So you want to get started in social media? You’ve heard about Facebook and Twitter, but what about Instagram, LinkedIn, or Pinterest? Social media is a great way to connect with current and future customers. It’s not, however, an overnight solutions. Here are three tips to help start a successful social media campaign:
1. Target your audience
There are now several social media platforms and they all have their pros and cons. Twitter and Facebook have the most users and therefore can represent a broad band of people. Target customers by getting fans to like your Facebook page or speak to whats relevant using hashtags (#) on Twitter. If your company needs to target more business oriented clients, then look towards Linked In. See who your current customers are already connected to, but don’t overlook the fact that you can blog right on LinkedIn. Is your product more visual or artsy? Try Pinterest or Instagram to reach more people by uploading photos and graphics. Then add tags to categorize your uploads and allow others to find you.
2. Be social
Social media is exactly that… social! Social media can’t just be a one way communication. You need to form an online reputation, and that can only happen if you be yourself. Leave comments on other blogs that you’ve read and found interesting. Share links or retweets of articles that you can appreciate, or think your customers will enjoy.
3. Be consistent
The worst thing to do with social media is treat it like your gym membership. You go for a week, skip six months, go again and expect to be fit. (I’m speaking to myself with this analogy, but hopefully you get the point) With social media you need to post on a regular basis. People want to hear what you have to say, but they expect a consistent stream. Try to set a timeframe for posting, whether it be every day, once a week, or once a month, and stick to it! Otherwise people will lose interest and find a better stream of information elsewhere.
Social media takes time to build a reputation, but if nurtured properly, it can be a great way to maintain positive customer relations. What is your favorite social media platform? Let us know in the comments below. Additionally, if you need any assistance in attempting a social media campaign, please use the contact form at the bottom of this post for a free initial consultation with Bit9Labs.