Don’t believe me?
Then do not read this article on why your business needs to wake up and smell the social media tide rolling in. Actually, it is more like a tsunami – become a social butterfly now!
If you asked me a decade ago, or perhaps even five years ago, I would have said that social media is not a viable marketing tool for business. I was one of the many naysayers regarding using social media as a core component of a digital marketing plan. After all, there was simply no way to measure the ROI of social media marketing. Well, I am big enough to admit I was dead wrong.
Much as I hate to say it, social media has become a most effective way to create and maintain brand awareness, manage your business’ reputation and to show off your products and/or services.
That being said, a haphazard approach to a social media campaign is not advisable. Please take the time to learn where your Ideal Customers are and the best way to engage and provide them with quality content that they want. Develop Buyer Persona so that you can better determine what social networks to target.
You may find that you have a variety of buyer personas that dictate you segment your social media marketing efforts in order to hit the right person at the right time in the right place with the right message.
A good way to do this is to do a little ‘social listening.’ Twitter is an amazing tool for this. Alternatively, use apps, such as HootSuite, to monitor certain words, phrases or hashtags. Understanding what people are saying about your brand, competitor or industry can help to mold your marketing effort or products. This will allow you to give your customers what they want — not what you think they want!
Make it a point to give value over viral content. While there have been some companies that have perfected or lucked into creating viral content—it is not a realistic goal. In fact, trying to be witty or sarcastic with your content might just backfire and hurt your brand. Tread carefully; your online reputation is a valuable asset that you do not want to treat lightly or flippantly.
Use social media to provide quality content on a regular basis. The rule of thumb is 4-1-1; provide four fluffy or fun pieces to one post focusing on your industry and one post plugging your product or services. Engagement is the key to successfully marketing your business on social media. Every ‘like’ ‘share’ and ‘retweet’ expands your reach exponentially.
By the way, social media marketing is not just a B2C strategy. LinkedIn and Twitter have a myriad of uses in B2B. Networking with your industry professionals or target industries online can be invaluable and a great branding tool. Develop name recognition before you send your first email or make your first call. These sites can help get targeted leads who have already engaged with your brand and see it a source of value in your area of expertise.
If you would like help with your social media marketing, get in touch:
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