Social media can be a great channel to grow your business, build your brand, and even drive sales. Using social media effectively is no easy task, but in today’s world, it’s essential for companies to be present online. If you do it right, you can reap the benefits right now and for years to come.
Use the right channels
There are so many different social media channels to choose from, and each one has a different feel and audience. Decide how you want to present your brand, and then choose accordingly. Instagram is great for pictures and quick snips of information. Snapchat provides a great behind-the-scenes feel for customers. Facebook has become the standard for important information and updates, and Twitter is great for short information and constant interaction.
Know your audience
If you’re trying to generalize your content to everyone, stop and reevaluate your strategy. Narrow your target audience and give them what they want and need. You can even cater to various audiences on different channels. A little market research on social media audiences can go a long way in helping you perfect your content strategy.
Be consistent
One way to be consistent is to post often and around the same time. Your audience will learn your schedule and begin to look for your content. Posting six times in one day, and then not at all for a few days will throw off your audience. Keep them engaged and let them know when to expect you.
Along with consistent timing of posts, you need to keep a consistent tone of posts. Know your brand’s voice and stick with it.
Provide value
Once your audience understands your social media routine, they will await quality content. Make sure you deliver! Share updates, news, stories of interest, and anything else that concerns your audience. Don’t post just for the sake of posting. Providing valuable content will keep your audience engaged and grow your following.
Interact with your audience
This is the whole point of social media! No one wants to be in a one-sided conversation. The same goes for social media. If you’re not interacting with your audience, your simply talking TO them, but not WITH them. There’s a big difference!
Also make sure to interact with other companies in your industry. Competition is great, but some friendly social media chitchat can form valuable relationships.
Have a plan
Know the goal of your social media channels and have a clear view of how you’re going to get there. Social media calendars are great tools for mapping out your strategy and keeping posts organized. Set post limits and standards so you’re not posting blindly. It takes a bit of work to create the strategy, but in the end it’s absolutely worth it!
Creative Spot is a full-service marketing and advertising agency in Columbus, Ohio. If you would like to learn more about how we can help your organization with strategic marketing, please contact us.