Social media is changing the way we talk, communicate, think and do business today. How do you turn this into a positive impact on our business?
Social media is fast becoming a part of daily life. Social media is not a novelty or a gimmick.
It’s the future of how we interact with each other, so planning your digital strategy is important. Social media should be part of your overall marketing strategy and the tactics used should be integrated offering a common message. Never before has the playing field been so even. Get this right and you’re on your way to success.
1. Start at the beginning
Long before you start ‘tweeting’, placing YouTube video’s or creating Facebook pages your business needs a good quality website in place that is user friendly and offers a clear message about what you do and what you offer. This may include products, helpful information about your area or industry. Your website will be in most cases where your customers will end up to find out more about you and your business. Don't let them down.
Make sure that your website is able to integrate with social media channels, this is integral for success.
How do you judge whether your website is good enough:
1. Does it truly represent your business, are you proud if it?
2. Are you being found in the search engines?
3. How do you rate your conversions?
4. Does your website look the part, is it modern looking or getting tired?
5. How old is your website, general life span 2 -3 years maximum?
2. Value-added content is king
The internet is the largest research tool today and information is what people are after. It is not always about the price or what you think is a great promotion. Your content needs to be interesting and informative allowing them to interact, comment or share. Offering reliable source of information, opinions and tips on subjects you specialise in will only engage your audience aligning you as an important source in the consumers’ minds. Convey your message as conversation and you will only encourage your audience to interact. The provision of such value-added content is an important tool, one that can really nurture your relationships.
3. Think local and relevant
Most people are interested in local events, they’re interested in local people or someone they can relate to, they attract like-minded people or businesses.
Historically businesses have always been very active community members and in the world of social media the same rules apply. If you’re business is within a small town or suburb, it’s a great idea to create a strong local online footprint by using local comment boards, online newspapers, or local forums and directories.
Developing and maintaining a quality presence within geographically relevant channels is what you should be aiming for, rather than mass coverage across the entire Internet.
4. Know your Target audience and medium
It would be impossible to run a business and keep up to date with all the new social media networks and platforms that are emerging every day. This is why it is important to know your customers and your target market, there likes and dislikes, where they are and what they like doing.
Not all social mediums will suit your business either and will depend on your target market. For example if you are operating at the high end of the market, a LinkedIn profile will serve you well where Facebook and twitter may be your choice if retail is you’re game.
5. Start the conversation.
The most important part of using social media is to start the conversation. Remember it is a conversation not a platform to push your opinion unless of course you’re right “in the consumers mind”. Content is king so make sure you’re providing relevant useful information to the end user. Make sure that you’re content has a common message across all mediums and most of all, keep it brief and simple.
There is one more important point that we will make, have fun and enjoy.