With many different social media platforms popping up constantly, it has become increasingly difficult to keep up with them all. Each platform attracts its own demographic audience and serves in different ways. Which is exactly why you need to be strategic about your time invested into certain platforms. For instance by following a social media marketing plan you can boost your results and track your marketing efforts effectively. In fact by doing so, you are able to be targeted, intentional and strategic with your online marketing. In contrast to being irrelevant with targeting, sporadic with content, and ineffective with your overall efforts.
Simply put by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry:
“A goal without a plan is just a wish.”
If you wish to have success on social media you need to have a social media marketing plan and strategy.
Learn how to create your social media marketing strategy with an NZIE industry expert in our 7 week short course.
What is the importance of social media marketing?
Social media plays an important role in the grand scheme of your overall marketing efforts. Even moreso in our increasingly digitally connected world. Of course the obvious social media usage stats are at an all-time high due to covid-19. Therefore it makes sense that having a brand presence on social media should be prioritised and leveraged accordingly. Furthermore social platforms give brands a voice and a way to communicate with the humans of the digital world. Namely customers, potential clients, co-workers, family and friends. In addition it also provides businesses with a platform to share their message in a conversational manner. In contrast to interruptive ads and inconvenient pop ups.
5 benefits of utilising social media for business
Brand Awareness
Social media is a great way to build brand awareness, showcase your business/brand and educate your audience. Furthermore other social media users can connect and converse with you on a platform they hang out on often. Unfortunately online business is not a matter of “build it and they will come”. Hence you needing to go to them online on social media first. In the end they may come to you, if they like what they see.
Increase your customer base
As mentioned earlier each social platform attracts its own unique demographic audience. Therefore if your target customers are teenagers they mostly hang out on platforms like Snapchat. In fact, 90% of the 13-24 year old population (in U.S, U.K, AU, France, Netherlands) are Snapchat users. On the contrary, if you want to connect with B2B working professionals LinkedIn is a great platform to target. Equally important if you’re not on the right social channels you can bet your competitors are.
Increase repeat business and purchases
There is potential for repeat business by connecting with current or past customers. For example you can nurture these customers with engaging content and stay top of mind with them. By showing up and hanging out where they hang out online, you can be their instant go-to. Specifically if they are looking for products or services that your business offers. Truly it’s all about ‘who’ you know. However, with social media making it easier to connect with people/brands it’s also about who you ‘engage with’ virtually too.
Improve your online reputation
Show a humanised touch and approach with your social media marketing. As a result you can improve the way an audience typically views your brand. For example infuse your brand personality into your social media posts, or showcase the character and culture of your business. Furthermore by doing so you can change the perception of your brand and boost your online reputation. In addition this is a great way to attract those who align with your business values, personality and culture too.
Increase website traffic
Sharing website content on social media (in a strategic and engaging way) is a good start for acquiring web traffic. Additionally you need to have a point and purpose for your social media marketing efforts. For instance if you’re trying gain more clients write blogs that answer their pain points then share to social media. As a result if they like what they read on social media then they will click through to your website. Furthermore if you have an optimised website your chances of capturing leads to convert to clients will be high too.
Need help with optimising your website for search engines and user experience? Check out our Search Engine Optimisation short course.
How to come up with a social media marketing strategy
Putting together a social media marketing strategy includes outlining your platform goals and linking them to your overall business strategy. And like the quote mentioned earlier “A goal without a plan is just a wish.” So if you want to put those goals and wishes into action then create your social media marketing strategy pronto!
If you’re feeling unsure of where to start and how to come up with a winning strategy, we can help! Consider joining the next intake our of Social media Marketing short course. As a result you will gain a clear understanding of which platforms your business will benefit from the most. Additionally you’ll grasp how to implement strategies that meet your overarching business goals. More importantly you’ll walk away with an actionable strategy that you can implement straight away!
We have a great team of leading industry experts that are delivering this Social Media Marketing course. If you’d like help co-creating your social strategy get in touch below or visit our webpage for full details here.
