Business Growth Part 2

The first thing to tackle when creating your Social Media plan, is to research and agree the most appropriate social networks for you and your business to target. Where do your target prospects hang out online? Why do they hang out there? What are they already engaging with and sharing amongst each other right now?

I like to think of the big social networks in the following ways, which helps to determine where any one client should focus their efforts, depending on their objectives with the campaign:

• Twitter: Find and retain.

• LinkedIn: Connect and inform.

• Google+: Build visibility

• Facebook: Attract and engage

With the networks established, suitably branded, and the team in place to manage and maintain your presence there - the next job is to create and document your methods for building and engaging the audience on each network.

Regardless of the network you choose, certain "rules" remain true:

> Be real - I believe that you should never do or say something in Social Media, that you wouldn't be comfortable doing in the middle of a crowded room. You should know by know that broadcasting sales message is not welcome.

> Be polite - if your audience take the time and effort to Like, Share, Tweet, Mention, or even Complain about your business online, it is polite to respond in a courteous, professional manner. Doing so will show the rest of your audience that you are real, share their values, and care about your business.

> Be frequent and consistent - there is nothing worse than putting in all the leg work to get started in Social Media, and then leaving it lay to a baron wasteland of no posts, tweets or comments for weeks on end. Decide on your frequency and stick to it, rigidly.

> Use visuals - Posts and content with visuals receive a massive 95% increase in traffic, according to a recent survey by eMarketing.

Take the time to analyse the responses you get to your various posts and content across your Social Media presence. Keep doing what engages, and drop what doesn't.

Survey your audience, and ask what they want. Do they crave Infographics? Or do they just love your commentary on recent industry news? Ask them!

 

3 things to do today to help with your social media engagement...

• Create a "play book" with examples of content and engagement methods for us on your social media profiles

• Ensure your social media presence has been promoted to all your existing customers and prospects

• Establish some basic Social Media impact reports