How to Boost Sales on Social Media: 15+ Proven Tips

Whether it’s another bump in inflation, the beginning of WW3, or your aunt’s friend’s daughter’s dog doing a funny dance, chances are – you’re going to find out about it first on social media. 

The great thing about social media is that it can be whatever you make of it. 

For some, it can be a fantastic way to waste time and kill off prospects for a meaningful future by aimlessly scrolling through tons of useless content. 

For others, it’s a goldmine of opportunities where you can connect with like-minded interesting characters, get in touch with long-lost friends, and last but not least – get rich. 

Rather than proposing some sort of get-rich-quick scheme, what we’re saying is that – you can use social media to boost your company’s or small business’s sales in no time. In this article, we’re sharing some useful tips on how to boost sales on social media to further your entrepreneurial cause. 

Why you should choose social media to boost sales

Choosing social media as a platform for your business or personal brand offers numerous advantages. Here are some compelling reasons why you might consider using a social media sales strategy:

• Global reach: Social media platforms provide an opportunity to reach a vast and diverse audience worldwide.
• Targeted advertising: You can tailor your ads to specific demographics, interests, and behaviors, ensuring that your message reaches the most relevant audience.
• Engagement and interaction: You can respond to comments, messages, and mentions, fostering a sense of community and building stronger connections with your customers.
• Cost-effective marketing: Many platforms offer free accounts, and paid advertising options are often flexible and customizable based on your budget.
• SEO benefits: Social signals, such as likes, shares, and comments, can positively impact your website’s visibility in search engine results.
• Influencer collaboration: Social media platforms facilitate influencer marketing, allowing you to collaborate with individuals who have a significant following in your industry.
• Data and analytics: Social media platforms provide robust analytics tools that help you track the performance of your content and advertising campaigns. This data can inform your strategies and optimize future efforts.

While social media offers numerous benefits, it’s essential to approach it strategically and consistently. Developing a well-thought-out social media strategy aligned with your goals will maximize the potential benefits for your business or personal brand.

Targeting B2B vs. B2C audiences on social media

It’s helpful to differentiate between B2B and B2C strategies to make the most of social media.

B2B audiences: For B2B, focus on LinkedIn and Twitter. Share industry insights, whitepapers, case studies, and content that builds authority. Paid LinkedIn campaigns, thought leadership posts, and targeting by job title or industry can boost credibility and reach decision-makers effectively.

B2C audiences: Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok are ideal for B2C sales, where visually engaging content, storytelling, and influencer partnerships drive results. Use Instagram Stories, TikTok ads, and Facebook groups to foster customer engagement, share testimonials, and create shoppable content.

Using platform-specific approaches ensures that your messaging resonates best with your target audience, ultimately driving more conversions.

Tips on how to increase sales using social media 

No one likes awkward situations and most people will go out of their way to avoid having an odd conversation with a stranger. This is what makes salespeople different from ordinary, non-sales-oriented folks. 

Most people would get uncomfortable with pitching someone who obviously just woke up and is wearing house slippers, an idea of buying a Chinese vacuum cleaner, 24 monthly payments in total.  

Salespeople, on the other hand, thrive on such awkward, but money-making opportunities. 

Now imagine what you can do with e-commerce on social media, where being ‘social’ is a given, there’s no awkwardness, and it doesn’t matter where you are and what you’re wearing. 

A crafty salesman can get away with murder if he knows how to use the major social media platforms to his advantage. Here are some tips on how to make the best of your social media presence to start earning money in no time. 

1. Use shoppable posts

Shoppable posts simplify the buying process and make it easier for users to buy directly from their social feeds. For instance, a clothing brand could showcase a new collection on Instagram, tagging each item with the price and a link to purchase directly. Brands like Zara and H&M use shoppable posts to streamline purchases and capture impulse buys without requiring users to leave the platform.

2. Run paid ads strategically

Paid ads allow for tailored audience targeting, so focus on specific goals, like new customer acquisition or retargeting previous visitors. For example, during Black Friday, create ads promoting exclusive discounts.

A brand could use Facebook’s lookalike audience tool to target users who resemble their existing customer base or retarget recent website visitors with products they viewed. Many brands use carousel ads to showcase multiple products in one ad, which is effective for upselling.

3. Collaborate with influencers

Influencers offer a trusted voice that can extend your reach and boost credibility. Choose influencers who align with your brand’s image and target audience; this makes the partnership feel natural and credible.

4. Create a loyal community

Building a community around your brand can increase loyalty and trust. Brands like Glossier foster a community by actively engaging with followers’ comments, questions, and feedback, even using input to guide new product releases. Create engagement by responding promptly to questions, running polls to involve followers in decisions, or starting hashtags that give followers a sense of belonging.

5. Share customer testimonials and reviews

Social proof encourages new customers to trust your product. You could feature customer reviews in posts or stories, perhaps in a “testimonial of the week” format. Sharing stories about how customers use your product to solve problems or meet needs can make a powerful connection with potential buyers.

6. Optimize post timing and frequency

Timing is essential to maximize engagement, so post when your audience is most active. For instance, if analytics show that your followers are most engaged on weekends, schedule posts around these times for maximum impact. Fashion brands, for example, post content on Fridays to align with weekend shopping, keeping a consistent presence without overwhelming followers.

7. Highlight unique value propositions (UVP)

Highlight your product’s key benefits to showcase how it meets specific needs. For example, if you sell eco-friendly products, emphasize how your product reduces waste. A skincare brand might highlight cruelty-free testing and natural ingredients. Emphasizing what makes your product unique can help it stand out, especially when showcased through visuals and user testimonials.

8. Run flash sales campaigns

In an intensely dynamic world of today’s online markets, gaining a competitive edge over other companies and small businesses is also a matter of timing, among other things. 

The principle is observable throughout human history. This includes ancient bazaars where customers would haggle for a goat or a bunch of dates at a reduced price by offering money immediately upfront, to modern-day Facebook’s limited time offer available only today till 15:00!’. If you announce you’re willing to make a deal right now, no questions asked, chances are – people will respond. 

Flash sales capitalize on this sort of mindset. 

Offer a bunch of potential customers an opportunity to only get the amazing deal for a limited time and you will get customers racing to save money by buying at the right time. 

Flash sales are one of the easiest social media marketing strategies to employ, but it’s totally viable and works like a charm if you do it right. (You don’t want to overuse it, though, because then it tends to lose its oomph with time.) 

9. Use relevant and trending hashtags

Not all social media platforms are created equal when it comes to the impact hashtags have on the social media content posted.

Twitter is probably the best known as the ‘hashtag capital’ of the social media landscape. More meaning is often communicated by hashtags in Twitter posts than by the content of the post itself. 

The reason Twitter works this way is the limit on how long a post can be. Thus, whatever hashtags you decide to use add a layer of meaning that the reader will certainly notice. Also, the Twitter search engine immediately picks up on catchy hashtags. 

The same goes for other social media platforms, as well. Even though other online venues may not be as big on hashtags as Twitter, it still makes sense to use them wherever you can make a written-word post. 

10. Set up Pinterest contests

Different social media platforms offer unique ways of communicating with your audience.

On Twitter, you share a short, funny, or politically-charged comment that your followers can relate to. 

On Pinterest, you can set up a so-called ‘contest’, where you post a Pinterest-optimized graphic to entice the members of your Pinterest audience to join in. 

It can be a simple ‘repin this post 3 times and get a chance of winning an iPhone’ type of deal and you can expect to see the results that are measurable and that will give you an idea of the level of interest your audience has for a certain product. 

11. Offer discount coupons/ special prices

One of the great ways to get your potential customers to directly engage with your brand would be to make good use of coupons. 

There are plenty of ways to use coupons and you are not simply limited to giving someone a virtual piece of paper that’s worth $10 in your e-store. You can do discount coupons, percentage write-offs, and even give your customers an opportunity to build in-store credit. 

For example, every time someone spends $100 in your e-store, they get a stackable $10 coupon. Let’s say they make seven purchases over a course of a couple of months. That will give them another $70 to spend the next time they enter the e-store.

Also, money-off codes are a big thing and are easy to set up. What you do is give the members of your audience a code that will get them 10% off when buying something online. This way, the seller gets a potential flood of new customers and the person offering the code gets recognition. 

Also read: How to Increase Social Media Engagement Organically

12. Offer and advertise free shipping 

A considerable number of potential customers who give up on an e-commerce purchase do so at the checkout.

Seeing that shipping will put an additional burden on their pocket discourages users often more than a steep price of the thing they’re buying.

For this reason, advertising free shipping can be a great way to encourage potential customers who are still on the fence regarding whether to commit to a purchase or not.

Another great aspect of this ‘move’ would be that there is no need for complex, custom-made digital posters. All you need to do is simply announce free shipping for some of your ware in an easy-to-see font, and you’re good to go!

13. Set up sweepstakes and giveaways 

‘A major giveaway for every 2,000 new subscribers!’

‘A Playstation 5 giveaway at a local park. Sign up to take part in this magnanimous leisurely event!’

Whether you have a considerable Facebook presence or hope to enlarge your Twitter army – giveaways never fail to attract folks hoping to get free stuff.

Even if you just want to appear generous, (even if you’re really not) setting up a giveaway will give you an advantage over the competition. A simple gift to one or a couple of members of your audience can radically improve your brand image and set you on a map for potential investors. (Well, depending on whether or not your line of work is investable.) 

14. Use stories and live streams for real-time engagement

Use live streaming to introduce new products or host Q&A sessions, creating a direct line of engagement with potential buyers. For instance, the beauty brand Sephora often does live makeup tutorials, where viewers can ask questions and learn tips, making the product introduction feel interactive and personal. You could also do a behind-the-scenes look at your brand’s story or offer early access to products for your followers.

15. Make use of topical and season-specific content 

Getting aboard the hype train for the next big meme before everyone else does will set you apart from your competition.

Whether it’s Crocs 1.2 (whenever that curiosity gets invented), a novel stab at a Moon landing, or a new hit song by the Muse – pop culture and topical news are a gift that keeps on giving.

For the record, unless you’re 100% sure about what you’re doing, we would recommend steering clear from politics.

16. Feature user-generated content (UGC)

UGC builds trust and engagement by showing your product through the lens of real users. For example, GoPro often shares videos and photos from users capturing their adventures. This allows the brand to showcase product functionality in authentic, real-world situations.

Invite your customers to tag your brand for a chance to be featured, and add this content to your feed or Stories to show genuine, relatable experiences with your product.

Sometimes, users will make content that’s just as good as what professional social media experts can come up with. Reposting what your users make on their own can act as a fantastic advertisement for your cause.

17. Encourage customers to share their customer journeys 

A potential buyer will have a considerably higher incentive to commit to a purchase if they see that the buying process is a piece of cake.

Annoyingly complex checkout procedures, tardy loading times, and other issues can prevent a potential buyer from making a purchase.

A way to facilitate this process and encourage people to make a purchase is to ensure them that buying from you will be quick and effective. 

A quick checkout can sometimes beat competitive prices, too.

Encouraging already satisfied customers to share their experiences purchasing your products or services is a fantastic way of encouraging new buyers, as well.

Track social media success through data and analytics

Finally, tracking results lets you see what works and what doesn’t. For example, run A/B tests on different ad formats or content types and see which gets more engagement. If video posts perform better than static images, you might invest more in video production.

Metrics to Track: Measure conversion rates, engagement rates, and click-through rates to gauge how effectively your content is driving sales.

Tools for Analysis: Tools like Google Analytics, Meta (Facebook) Insights, Instagram Insights, and Twitter Analytics provide detailed data on audience behavior and campaign performance. Use this information to refine your approach and make data-driven decisions for future campaigns.

Leveraging these analytics tools enables you to optimize content and improve your social media strategy continually. This ensures higher conversion rates and a better ROI over time.

FAQs – How to increase sales on social media

These FAQs provide a complete view of using social media to effectively increase and sustain sales growth.

1. Which social media platforms are best for increasing sales?

• Instagram and Facebook are ideal for visual products and shoppable posts, where you can use stories, ads, and posts to directly link products.
• Pinterest works well for products related to fashion, home decor, and lifestyle, thanks to its visually inspiring boards and pins.
• TikTok is excellent for creative, short-form content that can go viral, especially among younger demographics.
• LinkedIn is ideal for B2B sales, as it connects professionals and business owners.

2. How much does social media marketing increase sales?

Social media can boost sales significantly, depending on strategy and consistency. Studies suggest that companies with well-planned social media campaigns create 45% more opportunities than traditional sales methods. And, companies using social selling strategies achieve deals that are, on average, 48% larger.

3. Can social media really drive sales?

Absolutely, social media can directly drive sales. Platforms with shoppable posts, like Instagram and Facebook, make it easy for users to buy directly. Additionally, social media builds brand awareness, strengthens customer trust through reviews and testimonials, and uses targeted ads to reach people likely to buy.

4. How often should I post to maximize sales?

Posting at least 3-5 times per week keeps your brand visible and engaging without overwhelming followers. Use platform analytics to post during peak engagement times.

5. What type of content increases sales the most?

User-generated content (UGC), product tutorials, testimonials, and time-sensitive promotions (like flash sales) drive the most sales. Highlight unique product benefits and use engaging visuals or videos to attract attention.

6. Do I need to use paid ads?

Paid ads are highly effective, especially if you’re targeting a niche audience or retargeting past website visitors. Use Facebook and Instagram ads to reach your ideal customers through demographic, interest, and behavioral targeting.

7. How can I create urgency to drive more sales?

Limited-time offers, countdowns, and “last chance” messages in your posts can prompt followers to act quickly. Announce sales in advance, and remind followers as the sale end date approaches.

8. How important is influencer marketing for social media sales?

Influencer marketing is valuable for reaching new audiences and building credibility. Partner with influencers whose followers align with your brand’s audience and goals. Micro-influencers with highly engaged audiences can often be more effective than larger accounts.

9. How can I encourage followers to engage with my brand?

Run contests or giveaways to boost engagement, encourage followers to tag friends, or start a hashtag challenge. Engage directly by responding to comments and DMs, and use polls or questions in Stories to invite feedback.

10. How can I keep customers coming back after the first sale?

Offer loyalty programs, exclusive discounts, or early access to new products for returning customers. Regularly engage with your audience to keep them updated on product launches or special offers to foster a long-term relationship.

Final say

All in all, whether you’re selling handmade scented candles, or printed T-shirts, or are using your social media voice to find a partner for a major company project you have in mind, social media platforms offer a plethora of money-making opportunities. 

From simple flash sales on Facebook to Pinterest contests, and Twitter Q&As, to other forms of earning money through your followers, social media platforms can help your business boost its sales. 

On top of that, increased trust, recognition, and brand-building are also a unique off-shoot of selling on any of the platforms currently on the social media landscape. If you’re running a business, a strong social media presence is an absolute must.