The new year is creeping up on us, fast. It is time to start strategizing your business plan, and part of that business plan should include a social media plan as well. Here are just a few ideas to get you thinking about a social media plan.
You have all the Social Media Accounts - Now What?
You probably have several social media accounts. You may even use a few of them. But at some point, you signed up for some accounts that you don’t use, don’t know how to use, don’t care to use, or don’t really match your business model.
Pinterest isn’t for everyone. Instagram isn’t for everyone. LinkedIn isn’t for everyone. Facebook isn’t for everyone.
Choose three social media networks that you can and will use. Link the accounts together or use a dashboard to help you keep track of them. Be really honest about what you can handle, who your demographic is, and what the purpose of having the account is. Having a Facebook just to have a Facebook doesn’t help your bottom line. If your demographic is very engaged in Facebook, then maybe you should be too.
If you are not going to use a particular account well and use it consistently, let it go. (Hint: Consider keeping Google+ Business though. Even if you don’t use it, Google will recognize it, and it will boost your company’s SEO in Google ranking. Nice play, Google.)
I Have to Spend Money on Facebook?
It depends on your business and your demographic. But, yes. You may want to consider it. Facebook ads and promotions engage and increase your audience. Your business plan for 2014 should include a marketing budget, and some of that money should be designated to social media marketing. Social media marketing allows you to target your desired market, track social campaign performance, and adjust your ad spending immediately.
More Key Questions to Ask Yourself
Social media is the new frontier in marketing and small businesses need to consider the following before launching a social media campaign.
- What is my goal in having a social media presence?
- Who is going to maintain my social media?
- What is my overall message, and how is that going to be consistently conveyed on social media?
- How do I plan to measure the success of my social media marketing efforts?
It is vital for businesses to have a social media strategy. If your business doesn’t have one, get one. It is no longer elective for businesses to opt out of social media. You have a social media presence …even if you don’t have one. Clients may be looking for you. And if they can’t find you, they will go to your competitor. Remain at the forefront of your clients’ minds and harness the power of social media.
PHOTO + VIDEO can keep you social media interesting.
Miceli Productions can help you with that.
Got a project in mind? Give us a call, (203) 936-7761.