Using Social Media For Ecommerce Growth

When I started building my brand ecosystem publicly, everything shifted. The traditional advice says, "build it and they will come." But after studying founder brands, I've learned that most founders are stuck choosing between getting attention and maintaining integrity. Last year, I watched a brilliant entrepreneur struggle with this exact paradox. When I shared my Brand Trust Equation with her, something beautiful happened. Here's what I learned about building in public through systematic brand development: 1. Identity System Transparency Share your core messaging, positioning, and values openly. Building your identity in public creates accountability for authentic choices. Your audience connects with the journey, not just the destination. 2. Content System Broadcasting Document your strategic output across all platforms transparently. Sharing your content framework helps others while establishing your authority. Your systematic approach demonstrates professionalism and intentionality. 3. Experience System Documentation Show how people interact with your brand at every touchpoint. Building your customer journey in public creates better experiences for everyone. Your process transparency helps prospects know exactly what to expect. 4. Conversion System Sharing Reveal how attention becomes revenue in your business model. Building your funnel in public demonstrates the value of systematic thinking. Your transparent approach shows prospects the clear path forward. 5. Lighthouse Content Strategy Create cornerstone pieces that attract your ideal audience while repelling everyone else. Building your manifesto, methodology, case studies, and vision in public establishes authority. Your transparent philosophy becomes a filter for quality connections. This approach builds long-term brand equity instead of short-term attention. 6. Platform Synergy Framework Show how different platforms serve different purposes in your ecosystem. Building your multi-platform strategy in public creates strategic alignment. Other founders learn how to maximize impact across channels. This isn't just about building brands, it's about creating beautiful, systemized, and authentic businesses that serve both founders and their communities. When you build your brand ecosystem in public, you're not just attracting attention. You're building trust through the Brand Trust Equation: (Consistency × Authenticity × Value) ÷ Self-Promotion. The solution isn't choosing between integrity and attention, it's building systems that deliver both simultaneously through transparent, value-first brand development. The future belongs to those brave enough to build their brand systems in public. __ Enjoy this? ♻️ Repost it to your network and follow Matt Gray for more. Curious how this could look inside your business? DM me ‘System’ and I’ll walk you through how we help clients make it happen. This is for high-commitment founders only.

TikTok Shop is not messing around. At Spree, we're building a shoppable video platform, but also a studio where we help brands and creators onboard, market, and sell through social platforms. Think of it like influencer marketing in a post-cookie world: full funnel from awareness to purchase, but all in one short-form video. Recently, our TikTok Shop partnership has been getting a lot of love. A few interesting learnings from this holiday season: 1. 'Viral' products are a shortcut. We uploaded one 'viral product' into the system and started getting sales before we posted our first video. Naturally, we ordered a few hundred more ASAP. 2. TikTok Shop success aligns closely with the rules of great influencer marketing. Get a creator with an engaged, lean-in audience. Find a product they actually like that their audience will actually like. Sell by telling a story, not by telling viewers to buy. 3. Most brands want to be on TikTok Shop but don't know how. It's complex. But once you've done it dozens of times (per day, in our case) it moves fast. I don't care if you're a mom and pop stationary shop, a creator merch brand, or a Fortune 500: you want to experiment here with a team who knows this market. 4. Live is great, but don't sleep on shoppable VOD. A perfect 30 second video of a product can do the work of a one hour live stream. Both are valuable, but too many people are talking about live shoppable and not enough are talking about shoppable shortform. 5. Trends + Product = Sales. Wednesday Addams' dance is popping? Sell the costume. King Bach flashlight dance is trending? Sell the flashlight. Spotify Wrapped is everywhere? Sell headphones. 6. Creators beware: not all audiences want this. If you make gold digger prank content, don't start selling The Feminine Mystique hardcover. If you are a creator and want to try it, make great content first and let a brand ride along. 7. Create like a creator. This is the rule for every brand on every social platform, but certainly pertains here. Don't do one tentpole shoppable live stream on TikTok and judge TT Shop on that. You need to habituate your audience, build a format, and keep it entertaining. In case you can't tell, this is addicting for a social media wonk like me. Smart influencer marketers are already testing this market understanding it will be a huge part of their ecommerce future. And those who haven't need to start today. #ecommerce #creatoreconomy #tiktok https://lnkd.in/e926z8zm

We are the alpha partner for TikTok Shop and we’ve compiled the best practices and blueprint to drive business outcomes. Over the last decade, and across all platforms, we have generated over $2.5 Billion in creator commerce, online and offline. Here are Influential’s five tips for leveraging TikTok Shop: 1. Craft engaging content: "Prioritize engaging content that is specific to your vertical and is differentiated from your competitive set, integrate and highlight products to benefit from occasional virality." 2. Ride the trend wave: "Leverage popular TikTok trends like songs, sounds and filters. Trends can catapult your shoppable posts to the FYP.” 3. Product launch opportunities: "Use TikTok Shop for product launches, create anticipation and excitement around new releases." 4. Educational content works: "Show your products in action! Explain all the problems your product solves." 5. Optimize your shoppable posts: "Keep videos between 30 and 45 seconds, showcase product usage, work with top influencers with high ERs, add clear CTAs and use emojis to point to the buy button. #influential

You’re not growing ...because your analytics are lying Quietly. Repeatedly. So we found 266 reasons why. Not theory. Real mistakes in tracking, calculation, and interpretation. Use this to: - Audit reports - Train your team - Avoid wrong calls - Debug dashboards Covers 8 key areas: 1/ Product Performance 2/ Conversion Funnel 3/ Traffic Attribution 4/ Revenue Metrics 5/ Tech Accuracy 6/ Segmentation 7/ Retention 8/ Email Each mistake includes: - Category - Type - Description - Impact level - Prevalence - Checklist how to fix - How It Looks in Reality - Misleading Outcome - Related Metrics - Sources Built as a searchable, filterable Airtable database Perfect for audits, onboarding, or daily use. 𝗪𝗵𝗼 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗮 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗸? 💎 Available publicly until April 10 only. No exceptions #analytics #marketing #ecommerce

Some of the worst advice out there... not only can you smell it a mile away, but it actually sets you back more than in propels you forward. “Fake It Till You Make It." The mentality might seem harmless... or even empowering. but here’s the truth: it’s a strategy that holds you back in the long run. When we rely on posturing or “faking it,” we create temporary value... a shaky foundation that breeds uncertainty and self-doubt over time. This approach can chip away at genuine confidence, leaving you second-guessing your abilities rather than embracing your true strengths. If you’re “kind of” believing in what you can do, it will lead to “kind of” results. And let’s be honest: no one invests in that. Here’s a path that builds lasting impact and real credibility: 1. Embrace Where You Are Right Now. Actionable Step: List out the top 3 strengths you bring to the table today. Focus on where you already add value. Use this clarity as your guide when you’re in new or challenging situations. This way, you’re building on a solid, authentic foundation... not pretending to be somewhere you’re not. Starting with a clear view of your strengths gives you a confidence rooted in reality... and equips you to approach each opportunity with authenticity. 2. Get Clear on Your Unique Value. Actionable Step: Identify one specific problem you can solve that aligns with your skills and expertise. Write it down in one sentence (e.g., “I help teams bridge strategy and execution gaps to drive measurable results.”). Use this as a go-to when you’re speaking with potential clients or partners. This clarity around your value will set you apart, making it easier for others to see why they should work with you... not just anyone who fits the role. 3. Bridge Your Gaps Authentically. Actionable Step: Acknowledge a skill or area you’re actively developing. Take one concrete action toward growth each week... whether that’s: - reading - building relationships - mentoring Share this journey with trusted colleagues or clients... without underselling yourself... so they experience your commitment to excellence and your drive to evolve. Owning both your strengths and areas for growth builds long-term credibility and shows others that you’re committed to being the best version of yourself. It’s how true leaders inspire and foster trust. And trust accelerates EVERYTHING.

The biggest marketing arbitrage for brands right now? Building a cross-channel creator community. If you're on TikTok Shop, this means launching a DTC creator affiliate community and pushing those affiliates to repurpose their content across all channels. Here's how to do it, even if you're not planning to scale big from the start: Base level - Protect your investment + boost performance: 1. Set up with Superfiliate or Social Snowball if you're a Shopify brand on TikTok Shop. 2. Create a Discord channel for all creators to protect against platform disruptions. 3. Give affiliates unique discount codes or links. 4. Coach them to share TikTok content on IG Reels, YouTube Shorts, and Meta Reels. This multiplies impressions, engagement, and sales without additional product seeding. But that's just the beginning... Advanced - Scaling your cross-channel community: 1. Build monthly influencer lists of 4k+ creators on Instagram and YouTube. 2. Use tools like Saral and Onsocial for sourcing. 3. Filter for followers (2k-100k) and engagement rate (2%+). 4. Use cold email software for outreach at scale. 5. Set up a 3-step email sequence with an auto-reply for interested influencers. 6. Seed product to new influencers. 7. Create an onboarding flow with Klaviyo, including a welcome challenge. 8. Invite active creators to your Discord. 9. Push Instagram and YouTube affiliates to create TikTok Shop content / and vise versa 10. Use your community as a content engine for UGC and partnership ads. This strategy onboards 100+ new opt-ins monthly to your DTC affiliate program with minimal friction. It's the direction we're pushing our clients to increase affiliate performance while protecting against potential platform disruptions. Remember, it's all about maximizing your reach and minimizing risk. Cross-channel is the future.

Feeling stuck? 😩 Growth on social doesn’t have to be scary or complicated. Oftentimes, it’s about tweaking a few basics: 1️⃣ You’re Posting… But Not Strategically Posting frequently is important, but if your content doesn’t align with your audience’s needs, it won’t get traction. Think quality over quantity—each post should offer value and speak directly to your audience’s pain points. 2️⃣ Your Profile Isn’t Fully Optimized A vague or cluttered bio is a missed opportunity. Make sure your bio clearly states who you serve, the problem you solve, and a call to action. Don’t forget to use searchable keywords! 3️⃣ You’re Not Speaking Their Language If your posts don’t sound like how your audience speaks or thinks, they won’t feel connected. Research the terms, slang, and tone your audience uses, and mirror it in your content. 4️⃣ No Clear Next Step (CTA) Every post should guide your audience to a clear next action—whether it’s engaging, following, or downloading a resource. Without a clear call-to-action, you’re leaving potential engagement on the table. 5️⃣ You’re Ignoring What’s Working Review your analytics to see what content resonates most. Double down on what’s working and stop wasting time on posts that don’t generate interest. Track engagement patterns and adjust accordingly. 🌟 Little-Known Insights 🔵 Use Alt Text for SEO: When posting images, utilize the Alt Text field to insert keywords relevant to your niche. This helps with discoverability on platforms like Instagram. 🔵 Maximize Your Name Field: On Instagram, the name field is searchable! Instead of just your name, add a keyword that describes your services (e.g., “Content Strategist”). 🔵 Pin Your Best Content: Keep high-performing, value-packed posts pinned so they’re always visible when new people check out your profile. With a few confidence-building changes, you’ll start to see growth right where it matters. It could be visibility, engagement, and/or lead generation. Did I miss anything? What’s another underrated tip to make growing on social feel less overwhelming? #GrowthOnSocialMedia #SocialMedia #ProfileOptimization #SocialMediaStrategy

If I was launching a brand on social media from scratch, here's my exact 90-day plan: Days 0-30: Foundation Building 1. I'd choose max TWO platforms to start - Instagram as my visual home base + community feature build and either TikTok (for faster growth potential) or LinkedIn (for B2B connections if relevant to my brand). Honestly, you could go hard on 1 and thrive! 2. Before posting anything, I'd create a content bible with: • visual themes that define aesthetic • 3-5 content pillars (behind-the-scenes, founder journey, educational content, customer spotlights, cultural commentary, etc. roll up to final offering) • Voice guidelines (how we talk about products, response style, storytelling approach) 3. I'd batch create 2 weeks of content upfront so I'm not bogged down, can maintain consistency, and stay ahead. 4. I'd identify 50 micro-influencers in my niche and engage with their content daily. Not just "cute!" comments but thoughtful responses that show I actually consumed their content. 5. I'd set up platform-specific lead captures: • Instagram + TikTok: Create a custom link tree with email signup (use in stories as well)  • LinkedIn: Create a PDF resource that solves a specific problem and reference it in posts (connect to dm) 6. I'd create a broadcast channel with updates, promos + bts content, even with just 10-20 people initially! Days 31-60: Community Building 1. I'd introduce a weekly Instagram Live series featuring founder talks, product highlights, and Q&A sessions. Daily Drills is a blueprint for this! 2. I'd launch a UGC campaign (if relevant) and repost everyone who participates. If UGC is challenging at this stage, I'd consider gifting products to nano-influencers to generate initial content. 3. I'd start a simple Substack newsletter that goes deeper than social posts, featuring: founder content, industry content, product content, community benefits I'd analyze which content performed best from the first 30 days and double down on those formats. When something works, keep it going. As Ernest Lupinacci says: "Simplify, then exaggerate." Days 61-90: Conversion Focus 1. I'd start incorporating more direct calls to action in content 2. I'd create a series highlighting real customers using the product to build social proof. 3. I'd host a virtual event (webinar, live tutorial, or industry discussion) specifically for email subscribers, driving social followers to join the list. Utilize lives on platforms (Substack, LinkedIn, wherever your audience is!) 4. I'd reach out to 5 publications + newsletters in my niche for potential features 5. I'd analyze the entire 90 days of data to create a refined strategy for the next quarter The goal by day 90 isn't massive follower counts - it's building the right foundation with the right people who will actually convert and champion your brand. Building on social takes consistency over flash. I'd rather have 1,000 highly engaged potential customers than 10,000 passive scrollers.

We changed one button on a client’s website and watched acquisition costs drop by a third overnight. Same ads, same audience… just tracking what Meta ACTUALLY values instead of what everyone thinks it values. Here’s the exact framework: 1. Fix Your Funnel Mechanics Standard e-commerce flows create massive inefficiencies when they don't align with platform event schemas. Multi-page checkouts, delayed confirmation signals, and fragmented purchase paths all force algorithms to work harder to find your customers. 2. Implement Strategic Conversion Paths Single-page checkout flows increase "InitiateCheckout" events by 20%, giving Meta earlier signals that immediately improve auction performance. Email-capture modals treated as "Lead" events let you optimize for actions Meta can deliver at a fraction of "Purchase" event costs. Progressive form fields create additional data points that feed algorithms the optimization signals they crave. 3. Optimize for Predictive Events While everyone obsesses over "add-to-cart," events like "complete registration" often predict lifetime value more accurately and convert at substantially lower costs. The accounts we've restructured around these insights consistently see 30%+ CPA improvements within weeks. 4. Sequence Your Channels Strategically Start with Pinterest/YouTube for cold reach. Transition to Meta Lead/Form campaigns, optimizing toward micro-conversions. Finally, move to Meta Conversion campaigns using fresh "AddToCart" seed audiences. This sequence leverages each platform's attribution window to maximize incremental lift while preventing platform competition for conversion credit. The brands beating CAC benchmarks in competitive markets have simply restructured their funnel mechanics to align with how algorithms really value conversions. This approach requires zero additional spend; just a strategic reconfiguration of your customer journey.

A client recently told me, “We’ve always done things this way, but now nothing’s clicking. What changed?” The answer is simple: The market evolved. Customer behaviors shifted. But their strategy didn’t adapt. Once we reevaluated their strategy, we made some key adjustments, and the impact was immediate: engagement spiked by 35%, inbound leads doubled, and they secured their largest deal to date. B2B doesn’t have to be cold or formulaic. Sales and marketing should never feel like a one-sided pitch. They’re about building authentic, human connections. I like to call this the “Connection-Driven Growth Approach.” Here’s how you can apply it: 🔸Listen First, Talk Later • Instead of pushing your message right away, start by listening to what your audience needs and struggles with. • Understand their challenges to craft a solution that resonates. How this helps: Builds trust and helps you tailor your messaging to what actually matters to them. 🔸Be Transparent and Authentic • Show your true values by sharing behind-the-scenes content, and admit when things go wrong. • Let your audience see the human side of your brand—people connect with authenticity. How this helps: Builds rapport and makes your brand more relatable and trustworthy. 🔸Share Stories, Not Just Stats • Use stories that showcase how your product or service makes a real difference in people’s lives. • Focus on the emotional connection your product creates, not just features. How this helps: Makes your brand more memorable and emotionally engaging, fostering a deeper connection. 🔸Engage in Meaningful Conversations • Don’t just broadcast—respond to comments, ask questions, and participate in discussions. • Show genuine interest in your audience’s opinions and experiences. How this helps: Encourages more engagement, builds relationships, and helps turn followers into loyal customers. 🔸Focus on Value, Not Sales • Share helpful tips, educational content, or useful resources before ever trying to sell. • Provide real solutions to your audience’s problems, not just your product. How this helps: Builds trust, adds value to your audience’s lives, and leads to long-term relationships that convert into sales. The truth? Growth doesn’t come from pushing products. It comes from fostering relationships and delivering real value. What’s one way you’re building connections in your marketing right now? Drop a comment! ⸻ ♻️ REPOST if this resonated with you! ➡️ FOLLOW Rheanne Razo for more B2B growth strategies, client success, and real-world business insights.