Most businesses recognize they should be using social media, but the trouble is very few businesses actually understand how to create effective social media communications for their business. It takes more than just a post to engage users and build social media traffic. So here are three tips to create an effective social media plan.
#1 You Need to be Real
Personal and professional branding is important and it should be based on authenticity. Your virtual brand promoted through social media and your real world brand need to match. The Web makes it harder to build the emotional connections that people like. So you need to be very clear in your communications to ensure that your message, with the focus you want, is understood. You also need to make sure there are no misunderstandings in the ‘tone’ of your message.
Sharing a bit of personal information periodically helps promote a connection between you and your prospects. It could be something as simple as sharing your love of gardening, gourmet cooking, or traveling to see the grandkids. Anything that helps people connect with you on a personal level will work.
You can also make it more personal by including your head shot in your profile. Let people see who the real you is and connect with that person.
#2 You Need to be Focused
The Internet with more than 4 billion pages and hundreds of different social media tools that you can use is vast. It’s impossible to try to make yourself visible everywhere. Actually, there is no need to do so. While I see some advancement in platforms like Google+ and Pinterest, trying to keep abreast of all the technology can be daunting. For the best business results, I suggest keeping with the more established platforms for business like LinkedIn, LinkedIn Groups, Twitter, and Facebook business pages. As you become more experienced with these sites, add in Google+ and YouTube as the next most focused sites for business traffic.
Most importantly, focus on who your market is and target those sites and that traffic. Find the top blogs in your niche; know which social media communities are favored in your niche; and create contact points so people can find you. By staying focused your energy is best placed where you can benefit the most.
#3 You Need to be Consistent
Whether it’s Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Google+, YouTube or other social media sites, you need to be consistent to build recognition and to make your brand memorable. Strong brands are always “out there,” and that’s exactly what you need to do. By using the same platform, look, and style, across the board, you’ll build that recognition.
When deciding on how often you will post and promote on social media, don’t overwhelm yourself and start by posting something every day. Setup a plan that is reasonable; something you can maintain or have someone maintain for you. You can quickly lose credibility by announcing your weekly blog only to end up posting only once a month. Be reasonable and be consistent for the best results.
There you have it – three simple ways to make the most out of social media for your business.
The Language Lab Guest Blogger: Jeannine Clontz, IVAA CVA, MVA, EthicsChecked™, provides marketing and social media solutions to busy entrepreneurs. For information about finding a VA, download her FREE 10-Step Guide to Finding the Right VA, or to learn why Social Media should be an important part of your marketing plan with her FREE Report, Social Media Marketing Benefits, visit: http://www.internetmarketingvirtualassistant.net, or contact her at info@internetmarketingvirtualassistant.net