Tips for Successful Social Media Implementation
So, you have gotten to the point where you have created a content strategy and social media plan that you think is great. If you aren’t sure, check out this infographic to go through the steps. Now that you are ready to launch, what’s next? It’s important to keep yourself in check as you are implementing your strategy.
Here are a few tips to help you execute your fabulous social media strategy:
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#1 Schedule your time
If you are a small business owner or an independent professional, social media can easily become an overwhelming daily time commitment. You hop on Facebook or Twitter, and before you know it, you are 2 hours in and knees deep in articles, status updates, and hashtag searches, or it’s 2 AM and you have an early meeting. Set social media time slots for yourself throughout the day. It is also a great way to give your brain a break from some really involved tasks.
#2 Actively Listen
We’ve talked about getting to know your audience before reaching out. This is important throughout implementation as well. Listen to what your online community has to say. Who are they interacting with? What are their opinions on certain topics? Through active listening on your social channels you will be able to adapt and grow as your audience does.
#3 Engage and connect
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Now that you are actively listening. It’s key that you engage your audience in dialogue. 2-way communication is an invaluable aspect of social media. And the fact that it is so spontaneous means that you can work to build relationships daily.
#4 Publish valuable content across multiple platforms
If you want people to engage with you, you have to be relevant. This means sharing content across all of your chosen platforms that is valuable to your target audience. Whether you are publishing branded content, or you are sharing news, if no one cares about it, they won’t take notice of your brand. If they want cats, give them cats.
#5 Stay consistent and active
At both ends of the Twitter spectrum, there are groups of people and brands that tweet every ten minutes (or less) and those that tweet maybe once per month, if you’re lucky. The key is to find your happy medium where it is not overwhelming and you can accomplish your goals in your set time. It’s about quality, not quantity. If you choose to post three times per week on Facebook, or once per day on Twitter, then do it, but keep it consistent. Drive by posting on any channel won’t lead to long term results. If you don’t think your online community is important enough to talk to, they will know it, and they won’t follow anymore.