Building an effective social media presence can be a daunting task. While many tout the importance of social media, embracing the benefits is often easier said than done. But yet, business owners and entrepreneurs know that it's no longer a matter of whether they should use social media.
It's how to use it effectively and without fail.
While there's no fast track to mastering social media, there are ways to become proficient in a shorter amount of time. If you're ready to maximize your online potential, the twelve tips below will help you engage your audience, no matter the social network!
Plus, grab the slide deck that includes tips from my latest presentation.
1. Choose your channel
Facebook, Google Plus, and other social networks allow you to interact with potential clients. You can also find your next job, shop, sell, buy, auction and exchange just about anything you can think of.No matter your reason for using social media, make sure you choose your main networks wisely.
Choose one or two social networks that allow for the greatest exposure and then use them daily. We all know time is money. There's no sense in starting something if you're not going to consistently stick around.
2. Define your target market
Do you know who your target audience is? Have you identified your specific area of expertise? Don’t try to cater to everyone by being all things to all people. If you want to reach the right audience, your content should be hyper-specific. Write your posts and speak directly to their wants, needs and desires.
3. Share appealing content
Sharing content in an appealing way is tougher than it seems. How often have you stumbled on a post or tweet that left you shaking your head at an opportunity lost? Share interesting, relevant and insightful content and share it often. This is the single best way to establish your expertise and credibility. You have the knowledge others need. Give it away freely!
4. Listen and respond
While social media is an excellent communication tool, it is also a very beneficial listening tool. As you listen to your customers, take time to truly hear what their needs, wants and desires are. Then work to fulfill those needs with your content, time, compassion and genuine feedback.
5. Establish your genuine voice
People want to get to know the real you. Social media gives you the opportunity to share your authentic voice, no matter the format. Whether you are tweeting or posting to Facebook, add context around the content you are sharing. This provides unique insight into who you are and what makes you tick.
6. Don’t rely on automation
While I love automation, I also know that you never want to rely on it so heavily that your personality gets lost. Always use automation in moderation. It should never replace you or your ability to get “social.
7. Join the conversation
Don’t hide in the shadows. The only way to connect with others and create meaningful relationships is to get into the conversation. Ask a question, provide feedback or offer your thoughts around someone’s shared content. Make your presence known!
8. Commit to your social media strategy
Practice makes perfect and a commitment to your social media strategy is essential. Consistency builds trust. It also allows you to create a workable, sustainable and successful plan. Execute, execute, execute!
9. Take social media seriously
Just like any other marketing campaign, building a successful social media presence takes time. Commit to a specific level of interaction and engagement. Design your day knowing that each post or interaction drives you closer to your marketing goals.
10. Don’t overlook your blog
Social media can be a boost to online credibility, but it cannot replace the value a blog brings to your business and personal brand. It should be one part of an integrated marketing plan. Determine how often you will post to your blog and use that content to repurpose across your social channels.
11. Measure the impact of your efforts
So it is with social media marketing as well. If you're posting daily without a plan, you are wishing for results, not planning for them.
12. Analyze and adjust
Once you have put systems in place to measure your success, you now need to analyze your progress. Identify what is working and adjust what is not. A successful social media strategy is an agile one.
Your Turn
I’d love to hear from you! How are you using social media to expand your online presence?
Post originally written by Rebekah Radice and found on 12 Most.
About Rebekah Radice
Rebekah Radice, co-founder of BRIL.LA, has traded narcissism for purpose. When not driving growth, you'll find her tricking family into thinking she's Emeril Lagasse - likely covered in marinara. The spotlight was fun, but impact is better. These days she's using 20+ years of brand brilliance for good.