Social Media: Not a Stand-Alone Strategy

The most common misconception about social media for business is that it can be done as a separate activity. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Social media should be integrated as a marketing tool and component of your overall business strategy, not a standalone.

First, you need to make sure the implementation of your social media campaign is consistent. In other words, have a social media plan in place. If you don’t, it will become difficult to keep up with content, and it will cost you valuable time and money.

Integrate, integrate, integrate

An effective social media strategy integrates your offline marketing campaign into your social media campaign. Getting more likes and follows on social media are great, but they do not necessarily return more sales.

Having social media pages that reflect your company’s website, key messages and offline campaigns is what ultimately leads to a positive return on your investment.

When your audience sees a uniform and consistent campaign in every aspect of your marketing, they are more likely to recognize and remember your brand.

Keep up with social media

Take time at the beginning of each month to identify the key messages for your online marketing. Consider these questions as you develop a plan: What are you doing offline as a part of your current campaign? What topics are trending in your market? Have you noticed what is piquing your customers’ interest?

Organize your social media activities in a simple editorial calendar. Plan exactly what you will post or blog about each week is an effective way to keep your social media activity on track.

Wouldn’t you rather have your social media efforts pay off instead of consistently wondering why you’re even on social media? Creating a uniform strategic marketing plan, both offline and online, will deliver better results in the short-term and long-term.

Published on: July 19, 2013