Plan a Successful Social Media Strategy
If you’re going to run a successful business in the 21st century, then you need to take social media seriously for a whole gamut of reasons. Social media usage has skyrocketed over the course of the pandemic – but the truth is that it was in the ascendency for years before that. This has huge implications for the way that you market your business to new customers, and how you deal with existing ones.
Why social media is so valuable for SMEs
Social media provides a means of reaching a larger base of customers and embedding your brand into their subconscious. Customers who follow your business on multiple channels are more likely to be exposed to your messaging, and more likely to make a purchase.
Social media can also help you to communicate with your customers, foster a sense of community, and control any reputation-damaging episodes.
Create a strategy starting with plans and goals
At the outset, you should know what you’re looking to achieve through social media. You need a strategy, which is a plan of action designed to achieve a particular outcome. Your strategy should be informed by your goals, and the means you have of achieving those goals. Outside finance taken to facilitate a social media campaign, such as a business loan, should be informed by your strategy.
Consider your audience
If you know your audience, then you’ll be able to adjust your approach to social media accordingly. Certain demographics, for example, are more likely to be found on Facebook than on Twitter. As well as choosing the right social network, you’ll also need to think about how frequently you engage, and the tone of voice you adopt. If you’re manufacturing serious high-end equipment, then you might be a little more serious than if you were selling fast food.
Create content in formats your audience prefers
Once you’ve done your research on your audience, you’ll have a better idea of which formats to adopt. The written word remains among the most powerful means of getting a message across – but only if you have skilled writers to call upon.
Video content tends to be the most expensive to produce – but the right video can get a message across in a way that will really resonate with a certain audience. In fact, many platforms, like TikTok and YouTube, rely entirely on video – and so, if that’s where your audience is, it’s video that you’ll need to produce.
Track your progress
Your strategy should include a means of measuring your success over time. Set out what you intend to achieve in advance and record your progress. If you fail to meet your target, then you’ll know that you need to vary your approach to social media. This might require a little bit of careful analysis, but it’ll prevent you from continually falling into the same failed approach.
Why social media is so valuable for SMEs
Social media provides a means of reaching a larger base of customers and embedding your brand into their subconscious. Customers who follow your business on multiple channels are more likely to be exposed to your messaging, and more likely to make a purchase.
Social media can also help you to communicate with your customers, foster a sense of community, and control any reputation-damaging episodes.
Create a strategy starting with plans and goals
At the outset, you should know what you’re looking to achieve through social media. You need a strategy, which is a plan of action designed to achieve a particular outcome. Your strategy should be informed by your goals, and the means you have of achieving those goals. Outside finance taken to facilitate a social media campaign, such as a business loan, should be informed by your strategy.
Consider your audience
If you know your audience, then you’ll be able to adjust your approach to social media accordingly. Certain demographics, for example, are more likely to be found on Facebook than on Twitter. As well as choosing the right social network, you’ll also need to think about how frequently you engage, and the tone of voice you adopt. If you’re manufacturing serious high-end equipment, then you might be a little more serious than if you were selling fast food.
Create content in formats your audience prefers
Once you’ve done your research on your audience, you’ll have a better idea of which formats to adopt. The written word remains among the most powerful means of getting a message across – but only if you have skilled writers to call upon.
Video content tends to be the most expensive to produce – but the right video can get a message across in a way that will really resonate with a certain audience. In fact, many platforms, like TikTok and YouTube, rely entirely on video – and so, if that’s where your audience is, it’s video that you’ll need to produce.
Track your progress
Your strategy should include a means of measuring your success over time. Set out what you intend to achieve in advance and record your progress. If you fail to meet your target, then you’ll know that you need to vary your approach to social media. This might require a little bit of careful analysis, but it’ll prevent you from continually falling into the same failed approach.
