Caleb Turner of KazaamSEO On How To Use Social Media To Grow Your Ecommerce Business

An Interview With Rachel Kline

Create engaging social media content: To grow your eCommerce business, it’s important to create social media content that resonates with your target audience. One way to do this is to use humor and personality in your content. For example, I once worked with a company that sold novelty t-shirts, and we created funny memes and videos featuring the shirts that went viral on social media, leading to a significant increase in sales.

Maintaining and growing a successful eCommerce business is hard work. Social media is an essential piece of promoting an eCommerce business. How can someone use social media to grow their eCommerce business? In this interview series, we are talking to founders, CEOs, or principals of eCommerce businesses about “How To Use Social Media To Grow Your eCommerce Business.” As a part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Caleb Turner.

Caleb Turner is a digital marketing expert and entrepreneur hailing from the Washington, DC area. In 2015, he founded KazaamSEO, a digital marketing firm located in Hyattsville, Maryland that provides high-quality services to businesses of all sizes. With a passion for helping clients grow their online presence and reach their marketing goals, Caleb has built a strong reputation in the industry for his innovative strategies and results-driven approach. Through KazaamSEO, Caleb has helped countless businesses achieve success in their digital marketing campaigns, and continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the field.

Thank you so much for your time! I know that you’re super busy. Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?

As a kid, I always knew that I wanted to be a business owner. I was entrepreneurially-minded from a young age, and I was always looking for ways to turn my ideas into profitable ventures. When I graduated from college, I started working at a marketing agency in Washington, DC, and I quickly fell in love with the industry. I loved the idea of helping businesses grow and reach their full potential through effective marketing strategies.

After a few years of working in the industry, I realized that there was a gap in the market for a digital marketing firm that offered premium services to businesses of all sizes. I saw so many business owners struggling to grow their online presence and reach their target audience, and I knew that I could help them achieve their goals.

That’s when I decided to take the leap and start my own digital marketing firm, KazaamSEO. I wanted to create a company that was focused on helping businesses succeed in the ever-evolving world of digital marketing. I knew that there was a lot of competition in the industry, but I was confident in my ability to provide high-quality services that would set us apart from the rest.

Since launching KazaamSEO in 2015, we have helped countless businesses achieve their marketing goals and grow their online presence. I am proud of what we have accomplished so far, and I am excited to see where the future takes us. It’s been a challenging journey, but being a business owner has always been my dream, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Can you share the most exciting story that has happened to you since you began at your company?

There have been many exciting moments since I founded KazaamSEO, but one that stands out was when we landed our first major client.

It was a local restaurant chain that was struggling to increase its online presence and reach its target audience. They had tried various marketing strategies in the past, but nothing seemed to be working. They came to us looking for help, and I was determined to deliver results.

We put together a comprehensive digital marketing plan that included a website redesign, search engine optimization, social media management, and email marketing campaigns. We worked tirelessly to ensure that every aspect of their online presence was optimized for success.

After a few weeks, we started to see some significant improvements. The restaurant chain’s website traffic increased, their social media engagement skyrocketed, and their email campaigns had higher open and click-through rates. It was clear that our strategies were working, and the client was thrilled with the results.

A few months later, the restaurant chain’s sales had increased by over 20%, and they had opened a new location. It was an incredible feeling to know that our work had made such a significant impact on their business. This success not only gave us a great sense of satisfaction, but it also helped us establish a reputation as a top digital marketing firm in the area, and it opened the doors for more opportunities.

This experience taught me the power of effective digital marketing strategies and how they can transform a business. It was a proud moment for myself and my team at KazaamSEO, and it only reinforced our commitment to providing high-quality services to our clients.

It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

One of the funniest mistakes I made when I was first starting out at KazaamSEO was during a pitch meeting with a potential client. I had been practicing my pitch for days, and I was feeling confident and prepared. I arrived at the meeting, set up my presentation, and began to speak.

About five minutes into my presentation, I realized that I had been mispronouncing the client’s name the entire time. I had been saying it wrong in my head, and I didn’t even realize my mistake until it was too late. The client didn’t correct me, but I could tell that they were not impressed. I was so embarrassed that I wanted to crawl under the table and disappear.

After the meeting, I took a moment to reflect on what had happened. I realized that my mistake was not only embarrassing, but it also showed a lack of attention to detail. I had been so focused on delivering my pitch that I had overlooked a crucial aspect of the meeting — getting the client’s name right.

From that moment on, I made a conscious effort to pay attention to the details. I made sure to research the client’s company thoroughly, double-checked my presentation materials, and even practiced saying their name out loud to ensure that I had it right. I learned that the little things can make a big difference, and that paying attention to the details can help you avoid embarrassing mistakes and build trust with your clients.

Looking back, that mistake was a funny and humbling experience, but it was also a valuable lesson that has stayed with me throughout my career.

What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now? How do you think that might help people?

One of the most interesting marketing projects I’m working on right now is for a dental client who is interested in using artificial intelligence (AI) to improve their online presence. We’re in the process of implementing a chatbot on their website that uses machine learning algorithms to interact with potential patients and answer their questions. The chatbot is programmed to provide personalized responses and help guide patients towards booking an appointment.

Another exciting project we’re working on is using virtual reality (VR) to create an immersive experience for patients. We’re creating a VR tour of the dental practice that allows patients to explore the facilities and get a feel for the environment before their appointment. We believe that this will help alleviate any anxiety or fear patients may have about visiting the dentist, and it will also set our client apart from their competitors.

Another project we’re excited about is creating an online scheduling system for our client. We’re implementing a user-friendly platform that allows patients to book appointments directly from the website. This will streamline the appointment booking process, reduce the workload on the client’s staff, and provide a more convenient experience for patients.

Overall, we’re thrilled to be working with our dental clients to implement innovative marketing strategies that help them stand out in a crowded industry. We’re always looking for new and exciting ways to help our clients grow their businesses, and we’re excited to see the impact that these projects will have on their success.

You’re a successful business leader. What are three traits about yourself that you feel helped fuel your success? Can you share a story or example for each?

Tenacity and determination: I’ve always been a person who never gives up, no matter how challenging a situation may be. One instance that comes to mind is when I was starting out in the digital marketing industry, and I faced a lot of rejection when trying to secure clients. But I didn’t let that discourage me, and instead, I worked harder to refine my pitch and improve my services. Eventually, my persistence paid off, and I secured my first client, which was a turning point for my business.

Open-mindedness: I’m always open to new ideas and perspectives, which has allowed me to stay ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving industry. One example of this was when I was introduced to the concept of influencer marketing. Initially, I was skeptical of the approach, but I decided to do some research and give it a try. It turned out to be a huge success, and my client saw a significant increase in their online engagement and sales.

Creativity: I’ve always had a creative streak, which has allowed me to come up with unique and out-of-the-box marketing ideas. One example of this was when I was working with a client who wanted to promote their new line of eco-friendly products. Instead of going with traditional marketing methods, I decided to create a pop-up shop made entirely out of recycled materials. It was a hit with the local community and generated a lot of buzz for my client.

In summary, my tenacity, open-mindedness, and creativity have all played a significant role in my success as a business leader. I believe that having these traits has allowed me to overcome challenges, stay ahead of the curve, and come up with innovative solutions for my clients.

Excellent, thanks so much for sharing that. I want to shift gears and talk about eCommerce. What was your original vision for your eCommerce business? What pain point(s) were you trying to solve for your customers?

My original vision for my business was to provide top-tier digital marketing services that were both effective and affordable for businesses of all sizes. I noticed a pain point in the industry where many businesses were being taken advantage of by larger marketing firms that charged exorbitant prices without providing measurable results. I wanted to change that and provide a solution that allowed small and medium-sized businesses to compete with larger corporations on a level playing field.

Another pain point I wanted to solve for my customers was the lack of transparency in the marketing industry. I wanted to provide a service that was fully transparent, with regular reporting and metrics that allowed my clients to see the impact of our work. I believe that providing this level of transparency is essential in building trust with my clients and establishing a long-term relationship that is mutually beneficial.

Overall, my vision for my business was to help other businesses grow and succeed by providing a high-quality marketing service that was both effective and affordable. I wanted to level the playing field for small and medium-sized businesses and provide a transparent service that allowed my clients to see the impact of our work.

How did social media help you grow your business? What were your strategic objectives — brand building, top-of-funnel marketing, lead generation, sales, etc. — and how did you implement your social media plan?

Social media has been a game-changer for my business, and it’s played a significant role in our growth over the years. When I first started, I saw the potential that social media had for building brand awareness, generating leads, and driving sales. My strategic objectives were brand building and top-of-funnel marketing to generate leads, and I implemented my social media plan by following a few key principles.

Firstly, I knew that social media was all about engagement, so I made sure to focus on creating content that was both informative and entertaining. We posted content regularly, using a mix of images, videos, and text-based posts that were designed to engage our audience and build our brand.

Secondly, I used social media to build relationships with my audience. I made sure to respond to comments and messages promptly, and I engaged with other businesses and industry thought leaders to build our brand’s credibility and authority.

Thirdly, I used social media to drive traffic to our website and generate leads. We posted links to our blog posts and landing pages, encouraging our followers to visit our website and learn more about our services.

Finally, I used social media to track our metrics and adjust our strategy accordingly. We used social media analytics to measure our engagement, website traffic, and lead generation, and we used that data to fine-tune our approach and make sure we were getting the best possible results.

Overall, social media has been an essential tool for my business, and it’s allowed us to build our brand, generate leads, and drive sales. By focusing on engagement, building relationships, and tracking our metrics, we’ve been able to implement a social media plan that’s both effective and sustainable.

Which social media platforms have you found most beneficial for eCommerce specifically?

Sure, in my opinion, the social media platforms that are most beneficial for eCommerce are Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Facebook is still the largest social media platform, with over 2.8 billion monthly active users. It offers a variety of ad formats that are ideal for eCommerce businesses, as well as advanced targeting options that allow businesses to reach their ideal customers with precision.

Instagram is another highly visual platform that’s great for eCommerce businesses looking to showcase their products. With over 1 billion monthly active users, Instagram is a great platform for influencer marketing and offers a variety of ad formats, including image, video, and carousel ads.

TikTok is a relatively new social media platform that has quickly gained popularity, particularly among younger audiences. With over 1 billion monthly active users, TikTok offers businesses the opportunity to create short-form videos that showcase their products and brand personality. It’s particularly effective for eCommerce businesses that sell visually appealing products, such as fashion and beauty.

Overall, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok are all highly effective social media platforms for eCommerce businesses. Each platform offers unique features and benefits, so it’s important for businesses to understand their audience and choose the platforms that are most likely to reach and engage their ideal customers.

What social commerce trends are you most closely paying attention to, and how are you preparing to leverage them for growth?

Here are a few trends that I’m currently paying close attention to and how I’m preparing to leverage them for growth:

Social shopping: Social media platforms are increasingly integrating shopping features into their apps, allowing users to browse and purchase products without leaving the platform. I’m exploring the use of these features and developing strategies to leverage them for our eCommerce clients. By creating shoppable posts, stories, and ads, we can make it easier for our clients’ customers to purchase their products directly from social media.

Influencer marketing: Influencer marketing has been around for a while, but it’s becoming more sophisticated and effective as social media algorithms change. I’m working on building relationships with influencers who are a good fit for our clients’ brands and developing campaigns that drive real results. With the right influencers and strategies in place, we can help our clients reach new audiences and increase their sales.

User-generated content: User-generated content (UGC) is becoming more popular as consumers crave authenticity and connection with brands. I’m encouraging our clients to leverage UGC in their social media campaigns by asking their followers to create and share content that features their products. By using UGC, we can showcase our clients’ products in an authentic way and increase engagement with their brand.

What are the most common mistakes you have seen when companies try to use social media to promote eCommerce? What can be done to avoid those mistakes?

Here are a few of them and what can be done to avoid them:

Lack of strategy: One of the most common mistakes I’ve seen is a lack of strategy. Many companies jump into social media without a clear plan for how to achieve their goals. To avoid this mistake, it’s important to start by setting clear goals, identifying your target audience, and creating a content strategy that aligns with your objectives.

Poor content: Another mistake is poor content. Companies that fail to create compelling and engaging content are unlikely to generate interest or sales from their social media efforts. To avoid this mistake, it’s important to invest in high-quality visuals, write engaging copy, and share content that resonates with your audience.

Ignoring analytics: Finally, I’ve seen companies that ignore analytics and fail to track the success of their social media efforts. Without tracking and analyzing data, it’s impossible to know whether your efforts are effective or how to improve them. To avoid this mistake, it’s important to regularly review and analyze your social media metrics, such as engagement, traffic, and conversions, and use this data to make data-driven decisions.

Ok super. Here is the central question of our interview. Based on your experience and success, what are your “Top 5 Ways To Use Social Media To Grow Your eCommerce Business?” Please share a story or an example for each.

1. Create engaging social media content: To grow your eCommerce business, it’s important to create social media content that resonates with your target audience. One way to do this is to use humor and personality in your content. For example, I once worked with a company that sold novelty t-shirts, and we created funny memes and videos featuring the shirts that went viral on social media, leading to a significant increase in sales.
2. Leverage influencer marketing: Partnering with influencers is a great way to expand your reach and attract new customers. For example, I worked with a company that sold luxury watches, and we partnered with a popular lifestyle influencer who shared photos and reviews of the watches with her followers. This led to a significant increase in traffic and sales.
3. Use social media ads: Social media ads can be a powerful way to target your ideal customers and drive traffic to your eCommerce site. For example, I worked with a company that sold gourmet food products, and we used Facebook and Instagram ads to target foodies and drive traffic to the company’s website. This led to a significant increase in sales.
4. Utilize user-generated content: Encouraging your customers to share photos and reviews of your products on social media is a great way to generate social proof and build brand awareness. For example, I worked with a company that sold outdoor gear, and we created a hashtag campaign encouraging customers to share photos of themselves using the gear in the great outdoors. This led to a significant increase in user-generated content and brand awareness.
5. Offer exclusive promotions and discounts: Offering exclusive promotions and discounts to your social media followers is a great way to drive traffic and sales. For example, I worked with a company that sold health supplements, and we created a social media campaign offering a discount code for followers who shared the company’s posts. This led to a significant increase in website traffic and sales.

You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)

My movement would be that everyone would follow the laws of God and love one another as He told us to do. This would make the world a perfect place to live in.

How can our readers further follow your work online?

They can visit Kazaamseo.com

They can also checkout my Youtube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@calebturner7/videos

Follow me on Linkedin here.

I want to thank you so much for your time and for sharing your expertise with us. I wish you continued success!