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9 January 2024
| by PROFECTA BDI
How Lisa Transformed Her LSP with Social Media Strategy
This is a story about an LSP who frequently encountered problems in his sales and marketing efforts and found solutions to those problems. Names have been changed for confidentiality and privacy reasons.
3 PM sunlight streamed through Lisa's office window, illuminating a scene of mounting frustration. Another rejection email blinked on her screen – the third in as many weeks – all for the same 10,000-word post-editing project from the coveted MLV client. Despite offering a significantly lower price than usual, she just couldn't understand how another translation company could undercut her on a project considered "low-value" in their industry. The realization was stark: relying on random inquiries and scraps from conference friends wouldn't cut it anymore. Lisa needed a systematic approach to attract high-paying, long-term clients.
Social media posting
Social media seemed like the logical answer. She'd seen her colleagues posting about grammar tips and translation processes, but their carousels seemed to disappear into the digital void, bringing nothing but crickets in terms of new business. The allure of "Swiss watch" copywriting from LinkedIn experts was tempting, but she knew mastery couldn't be achieved overnight. Then, amidst the sea of advice, something clicked: artificial intelligence. While many feared AI as a job-stealing monster, Lisa recognized its potential to structure her social media content into something truly impactful.
Consulting for success
That fear abated, a new one emerged: consulting agencies. She'd been eyeing one on LinkedIn for months, their expertise undeniable, but the price tag and the self-doubt whispering "we're too small" held her back. But despair was a powerful motivator. Taking a deep breath, Lisa reached out, ready to shed the outdated notion of "sleazy salesman" tactics and embrace a modern approach to B2B sales.
Farming and hunting strategy
To Lisa's surprise, the consultants didn't peddle quick-fix magic. Instead, they presented a clear, two-pronged strategy: farming and hunting. Farming, they explained, was about nurturing long-term leads through valuable educational content on social media. This meant understanding her ideal client's pain points and crafting posts that addressed them, offering insights and expertise without the hard sell. Think of it as planting seeds, cultivating trust, and subtly positioning Lisa's LSP as the trusted advisor.
Showcasing unique strengths
But farming alone wouldn't bring immediate results. Hunting, the consultants explained, was about targeted outreach to specific high-value clients. Utilizing Lisa's existing network and the consultants' data-driven tools, they identified promising leads within MLV's ecosystem. Then, crafting personalized messages showcasing Lisa's LSP's unique strengths and addressing the client's specific needs, they paved the way for direct conversations.
Social media metamorphosis
Over the next six months, Lisa's social media landscape underwent a metamorphosis. Gone were the dry process descriptions. In their place were engaging infographics, insightful blog posts, and short videos discussing industry trends and challenges relevant to MLV clients. Lisa herself emerged as a thought leader, her genuine passion for languages and client-centric approach shining through.
And the results
The results were remarkable. Organic engagement on her LSP's social media pages skyrocketed. Leads, not just random inquiries, started trickling in – qualified leads interested in Lisa's expertise and value proposition. And then came the call, the one that sent a thrill through Lisa: MLV, impressed by her online presence and targeted outreach, requested a meeting to discuss their translation needs.
This was just the beginning. As Lisa continued nurturing her social media farm and engaging in strategic hunting, the seeds of transformation had been sown. The fear of cold calls and "manipulative" sales tactics faded, replaced by the confidence of a leader guiding her clients towards optimal language solutions. With every new partnership, Lisa's vision of a thriving LSP built on genuine value and a data-driven approach to client acquisition became more tangible.
Breaking free from limiting beliefs
Lisa's journey is a testament to the power of embracing new ideas and breaking free from limiting beliefs. It's a story of how social media, when wielded strategically, can become a powerful tool for attracting high-quality clients and transforming sales landscapes. And it's a reminder that sometimes, the greatest transformations begin with a single "I can't take it anymore" and a leap of faith into the unknown.
So, are you ready to sow the seeds of your own LSP transformation? Here are some key takeaways from Lisa's story:
• Farm, don't just sell: Create valuable content that educates and builds trust with your ideal clients.
• Hunt strategically: Target specific high-value clients with personalized outreach.
• Embrace your expertise: Position yourself as a thought leader in your industry.
• Leverage AI: Use technology to your advantage to structure and refine your social media strategy.
• Invest in professional help: Don't be afraid to seek guidance from experts who can help you navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape.
Zoran Metikoš
I help language service providers (LSPs) grow as businesses and their employees grow as professionals by providing unique business development consulting and growth mindset coaching for executives and middle managers. My company, Profecta BDI, not only helps LSPs find new clients, but also grow as companies, professionals and individuals. The stability of the company and a good corporate culture are the foundation for growth. After graduating in Linguistics and Translation in 2003, I started working as a translator and translation tool trainer in SAP localization and eventually worked as a project coordinator, business developer and operations manager at LSPs for 17 years until 2020. After completing my MBA at the School of Business and Economics in 2015, I came up with the idea of helping many LSPs grow and learn how to develop as businesses and professionals. I'm also a certified professional coach and NLP Master Practitioner.