This January, 2012, I am creating not only annual goals, but life goals. I got this idea from business blogger and Chairman of Thomas Nelson Publishers, Michael Hyatt. (You should read his blog. It’s good stuff. )
But something amuses me as I work through my life goals. I wonder why so many small businesses don't seem to have clearly-defined social media goals. Let’s take Facebook for example. How many times have you “liked” a Facebook fan page only to see 10 or more enthusiastic posts for the first week – mostly promotional and sales-related – and then a slow winding down to maybe a post per month?
But it's easy to let happen. And it likely has lot to do with the demands of managing a business offline. It’s a lot to handle. However, an effective social media plan is not difficult. It mainly demands some serious thought and, above all else, the passionate man/woman power needed to keep social networking consistent. *
What does an effective social media plan look like?
If you find your updates and fan interaction on your Facebook page getting more and more sparse as time lingers on, consider taking time out to hash out your social media plan for the year. An effective social media plan aligns closely with your mission statement. Your goals should not only be sales-related but they should be relationship-building. The three most general goals I recommend for clients are 1) keep your content shareable, 2) keep your content balanced, and 3) keep your content consistent.
How to implement a social media plan.
1. Brainstorm. Study your mission statement and make a list of supporting share-worthy and relationship-building content categories. Rotating content categories are what keeps your page balanced and more inviting to your fans. (Nobody really wants a one-sided relationship and that's exactly what sales-only updates are). Categories I recommend range from amusing and insightful quotations, trivia, special promotions, free wallpaper/printables to outside news stories related to your industry.
2. Prepare a category schedule for each day of the week. Plan for at least three to five posts a week for Facebook and -- at the very least -- daily tweets for Twitter. Try to alliterate if at all possible. For example, have Trivia Tuesday, or Freebie Friday. (This generates anticipation which generates brand excitement. This is what “viral” is made of. )
3. Write as many of your first month’s posts as you can in advance. It sounds cliché, but a strong head start really does pave the way for future success.
4. Be consistent. If the idea of checking into Facebook or Twitter multiple times daily is a daunting one, use scheduling tools like HootSuite or TweetDeck to post all in advance. (Just to be sure to check in to interact and respond with fans on a daily basis or your relationship-building efforts will be futile.)
* Outsourcing social media marketing and management is one of the least expensive ways small businesses can ensure a continual social media presence. Email Kristen@zoetical.com to find out how you can have continual online presence at an affordable rate.
But something amuses me as I work through my life goals. I wonder why so many small businesses don't seem to have clearly-defined social media goals. Let’s take Facebook for example. How many times have you “liked” a Facebook fan page only to see 10 or more enthusiastic posts for the first week – mostly promotional and sales-related – and then a slow winding down to maybe a post per month?
But it's easy to let happen. And it likely has lot to do with the demands of managing a business offline. It’s a lot to handle. However, an effective social media plan is not difficult. It mainly demands some serious thought and, above all else, the passionate man/woman power needed to keep social networking consistent. *
What does an effective social media plan look like?
If you find your updates and fan interaction on your Facebook page getting more and more sparse as time lingers on, consider taking time out to hash out your social media plan for the year. An effective social media plan aligns closely with your mission statement. Your goals should not only be sales-related but they should be relationship-building. The three most general goals I recommend for clients are 1) keep your content shareable, 2) keep your content balanced, and 3) keep your content consistent.
How to implement a social media plan.
1. Brainstorm. Study your mission statement and make a list of supporting share-worthy and relationship-building content categories. Rotating content categories are what keeps your page balanced and more inviting to your fans. (Nobody really wants a one-sided relationship and that's exactly what sales-only updates are). Categories I recommend range from amusing and insightful quotations, trivia, special promotions, free wallpaper/printables to outside news stories related to your industry.
2. Prepare a category schedule for each day of the week. Plan for at least three to five posts a week for Facebook and -- at the very least -- daily tweets for Twitter. Try to alliterate if at all possible. For example, have Trivia Tuesday, or Freebie Friday. (This generates anticipation which generates brand excitement. This is what “viral” is made of. )
3. Write as many of your first month’s posts as you can in advance. It sounds cliché, but a strong head start really does pave the way for future success.
4. Be consistent. If the idea of checking into Facebook or Twitter multiple times daily is a daunting one, use scheduling tools like HootSuite or TweetDeck to post all in advance. (Just to be sure to check in to interact and respond with fans on a daily basis or your relationship-building efforts will be futile.)
* Outsourcing social media marketing and management is one of the least expensive ways small businesses can ensure a continual social media presence. Email Kristen@zoetical.com to find out how you can have continual online presence at an affordable rate.
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