Ah, December! It seems like every third article or blog post you see is a “best of.” I actually look forward to this and read each one. Then I evaluate what has worked for me and what I need to try in 2017. You should see this as an opportunity to evaluate and revamp your social media marketing plan. So, I thought I would share some of my favorites from leaders in the content marketing space. Enjoy.
“Maximize Twitter Real Estate With Images.” Guy Kawasaki (@GuyKawasaki)
If you are not using images with social media posts, you are missing out on a lot of targeted audience. And it’s not just Twitter. Facebook reports, “Marketers can generate up to 100 percent more engagement through image-based posts (rather than text-based).”
“Switch Up Content Formats” Syed Balkhi @syedbalkhi
Are you only posting your content in one format? If you aren’t repurposing it and reposting in multiple formats, it won’t deliver maximum results. One piece of content can be a blog post, a Youtube video, a slide show and an image based post. Think of creative ways to repurpose and reuse all your content.
“Your social media plan should consist of mini-plans for each social media channel you expect to be active on.” Sprout Social
This tactic takes your content marketing plan and breaks it down for each social platform you use. Since each platform has its own rules and best practices, you need a separate plan for each. This will enable you to reach more potential customers.
“Post Consistently” Sprout Social
This is one of my favorites. If you follow me, you know I endorse it frequently! Unfortunately this is one that new entrepreneurs often miss. The benefits are: encourage interaction with your audience, increase your reach, increase your credibility and establish your reputation. If you want to learn more, visit my blog.
“Own something amazing and build an audience on that platform. Then (and only then) should you diversify to other platforms.” Joe Pulizzi (@JoePulizzi)
New entrepreneurs, or those just starting in the social media world, often think they have to be on ALL the platforms. This usually results in hit and miss marketing in most of them. Before you jump on the social media roller coaster, do some research to find out where the majority of your audience is and which platform fits your needs. Start there and develop it to a diamond then, and only then, move on to the next platform.
“The more relevant your content and your tweets, the more likely you are to get in front of your target audience, and the more successful you’ll be.” Mike Allton, (@mike_allton)
The days of producing content en mass are long past. Today, you must produce quality content that is relevant to your target audience. People have an unlimited amount of information at their fingertips 24 hours a day. They are discerning and will not waste time on poor quality content.
“Know when to outsource your social media management.” Hootsuite Blog
Turning over the “keys to the kingdom” and outsourcing your social media can be concerning, and even stressful. However, you can become so involved in promoting your business that you don’t have time for the primary function of it. For example, if you are a business coach, you can find yourself with no time to actually coach because you are always maintaining your social platforms. Outsourcing is the answer. But before you turn the kingdom over to just anyone, do your research so you will be getting a professional social media manager. This blog post will help you get started. If you’re unsure how to start implementing images in your posts, you can outsource this task.
This is a round-up of my favorites, so far. As I read more, as yet, unpublished, this list will probably lengthen. I will update you here on my blog. What are your “best of” social media tips? Let me know in the comments.
