Ah, social media. It’s everybody’s favorite way to interact with others around the world and to market their products and services. Some people reach the elevated status of “Social Media Darling,” while others are posting day in and day out without any nibbles whatsoever. This may have led you to ask yourself, “Is your social media plan working for you?”
What’s the difference between the Darling and the Wannabe? Most importantly, the differences are in their social media planning and their ability to develop relationships. Even if we’re talking about selling the exact same product, how the Wannabe approaches the opportunity is often quite different than how the Darling approaches it.
Let’s break it down more:
The “Social Media Darling”
- The Social Media Darling cares about other people.
- She interacts with people every single day on social media by answering questions and replying to comments both on her own posts but also on other posts in her feed.
- She shares snippets of her life instead of bombarding her followers with product pitches.
- The Darling also knows, through trial and error, which platforms give her the most engaged audiences, and this is where she spends her time.
The “Wannabe”
- The Wannabe also cares about people but she’s posting product photos on every single social media platform available, desperate to make a sale.
- She figures that people don’t buy the first time they hear about her product, so she continues to post about the product.
- She doesn’t notice when people leave comments or doesn’t know how to respond back.
- She comments on only a select few posts and is spread too thin across all the different platforms.
How to Get Your Social Media Plan Working for You
The beauty of owning your own business is the ability to do what you want. There aren’t any hard and fast rules about which social media platforms you should use so approach this methodically. If you’re posting random photos on Instagram and get a few likes here and there, is it really worth your time? If you post an article once a month on LinkedIn but have an inbox filled with unanswered invitations to network, should you continue to use this platform?
1. Determine where your target market hangs out and learn how to use that platform.
- If you’re aiming to attract professional clients, then LinkedIn might be your ticket.
- If you’re looking for other solopreneurs or small business owners, check out Facebook.
- Can’t fit your thoughts into 144 characters? Then drop Twitter instead of stressing about it.
- Looking to reach the younger generation then check out TikTok.
- Looking to connect with other professionals and establish your position of authority in your industry? Check out Clubhouse.
The point here is not to be everywhere
but to be in the right place to reach your target market!
2. Remember to be social.
You’re much more than your business so show that to your followers. Yes, share about your business because that’s your passion and a part of your life but share about your other passions. Trips and travels; favorite hobbies; favorite sports teams; favorite movies or television shows. Let people get to know the whole you, not just the business you.
Remember: Social Media is meant to be social!
You will have time to do this if you focus on the two most common platforms
that your target market is on.
3. Social media is just one component of your marketing plan.
Your most effective marketing will happen when you integrate your social media marketing plan with other ways to market your business. Your website should be the foundation of your marketing strategy. The reason is this: this is your “real estate.” You have control over the content, who sees it and when they see it. Social media platforms are driven by someone else, and they determine who will see your content, and if your content is relevant.
What are some other ways to market your business? Again, this will go back to knowing where your target market hangs out but consider these:
- Join organizations that will allow you to network with your target market and become known for who you are or what you do. These could be professional organizations, schools, clubs, church or industry.
- Create marketing pieces that serve as your “silent salesperson” in describing your business and its products or services. Make sure these target the “pain in the marketplace” for your target market. What problem do they have that you have a solution for?
- Consider how they prefer to be reached and how you are most comfortable delivering your message. Is it written or verbal? Do they prefer to be “taught” or entertained by what you have to offer?
Need More Help? Check out our handy Social Media Planner.
So many of us can feel stymied by the whole process. Re-examining your social media strategy and discovering what works for you is the first step to get the social media working for you.
If you serious about having a social media plan that works for you and grows your business,
let’s get started.
For help with your marketing or any other part of your business please contact us.
rhondaloweconsulting@gmail.com