Because of my background working on social media marketing
campaigns for numerous large businesses, small and independent business owners
often ask me how they should dive into the social media world. Many of them
have little or no experience with social media and some of them may use it but
without purpose. Here are 7 general tips I give to them before they take the
plunge into social media marketing.
1. Develop a social media marketing plan. Start with your
objectives and map out a plan-of-action to meet these objectives. What are you
planning to get out of social media marketing? Who and how will you reach your
target audience? These are just some of the things you'll want to address in
your plan. By organizing your thoughts and ideas, you'll have a roadmap and
something to refer back to should you lose focus.
2. Start from the inside out. I always stress to clients
that before you pull the trigger on social media you need to be sure that you
are ready for it internally. Are you and your staff ready to handle any
questions that come through the door? Do you have a crisis communication plan
in place should something arise via social media? Do you have the bandwidth to
actively keep up with this audience? Who will take ownership of retrieving and
posting content?
3. All or nothing. Like a marriage or any relationship that
you want to work, social media marketing is most effective when you're
committed to it. You either give it your all or don't bother turning the switch
on. You'll do more harm than good if you go into it half-heartedly.
