Monday, May 21, 2012

#163 - Combining the Ingredients of a Perfect Social Media Plan


           As with all effective marketing planning, the best use of social media must start with a solid plan. Ask yourself exactly why you want to harness the power of social media for your particular business, client or organization. That's always your first step. 
    A social media campaign requires a set of broad goals, several specific and measurable objectives (that will allow you to reach the goals) and at least one specific strategy for achieving each objective. To be truly worthwhile, the plan also needs an analysis of the marketplace and a clear picture of where the company/brand started from - its strengths, weaknesses, current threats and opportunities - and where it’s going.

Put it all on paper
      Once the plan begins taking shape, choose the right tool for the right job.  For generating leads, you may find Twitter is a good tool for you.  For engaging with your current and prospective customers, Facebook has proven itself effective for a broad range of businesses.  If you're a business-to-business marketer, LinkedIn is likely to offer you some solutions. 

Think of your blog or website
as the central hub of the business
      See all the other social media networks - Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Pinterest, InstaGram, Flickr, SlideShare (the list goes on) as conduits, each one in combination leading to your success. 

         Facebook is like the conversation you used to have with a customer across a counter.  It's personal.  Twitter is the newspaper delivery boy riding his bike all through your neighborhood disseminating details, links and pertinent news.  LinkedIn is like the local Chamber of Commerce (only online) and it's a great place for professional networking or seeking/finding talent.

          Obviously, I could go on here but suffice to say that first you plan, then you choose the right tools/networks, and then you implement your plan. That's strategy and it works when you use the right tools of social networking wisely and as they are intended to be used.

© 5-14-12

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