Written by
Rebekah Radice
Published on
April 13, 2015
Updated January 20, 2019Are you getting started with social media? Wondering where to begin? As a business, using social media to connect and engage with your audience isn't as easy as it seems.Simply posting or tweeting a random thought without a strategy behind it is a recipe for disaster. Not to mention, a complete waste of time.In order to make an impact, you must be willing to commit to a long-term strategy.This includes a daily content and social media plan, plus an effective means for management and monitoring.Keep your company ahead of the competition and in front of potential clients by creating and encouraging conversation, no matter the social network.
Before you pull the trigger on your social media strategy, know the how, what, and why behind each social network.Once you understand each network and your goal behind it, put action steps in place to move you towards those objectives.
No matter the chatter about Facebook being dead -- it's still the most active social network, boasting over 2.2 billion users.Implementing a Facebook marketing strategy requires that you understand your target market, demographic and the results you are hoping to achieve.
Once you know the why behind your Facebook marketing, you can create a strategic action plan to support it.
If you manage a Facebook Page already, take one additional step. Analyze your content and your audience.Take a look at the "People" tab within your Facebook Insights.What's the breakdown of male vs. female, the age and location of your Facebook fans, and (most importantly) who is it you're targeting as potential fans of your page?
Now, look at your content over the last 30 days. Read through each post from your fan's perspective.Is the content interesting, would it make you stop and comment, and most importantly -- would it make you come back for more?
If the potential of turning one connection into multiple targeted connections is appealing, then LinkedIn is the place for you to be.LinkedIn is no longer a floundering social network hoping to find its place in the online space. Today, LinkedIn is your chance to network and engage within a professional atmosphere.Don't believe me?
Are you looking to make B2B connections or B2C? Either way, LinkedIn is the place to be.Not only can you connect with industry power players, but it also offers potential clients the background information they need when making a decision between you and the competition.If you haven't taken the time to review your LinkedIn profile recently, it's time to spruce it up. Fill out all of the necessary data and take the time to add appropriate details, giving a complete picture of who you are.And keep in mind that first impressions matter. LinkedIn expert, Melonie Dodaro recommends that you...
"Strategically write your LinkedIn profile with your ideal clients in mind, this is essential before you start connecting with prospects so that you can create an impactful first impression."
If you're not sure where to begin, look at those within your industry that have a strong LinkedIn presence.Ai Addyson-Zhang is someone that's mastered the art of mixing promotional, educational, and informational content on LinkedIn. Your goal is to find your perfect style, then show up on LinkedIn regularly.
Are you spending time on Pinterest? If not, here's why you should:
Don't miss this opportunity to share details around your business in a unique visual format.Whether it’s a community event or your latest blog post, pin your content to offer insight into your business.Build boards that spotlight historical data about your company, photos around a recent conference, or a behind-the-scenes look into the inner-workings of your business.Alisa Meredith, a Pinterest Marketing expert, highlights the specific keywords or phrases that her target market would be looking for in all of her pins, boards, and descriptions.Notice how easy she's made it for people to find her and make sure to do the same.
Think about what you want to be (are) known for and how to best share that through your visual content.
Twitter can be a challenge for even the most seasoned online marketer.The way you can harness the power of Twitter is to craft succinct and compelling quips, tips and quotes about your business in 280 characters or less.
Ready to put the power of Instagram – a mighty visual network – to work for your business?Or are you still on the fence, not convinced that Instagram is where you should spend your time?While you might have thought it’s just the tween or even teen demographics using Instagram, you’d be mistaken.Businesses are dipping their toes in the water every day only to find massive success.
In June 2018, Instagram reported a landmark. Instagram now has over 1 billion monthly active users (MAUs). This grew from 800 million MAUs in September, 2017.
How can you get started? Begin to share content relevant to your target market.
Whatever you share -- make it 100% in line with your brand.Just take a look at Christina Nicholson, a reporter, anchor, and PR agency owner to see an example of this in action.Everywhere you look, you see the same, Christina. Vibrant, full of life, and always sharing content that supports, promotes and establishes a strong personal brand.
With over 30 million daily active users, YouTube is your go-to for video marketing. Not only can be it be a lethal social media weapon, it works to humanize your online presence.Video done right can generate audience awareness and interaction. Plus, it adds a layer of authenticity to your business.There are so many ways to use video within your business. You’re only limited by your own creativity.
Consider the type of video content you'll create. What's your audience currently consuming? What's your competition creating?How can you use those learnings to create unique content your audience is eager to engage with?Whether you share short, educational or entertaining video content, make sure YouTube is a part of the strategy. Not sure where to begin? This video from Darrel Eves and Sean Cannell will get you going.
Creating a powerful online presence through social media will take a commitment to daily tactics.Begin by prioritizing the steps you must complete on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. What pushes you towards your goals?Add that to your calendar and stick to it without fail.
And last but not least, be resolute. It’s easy to lose sight of your end goal when there are bumps in the road.Stay the course and always... expect challenges and eat them for breakfast.