How do you make your brand visible on social media? Social media marketing can be overwhelming with all these platforms out there. Where do you begin,?how do you begin? We understand what you are going through. It is for the same reason that we created this guide to help you find proper directions in your social media marketing journey. Read on
1. Start with a Plan in Mind
The fastest way to flop in social media marketing is to work without a strategy. What do you want to get out of social media? Are you looking for prospects for your business? Do you want to build your brand online? These are some of the questions that will drive your social media strategy. They will also shape the type of content you share on your platforms.
2. Spy on Your Competitors
Before you get into content writing, you need to have a good idea of what your competitors are up to. You can make use of free competition analysis tools available online. Your competitor’s source of traffic will influence your social media strategy. What is working for your competitor is likely to work for you too. Take the ideas and run to creating your own social media marketing plan.
How do you know your social media competitors? The best way to know who your competitors are is to type in related keywords on the search engine and which websites come up. Again use social media tracking tools to see which keywords they are using in their content on their various social media platforms.
- Spying on what your competition does will give you a good idea of what works and what doesn’t.
3. Know Your Audience
Your social media strategy will depend on your audience. The question you should ask yourself is who is my audience? Understand the kind of information your audience wants from you. Without proper research of who your audience is, your social marketing strategy is not likely to yield any fruits. Remember that your readers want to find answers to their questions in your content. Some are also looking for information and additional knowledge on a particular subject. Even presenting to an audience will help your exposure.
4. Start Small and Stay Focussed
There are several social media platforms here. It is almost impossible to start online marketing on all of them at once. Select two or three platforms where you want to start from and build your presence keenly. Social media marketing is not an overnight thing, it takes time and you need to take it slow so as not overwhelm yourself.
5. Create Meaningful Content
If you want your readers to keep coming back to your website, create content that is offering value to them. Your social media should always link to content that is meaningful to the audience, this is the only way you can build your brand and trust online. You need to understand what posts to share at each particular time of the day.
You may also share content from other websites that your audience is interested in but not available on your website. However, this should be done minimally, remember the goal is to grow your brand, not other brands.
6. Have Your Online Marketing Schedule at Hand
Understand what time your audience hangs out on social media. Proper timing will ensure that your posts reach as many people as possible. On average most people hang out on social media during their break, lunch and after work. Majority of your audience is likely to browse during the weekend.
You may use free plugins to schedule your social media posts so as to keep building your online presence especially when you are working under a tight schedule.
7. Work from a Central Place
Sharing content on multiple social media platforms may be confusing and overwhelming. There are tools that give you a single dashboard to work from; you will be able to view all your social media numbers on one screen. Try different tools are seen what works best for you.
8. Keep records
The best way to measure progress is to keep records of your social media logistics. Remember the reason why you wanted to venture into social media marketing in the first place. Whichever your reason, it is valuable to stick to your objectives.
Look at your progress as you continue with online marketing, have you met your goals? If the answer is no, then you need to go back and see what you are doing wrong.
9. Market Locally
Marketing your brand locally has a long-lasting impact. Start by finding your way into local directories so that search engines are able to display you severally. Another way you can market your business locally is by creating your profile within search engines.
10. Be Daring
Never be afraid to try new things after all it is the best way to know what works and what doesn’t. Social marketing is broad. As a startup, you may follow these online marketing strategies religiously. However, it is advisable that you try changing your strategies to something new just to see the impact it has on your business.
Try other social media platforms that you have never thought of, you may find a new way of doing things that are actually good for your business.
11. Embrace Learning
As I said earlier, social media marketing is wide. Learn from your mentors and other gurus. You can also use free online social marketing materials to expand your knowledge. All you need is a positive mind that things will work out well, but only if you put enough efforts.
12. Patience is the Key
Things won’t work overnight. But with consistency and patience, your brand will be a big name on social media. One step at a time, it all worth in the end. Understand that creating trust with your audience takes time. Maintain a positive attitude that your efforts will pay.
Wrapping up
Social media marketing is interesting. Once you have clear objectives, nothing can stop you from reaching your goals. The best way to create a reputable presence online is to create content that your readers will share with others.
Swansea Digital Marketing, 306 Llangyfelach Road, Brynhyfryd, Swansea, SA5 9LG. Tel: 07946 212 620
