Social Media for business can seem daunting and overwhelming at first. It is not enough to sign up for accounts on social media websites just to abandon them or use them intermittently. Having a social media strategy in place can remedy this and also save you time!! We all know time is oftentimes more valuable than money.
Traditional marketing methods and campaigns typically start with a plan. What is your target demographic? What are the desired results? What is the call to action? Just as you would create a solid strategy for traditional marketing methods, the same must be done for social media.
To start, map out a list of your goals and desired outcomes. Goals can include, providing better customer service, building brand awareness, gaining market share, learning more about your target demographic, etc.
Once you determine your goals, research the options and decide on the best social media mix for your company. Other things to take into consideration are your time constraints, where your target audience is and brand image. For example, if your goal is increased customer service it would be a good idea to explore twitter as an option since the response is instant. It is also beneficial to explore what other companies are doing and set realistic expectations for your efforts.
Putting the strategy in place requires a time commitment, however, it does not have to be unmanageable. Part of your strategy should include time management. For example, try spending 10 minutes first thing in the morning checking your Facebook profile and responding to friend requests, wall posts, and messages. Once you have created a schedule that works for you, don’t give up! Social media is not something that develops overnight. It is all about building relationships. We all know a good, solid relationship is built over time. Do not get discouraged if you are not receiving the exact response you had hoped. Make some tweaks as needed and keep monitoring your success.
