bought or subscribed. 

c. Third-Party Data: This is the type of data you access via other platforms like Google, Facebook etc. 

It’s time to level up and regard data collection with any or all of the different types of data mentioned above. 

3. Invest in paid lead generation

One of the most important aspect of your business is Lead generation. You have to come up with different strategies to reach new audiences every other time. Once you generate leads, you have potential buyers. Using their data can then help you target other potential buyers.

4. Build a list

You’ve likely heard that the money is in the list, and no truer words have been spoken. Build a list early by creating a lead magnet and an email warming sequence, even if you don’t have a product to sell yet. Once you have a list, you can send them tailored offers – discounts, promos etc.  

5. Engage through storytelling

The better you are at telling stories, the more likely you’ll succeed with your online tribe. You need to give them something to look forward to. The fact is that people want to consume engaging content. That happens through the vehicle of a powerful story. The better you are at related concepts through storytelling, the quicker you’ll be able to grow your online audience.

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