Are You a Social Media Tool?
Social media marketing is all about interaction and creating meaningful connections. There are a number of social media tools now on the market which may have there place but lets make one thing very clear, the most effective, most important social media tool is YOU.
All the software and social media marketing systems in world wont make your social media marketing a success. At the end of the day, the only tool that makes social media a success is real people making real connections.
With this realisation, many business people must look at their social media marketing strategy with fresh eyes. In fact, many businesses would be better off starting from scratch and leaving their spammy past behind.
When it comes to social media, you and your personality are the foundation of what you create. Consider your brand and what you want your business to be known for, then interact with a persona compliant with your brand.
Your first goal is to position your brand online and create a presence that is recognised, respected and trusted.
Develop a eye for what’s hot
Be aware of the goings-on around you, in the news and topics of interest for the people you associate with. Follow the trends so you can be relevant and engaging for your target audience. Keep an eye on what complementary businesses and competitors are saying online. There are often opportunities you can take advantage of if you know what is happening around you. You may come across complaints for your business or for your competitors. Listen to what they are really saying and consider how you can respond.
Surf the Internet
Do an online search for your business, industry and your competition. Scan through the information and learn from it. It’s often a gold mine of opportunities waiting to be utilised. If there are videos, see and hear what is being shared and look at what is getting the best response. This will help you discover what your target market is talking about and engaging with. This will help guide what information you share on social media websites.
Select only the best social media sites
There is a massive range of social media sites online. To be involved in all of them would be extremely time consuming. You should stick with one or two that work best for you. Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn are probably the most popular therefore you should consider these first before looking at some of the more obscure sites. They will give you the largest potential audience.
Get involved
Make a habit of regularly checking and posting updates on these sites, so people you are connected with get a regularly reminded of you and your business.
Make it a point to keep your posts fresh and engaging for your target audience. Get your creative juices flowing and try a few different things to see what gets the best response.
Remember, you are trying to develop a meaningful relationship with your target audience, not try to ‘sell them’. Social media may be a virtual world, but you still need to gain trust from your target audience just like you would in any social situation. Be patient, it will take time.
Don’t be a full-time tool
You have got to have a life outside social media. Social media can be quite addictive. Many people get into it and forget all else. Social media marketing is meant to help you promote your business not become your full-time job. When done well, it will become a powerful marketing strategy to grow your business.
