Many businesses have embrace the idea of creating a social media marketing strategy…..Sorry, I mean they are starting to use Facebook, LinkedIn and maybe Twitter.  There are big differences between the two ways of doing it.

Are you Just a participant?

Signing up for the big three is great and I certainly encourage you to do so however it would be best if you signed up and then looked around a bit to see what it’s all about before contributing any content.  But remember that the big three might not be the best solution for you.  There are many other social networks that might serve you and your company better.  The best way to find them is to search the web and see where others are talking about your particular product and service and then participate there.  For example Google groups, Yahoo answers, YouTube, etc.  But just posting sayings of the day or what you had for lunch is not a social marketing strategy.  It’s a lazy habit you should avoid. Once in a while is ok. Being a participant on the networks is one thing but creating valuable content and participating in all things social is paramount.

Get a strategy today!

Having a social medial marketing strategy is much different.  This is when you actually write down a plan of attack to ensure you are doing the right things on a daily basis.  It also has return on engagement figures that you want to achieve.

Some things to consider when creating your social media marketing strategy.

Do you have the time to do the work?

Yes, the networks are free but it does take a daily commitment to get this right and if you just don’t have the hour it takes to do so then you must train or hire a person to do the daily postings, video creations, etc.  You can also outsource this for a fraction of what it would cost to hire someone. (Yes I know, obvious plug.)

Don’t just post garbage.

When you post on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter give content that will help your customers. Posting is best done when you give something that people can actually use with or without you.  Become a Maven and turn people on to new ideas. Re-Tweet and suggest interesting articles to your followers.  Stay away from foul language, sex, jokes and politics.

Create interesting videos describing your products and services.

Have you ever viewed a video describing a product or service that you intend to purchase?  Did you find it interesting?  Did it help you make the decision to buy or not?  If it worked for you then it will work for your prospects.  It does not have to be a production just buy a flip cam and start today.

Dust off that blog.

Many have blogs that they started on their websites but then they let them get dusty.  Make a commitment right now to post to your blog once per week.  You can do it!

Use video testimonials.

Written testimonials are great but a video testimonial is better.  It puts the human back into the equation.  People relate to people.

Give a special of the day.

Here is one that works for my clients that have a following. Post a message that if they call in the next 24 hours and mention the keyword Blue Giraffe they will get $10 off their purchase (or better if you can).  Not a percentage.  A dollar amount.  Then track the sales.

Tweet three times a day.

If your market is using twitter it is a good rule of thumb to tweet three times a day.  Tweet information 90 percent of the time and offers only 10 percent of the time.

How will you calculate your return on Engagement?

How will you determine if your efforts are making the cash register ring?  Are you implementing a system to track your return on your time investment?  This is a big one that many companies overlook.

This is not a full list of the many things to consider but it will give you a good start.  If you need help just give us a call.

As always your comments are welcomed and appreciated.