I was invited to present the topic “What you need to know about creating a social media strategy” at the Women Entrepreneurs of Minnesota Fall Conference last week. The topic was so well received that I wanted to share it with my readers. I find when I talk with business owners that social media strategy is still not implemented well within the overall marketing plan so I created the presentation around the basic steps to creating an effective strategy.
What is a social media plan?
A social media strategy is nothing more than planning out how you intend to use social media tools to achieve your business goal. Before you begin, commit to worrying about the tools last. You will need to be clear on the following questions first.
1.) What’s your pitch? Can you describe what your company does in 140 characters or less? Social media is a world of sound bites – here is an example:
I help growth oriented businesses gain more exposure to effectively build their business and brand
2.) What’s the point? What type of program are you going to initiate based on your business goals? Awareness, sales, loyalty?
3.) What’s your relationship with your audience? (pick one)
- Nothing
- Aware of you, but never acted
- Acted once
- Repeat actions/enthusiasts
- Advocates
4.) What does your audience know about you today?
5.) How does your audience use social media now?
6.) What’s the soul of your brand. What’s that one thing that defines you?
Example: Volvo = Safety. Apple = Innovation. Disney = Magic
7.) What is your goal for a social media campaign?
5 essential elements of a useful social media plan should include
- Collect – listen and collect useful market information
- Curate – curate important industry information as a way to inform clients and internal stakeholders
- Create – produce content objectives
- Share – This does include sharing your own content and ideas but it also includes intentionally networking with and sharing content and ideas from others.
- Engage -engage customers and prospects
Bottom line: Every aspect of your social media optimization strategy should focus on solutions that you can provide to your customers via social networking
How can you become involved with your customers online?
2015 predictions are for focus on posts with more meaning, become empathetic – a good listener and then engage with your people.
How will you prove to your customers that you know what you are talking about?
How can you improve your customer’s thoughts or feelings about your brand?
Answer these questions and you will well be on your way to an effective strategy that meets your business goals!
— > > Download the free Content creation & curation guide with links to free tools:
https://marketingdish.leadpages.net/content-creation-curation-guide/
