If you’re an introvert, you know the things that are said about us: We’re shy. We’re anti-social. We hate people. We’re hermits!
If you’re an introvert, you also know these things aren’t true. Here’s the truth we introverts know: We gain our energy from solitude — but we can still enjoy the company of others. We might be choosy about when we spend time with people and who those people are, but we don’t hate people (well, not without cause, anyway).
In business, we introverts also know that marketing sales can be a struggle. But here’s the thing: That whole let-the-work-speak-for-itself mantra? Yeah, it just doesn’t work anymore (if it ever did). There are too many people out there speaking up and getting heard — and getting business. You don’t want to get left in the dust. Here are a five ways that introverts can make the most of their Facebook marketing efforts.
1. Capitalize on your introspection and thoughtfulness.
As introverts, we tend to spend a lot of time in our own heads. There’s a risk that we talk to ourselves too much for sure. But with all of that introspection and quiet comes an upside: We have an opportunity to be strategic and careful with our communications. That caution can make us wallflowers at a party (or let’s be real, make us stay home from a party altogether). But when you tap into your introspection as a strength and apply it to your social media marketing, it can help you be smart and thoughtful — and successful.
2. Keep your promotion soft.
By nature, you don’t call attention to yourself. You’re not a braggart. But to be successful in marketing your business, you’re going to need to brag … a little. The great thing about Facebook is that you don’t have to be in-your-face with your marketing efforts. You don’t have to become a totally different person to succeed. Start by sharing some samples of your recent work. Maybe showcase some awards you’ve won (stop cringing, please). You can keep your posts casual and in your own voice while still sharing your awesomeness. Or let someone else brag for you — share a testimonial from a customer.
3. Focus on content.
Facebook is a great way to stay top of mind. To accomplish that goal and keep your promotion on the softer side at the same time, consider focusing on content — that is, share stories and information you simply think will help your audience (vs. purely self-promotional messages). You could share links to your own blog or post status updates containing helpful tips. But you might also consider posting links from other experts. This way, you’re still promoting your business while avoiding the full-on brag we introverts sometimes struggle with.
4. Exude personality.
Repeat after me: Introverts do have personality. It can be hard to appreciate your own attributes when you’ve spent your life around extroverts. They always steal the show. But just because we introverts don’t need all eyes on us doesn’t mean we’re lacking in personality. We just need the right opportunities (and mediums) to come alive. Great news! Facebook is perfect for this. Maybe you have a great sense of humor, but you aren’t always heard. Maybe you would love to share your work and products with the masses but aren’t comfortable at networking events or conferences. Facebook (among other online marketing tools) is an ideal way to exude personality and showcase your brand without having to work up a lot of courage.
5. Use your personal network.
Through one-on-one and small-group interactions, you’ve cultivated excellent personal relationships. And some of those friends are extroverts who would love to help you. So, take advantage of your personal network to help promote your business. Invite your Facebook friends to like your business page. Share your business’s posts on your personal page, and ask your friends to do the same. Consider selecting a handful of friends to serve as ambassadors for your business. Invite them to check out your business page every so often and share a favorite post with their network. You could even toss a gift card their way as a small thank-you (even though most friends would happily do it for free to help you out).
Drumming up new business is tough, and for introverts who aren’t as comfortable at networking events or other sales-forward functions, it can be even harder. But when you make the most of your Facebook marketing efforts, you can reach a lot of people — while you conserve your energy. So, take advantage of the opportunity and win over more fans.
Then, go curl up (alone!) with a book and a glass of wine. You earned it.
