Social media is tool useful for helping users to create and share content to the masses. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snap Chat, Pinterest, LinkedIn, MySpace, and Google Plus are just a few of the many places people gather to converse, share or otherwise build their businesses. Your social media strategy is all important — here’s how to increase it by leveraging some very important methods and tools.
1. You have to be in it, to win it. Social media doesn’t matter unless you are a participant in same. This means you need to identify those platforms of benefit to you. Facebook and Twitter are the most popular ones, but you may find that a business person, LinkedIn holds the best opportunities for you.
2. Regular participation is a must. Not only should you join social media sites, but you should participate in them. This means making a point to visit your top sites every day and perhaps several times during the day. Your interaction will bring people your way and extend your usefulness. At the same time, you may find that time is of the essence and you simply do not have the time to keep up. If that’s the case for you, then check out this list of the best seo companies to find a provider to handle your social media strategy.
3. Host a social media event. Yes, that’s right. Host your own social media event on Twitter, Facebook or some other site and manage the conversation. For example, if you want to host a Twitter chat, update your profile to reflect when that chat will happen. For instance, you might host #CarChat in a bid to attract like-minded automotive enthusiasts and professionals. Mention the day of the week and the time of the chat, then send out tweets throughout the week, reminding people of the upcoming chat. Use the same #CarChat hashtag in your invitations and when people show up, start the conversation. Encourage everyone to share the same hashtags and keep your meet up brief — no more than 30 minutes at a time will do.
4. Identify your best platforms and win. You cannot dominate every single social medial platform, but you can succeed at one or two. Simply pick your battles and engage accordingly. For the baker, Pinterest or Instagram may offer the best place to share updates, especially those with creamy cakes, hot buttered rolls, and delectable cupcakes. Understand how people interact on the site of your choosing and engage accordingly. Become a master of one, not a participant in many.
5. Find and follow your customers. You may use LinkedIn with abandon, but learn your customers are more active on Facebook. It is important to find out where your fan base operates and operate within that sphere yourself. This doesn’t mean you must abandon other social media sites. What it does mean is that you pour a greater amount of your attention and efforts into those sites where your customers are.
6. Connect with real people. Some people are put off by social media, not liking the disconnect they have with people. But don’t allow that to stop you — you can connect with real people and in real time through video chat. This means identifying your top engagers and asking them to connect with you via Skype. This could mean gathering three or four of your customers at an appointed time to talk about a service or product. Gain their input and reward them for their time. Always recognize your top influencers and keep them close to you. They may also serve as your chief brand ambassador as well.
Your Social Media Strategy
Your social media strategy will be ever evolving and constantly in motion. Make use of the tools before you and be ready to change things up as needed. By regularly participating on the platforms that work best for you, you’ll extend your reach, gain new customers and help your bottom line.
