40% of people say they socialize more often online than face-to-face. This ever-evolving dependence on the digital world sets up businesses for success in all realms – both through search and social and in terms of how online customers translate offline.
Social media, in particular, reaches an impressive magnitude of consumers. In fact, as technology continues to advance, ignoring social networking isn’t an option for businesses who want to succeed – or even survive. A presence is necessary not only in the form of a basic Google profile, but also on Facebook, Twitter and more.
In a Social Media Marketing Industry Report, 83% of marketers said that social media is important to their business. The top benefits reported from utilizing networks include: business exposure, an increase in traffic and market insight.
It was reported that niche targeting and measurement (ROI) were two of the major focuses in which to improve moving forward. Video-based social media marketing is increasingly important as well – meaning YouTube will give Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest a run for their top spots.
Time invested in social media does not have to be extraordinary. 74% of brand marketers saw an increase in website traffic after investing just 6 hours per week on social networks. To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of goals in which to aim for in managing social media content.
- Communicate your message – Work with team members to create a company voice and mission statement; this is how you will present your brand across networks.
- Organize a content schedule – A basic weekly outline is beneficial in identifying relevant topics and images for your business. This should include trending, timely information and responses.
- Engage CURRENT fans, followers, customers, etc. – Build loyalty with those already interested, and they will share your content, raising awareness and bringing in new potential leads. Posts should be consistent in timing but varied in content.
- Target posts accordingly – Different audiences require different messages. Each network presents the power to reach a new target group, and it can be further broken down by niche interests and industries. (Facebook groups, location-targeting, Google+ circles and communities, etc.)
- Invest in available resources – Cross-promotion allows you to promote your own site content on social networks, for example. There are many tools on the web that help make it easier to schedule and measure content posted.
- Keep an eye on your competition – Social media presents an invaluable opportunity to check out what others like you are doing. This gives insight into customer interests as well – why are competitors attracting more? What are they not doing that you can take advantage of?
For further insight into social media marketing, contact us today.
Source: http://smallbusiness.yahoo.com/advisor/tips-more-successful-social-media-marketing-strategy-133051411.html
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