Almost every business posts to their social media channels nowadays, but how many of them actually have a strategy for what they’re posting?
It’s safe to say that out of the 80 million small and medium-sized business pages on Facebook, many business owners are just posting to post.
If you own a small business, now’s the perfect time to create your social media marketing strategy! And you’re in luck because we have three helpful tips that will help when you’re forming your strategy.
Ready to begin?
Before we get started, the first thing you’ll need to do is set up your social media channels if you don’t already have them. If you’re brand new to the social media world, check out this blog!
Now for what you’ve been waiting for — the tips!
This tip is key to your small business’s social media strategy! It’s important that you’re not only posting to your social media channels but that you’re managing your content and engaging with your audience as well!
No one likes being ignored, especially your social media followers. Responding to comments adds a humanized aspect to your brand and will make your audience more willing to return to your small business.
Think of it like this — If you’re leaving a comment (good or bad) on a business’s Facebook page, you’d expect a response, right? If they don’t acknowledge you in some way, by either commenting back or liking your comment, how would you feel?
Personally, I would be annoyed. If I took the time to reach out to your small business on your social media, I'd hope to get a response.
Simply posting to your channels is not enough! Engaging with your audience is an essential part of your social media marketing strategy.
Not only should you be engaging with your audience, but other businesses, too! You should be tagging them in posts if it relates back to your business, you’re collaborating on a project or going to the same event.
If you aren’t already scheduling your posts, this tip will help you save a ton of time!
Planning your social media posts in advance by using a content calendar will allow you to schedule your posts out so you aren’t having to post every single day.
There are several free scheduling platforms you can use for your small business. These free versions will allow you to get a feel for if you like the platform and what features you like.
There are also paid versions that you can use. After you get your hands dirty (figuratively, of course) by using a free version, then you can decide what paid platform is best for your social media marketing strategy.
Scheduling your posts will allow you to be more strategic with what you’re posting. And remember, the more consistent you are, the more exposure you’ll get!
If you want to learn more, make sure to check out this podcast!
Our last tip is that you’ll want to create your social media content based on what channel you’re posting it to.
For example, a post that you send to Instagram will be different than what you’re sending to LinkedIn. But why?
Instagram is a fun, visual social media channel while LinkedIn is a place for professionals to network with each other and other small businesses, which is why you won’t want to post the same exact content.
An important thing to know is that although you want to keep your brand identity the same across all social media platforms, you are allowed to adjust your tone for the individual channels. This gives you a little freedom to let your personality show while still being on brand!
You’ll also want to make sure your posts are optimized for the channels, such as using square images for Instagram or properly using hashtags on Twitter.
Why Does This Matter?
Having a social media marketing strategy for your small business is a necessity in today’s digital world.
Just like any of your marketing, social media is an investment. Many people are searching for your business online before they ever decide to visit your business or make a purchase.
If someone visits your social media channels for the first time and sees that you aren’t interacting with your audience or posting consistently, it’s likely that they won’t choose your business.
Stand out from your competitors by managing your social media channels, scheduling your posts and creating content that’s optimized for each channel.
If you aren’t sure where to begin with your social media marketing strategy, learn how RevLocal’s social media plan can help by visiting this blog.
Lauren Snyder, Content Contributor
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