Giving back should be at the heart of your service or product, especially when someone shouts you out, or gives you a good review because they enjoy and believe in your product or service.  Just being a kind human in general will do wonders for your brand’s image and reputation.

During this season, many are thinking about what to give family and friends and how to give back to the community or to charities that are close to their hearts. But how can you give back on social media?

Contests

Contests allow 1-3 people to win a product or service. This way of giving-back is especially nice, since you can also use it to help grow your account and build a repertoire with potential clients.

To hold a contest, simply decide which item you will give away to the winner(s), next, decide on the rules. Some common rules are to follow, like, and tag three friends in the comments.   Always put a disclaimer in your contest that you are not endorsed, sponsored by, or associated with Instagram.

Gifts

If you have the contact info of past and current clients handy, send them a card, or even a small gift letting them know how much you appreciate them. You could send some snacks, cookies, coffee, an item or sample from your business, or a hot cocoa mix.

Charity Donation Campaigns

Just as giving back makes you feel great, it will also make your customers feel great. Donating 10% or more of December profits to a good charity can be a great way to give back and boost profits. Create some content with the chosen charity and share content from their Facebook page or Instagram account. State the percentage that you give to the charity with every purchase in your social media content.

Shout-outs and Thank-You

Whenever someone posts something positive about your brand or gives you a good review, personally thank them and (if it’s appropriate)shout them out in a Facebook post, a Facebook Story, an Instagram post, or an Instagram story.  Once again, sending someone a hand-written note or card for Christmas can go a long way in the relationship between brand and client.