Social media is by far one of the greatest tools available to small businesses. Statistics show that the average person spends over three hours daily on various social media sites.
This is an incredible marketplace to tap into if you haven’t already done so. Gaining exposure for your services and products can be done with ease through a social media strategy that thinks first about your audience.
If you want to create a social media strategy that works, then check out the following 7 best practices you should implement.
#1. Identify and Use the Right Networks
Social media marketing can be incredibly time consuming. Trying to manage and post on several networks simultaneously can water down your strategy and prevent you from really digging in and making the most of the tools available.
Instead of shooting in the dark, analyze your consumer base and follow their behaviors. Whichever site they frequent is the one you should target. Once you have chosen the right site, follow this general outline for post frequency:
- Facebook—Post 1-5 Times Daily
- Twitter—Post a minimum of 5 Times Daily
- Google + –Share content 1 Time Daily
- LinkedIn—Post 4-5 Times Weekly
- Pinterest & Instagram—Post One Image Daily
#2. Set Goals
Define how you expect your social media strategy to improve your business. Here are a few general goals you can set and track for your business:
- Increasing Consumer Base
- Spread Brand Awareness
- Improve Customer Service
- Improve Customer Engagement
#3. Clearly Brand ALL Your Profiles
Identifying your brand should be easy, but it’s up to you to make it that way. Using the same logos, color pattern and imagery is critical to branding your business across your social media platforms. A similar ‘tone’ and voice is also important, as this makes it easier for your customers to engage with your brand.
#4. Focus on the Quality of Your Content
Quality social media content is just important as content placed on your blog or website. Your content should be a combination of thought leadership, promotional and customer engagement. You also want to post timely content, as that’s the foundation of all social networks.
#5. Keep Track of Analytics
Put into practice a weekly routine where you analyze the data of your social media outlets to ensure they show progress towards your goal. If not, then re-visit your strategy and make the necessary changes.
#6. View Your Competitors
How are your competitors approaching social media? What are their strong points and what are their weaknesses? How do they engage with their customers?
Keep up with their content, posting frequency, branding, and popularity to ensure that you are on top of your game.
#7. Maintain Patience
Building a loyal brand following is no easy task, and it certainly doesn’t happen overnight. You have to maintain patience while nurturing your strategy and gaining the trust of your followers.
If you stick with your strategy and don’t fall prey to impatience, you can improve your online following and guarantee positive results for your brand.