What to Include in a Social Media Strategy
These days if your business still isn’t using Social Media Effectively, then be prepared to lose out to competitors.
Most businesses are on at least 1 social networking platform if not more. The most popular are Facebook, LinkedIn, Google Plus, Pinterest, Instagram and other similar sites. If you’re not attending the party then you’re losing out on potential profits that can be made from users on these sites.
It’s not too late though! You can still catch up with your competitors by compiling an effective social media marketing strategy. Now is the time to begin planning a social media marketing strategy for your business, and the following will give you a head start.
1. List Your Objectives
Setting your objectives will serve as the foundation of your social media marketing strategy. Begin by listing down the reasons why you want your business on social media. Is it to improve your online presence? Is it to drive more traffic and visitors to your site? Do you want to have a platform where you can interact on a more ‘social’ level with existing and potential customers and clients? Remember that having clear cut goals will make planning your social media marketing strategy easier.
2. Find Out Which Platform to Use
There are so many social networking sites on the web today and you can expect that there will be more in the future. Bear in mind that you do not need to be active in all of them, but rather pick the ones your target market are using and focus on managing these to maximum effect.
For instance, if you are looking to create a community for your customers and clients, then Facebook Groups or Google Plus Communities are two options. If you want to post images of your new products, then Pinterest and Instagram are your best bet.
3. Content Plan and Calendar
Content plans and calendars are not only for blogs. If you want to stay active in social media, you need to have a content plan and calendar in place. This will ensure that you will be able to post useful and engaging content on a regular basis which should keep your social media dynamic.
4. Social Media Marketing Budget
As with all marketing, you should set a realistic budget whether this is monetary or time. If you are using Facebook then be prepared to pay for promoted posts and marketing advertising. The likes of Pinterest and Instagram work differently, so it all depends on your products or services you are promoting.
5. Measurement and Analysis
In order to know if you’re social media marketing strategy is a success and worth your effort and money, you need to be able to measure these using metrics. One of the easiest ways to do this is by counting how many “likes” and “followers” you have on these social networking sites, but they alone won’t give you a detailed report and analysis of your success. Thus, you should include in your budget plan a portion for measurement tools and analytics.
One of the biggest mistakes of many businesses is not having a social media strategy, which often leads to their social media accounts being inactive. Having a strategy in place helps you to avoid this dilemma and help ensure that your social media efforts are not wasted.