Social media accounts have evolved to a must-have for any retailer, be it on Pinterest, Twitter, Facebook, or all three. But a strong presence goes beyond a few likes or pins, requiring companies to interact with followers and provide exclusive deals and information. Below are 15 social media stars who are currently mastering this craft.
CB2
In a recent campaign, Crate & Barrel-owned home decor chain CB2 partnered with five popular design bloggers that aesthetically mesh with its brand image to furnish a Manhattan apartment with wares “liked” by pinners.
Target
Another collaboration with popular pinners on the site, Target has partnered with three design bloggers to create collections sold in Target stores and promoted on Pinterest.
Nordstrom
With more than 66 boards ranging from “Prep Club” to “How-To and DIY,” this high-fashion retailer provides inspiration and styling advice for its more than 4 million followers.
Home Depot
Though Home Depot has a slight following of just over 160,000 pinners, its boards provide definitions for common materials and techniques used in DIY home projects.
Birchbox
Going beyond promotion of beauty products offered on its website, this beauty e-retailer has boards filled with beauty tips, gift guides, and beauty how-tos.
J. Crew
One faithful writer (and one-piece devotee) asked us to bring back our scoopback tank swimsuit. We did. Get yours: http://t.co/8bF4YKqoEv
— J.Crew (@jcrew) April 9, 2014
We may have cheated a little with this pick, but J. Crew’s commitment to customer service, shown in this tweet, is worth a mention. After a fashion blogger wrote a public plea for the retailer to bring back her favorite swimsuit, J. Crew did, stocking its shelves with the coveted item and writing a personal letter to the blogger to boot.
ThinkGeek
Today is National Donut Day! It's not too late to celebrate w/ Chewbacca donuts: http://t.co/kIpKW5RdwQ by @justjenn pic.twitter.com/JKAVTGyjbr
— thinkgeek (@thinkgeek) June 6, 2014
According to Internet Retailer, ThinkGeek had highest amount of referral traffic from Twitter among retailers active on the site.
Victoria Secret
TONIGHT: @AngelAlessandra is taking over @VSSportOfficial. Ask w/ #AskAnAngel right here: http://t.co/qeVNrQcHMF pic.twitter.com/mEKmHAfRxA
— Victoria's Secret (@VictoriasSecret) May 28, 2014
Victoria Secret's Twitter feed hosts special Q & A conversations with its famous “angels,” as well as interactive promotions for its more than 4 million followers.
Warby Parker
Warby Parker Frame Superlatives, Part Two: http://t.co/TLOlaSzU9x pic.twitter.com/D2OHiGyy6l
— Warby Parker (@WarbyParker) June 16, 2014
This eyeglass ecommerce-darling gives devoted followers backstage access to the quirky company’s culture. Customers who post photos of their frames can also be featured in the company’s catalogue.
Nike
Don't get mad at Monday. Get even. #justdoit
— Nike (@Nike) April 28, 2014
It’s hard to create a Twitter feed that doesn’t eventually slide into self-promotion, but Nike has accomplished this by filling its feed with inspirational sayings and talks with famous athletes.
Bonobos
According to Inc., Facebook is the No. 1 referring site to this e-commerce menswear retailer, surpassing direct entry. Bonobos posts special offers and frequently interacts with followers.
Threadless
Threadless encourages followers to post photos with the followers modeling their favorite t-shirt designs. The company also fosters engagement through contests and conversations.
Zappos
Zappos' goal to “provide the best customer service possible” is shown on its Facebook page, where employees are constantly interacting with its followers.
Amazon
Experian Marketing Services ranked Amazon as the No. 1 retail site in traffic referrals from Facebook in 2014. The company posts exclusive deals and giveaways on its page – the most recent of which received more than 4,000 comments.
Wal-Mart
Giving a face to a name can be a challenge for large retailers—but the world’s No. 1 retailer does just that with a page filled with employee pictures and interactive conversations.
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