The result of Buffer’s focused and calculated efforts can be felt both internally and externally. They employ a whole score of happy, engaged, satisfied employees and have garnered an almost cult-like user base. Sounds like a dream come true, right? Yep - Buffer's living the dream!
So which lessons can we learn from Buffer to help the rest of us work towards this utopic goal?
Buffer is unbelievably transparent! They share their social media posting schedule, internal strategy tips, employee hiring practices, industry news updates and analysis, their balance sheet – anything and everything. As a follower you know that nothing is off limits with Buffer (and in a world that’s all about corporate image and perception spinning, that’s really refreshing).
This incredible transparency serves to illustrate two things – honest-to-goodness trustworthiness and also industry superiority. After all, if you’re not the best, you can’t afford to tell your competitors how you do what you do.
2. How to be Likeable
Their transparency plays a big part in Buffer’s likeableness, but that’s not the whole story by any means. Buffer’s staff works hard to cater to their audience’s wants and needs. They publish posts that are not only helpful, but also highly instructional. The level of detail that they’re willing to take the time to include when making business recommendations demonstrates that Buffer really is in your corner. They don’t make vague recommendations and soft suggestions, they give you the numbers to back up what they’re saying and walk you through proper execution in a way that’s neither boring nor patronizing.
This is why Buffer is so likeable – you just can’t help but to like that guy that’s honest, helpful, and interesting!
3. Why Social is so Important
A lot of businesses these days know that social media is important but they either lack an understanding to do it right or don’t believe that it can make a difference (which is evident in their communications). Now, granted, Buffer is in the business of social media, which means that they don’t really have any excuse to not do social media well. However, somehow they always exceed my expectations even for a social media company.
Their social networking is genuine and serves to form a real connection with followers instead of just an obligatory social quid pro quo. When you share something from Buffer or ask them something, they respond in a way that’s both representative of the company as a whole and also very personal as if you were just having a Twitter conversation with a friend.
Now that you know what types of lessons Buffer can teach your business, don’t let anything stop you! Get out there and be genuine, helpful, and social with your audience – you’ll thank yourself years down the road!
Still intimidated? If you need help with your social media management, give us a call today!
Kate Pierce is the owner of LionShark Digital Marketing LLC, a West Michigan internet marketing company. Her areas of expertise include Paid Search, Search Engine Optimization, Social Media, Web Consulting for small businesses, Copywriting and Local Online Marketing. She lives in the Grand Rapids area with her husband and enjoys cooking, watching sports and spending time outdoors. Like a true digital marketing expert (i.e. geek), she loves talking about marketing theory and SEM trends… so don’t say you weren’t warned!