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social media planning

You want to do it. You know you have to do it. But you’re not sure HOW TO DO IT.

While there are dozens and dozens of ways to approach social media, there are at least 5 basic “do’s that you need to know BEFORE you jump in.

    1. Listen. You wouldn’t jump into a conversation without listening first, would you? The same rule applies in a virtual environment. Before you even start engaging online: Listen. Peak inside the windows of influencers in your industry. Follow their conversations. Learn what they are talking about. Adhering to a “listen-first” approach with social media will give you insight into how to engage with your customers.
    1. Develop a Plan. Before you “do it,” create a strategy for your social media efforts. What are you trying to accomplish? Do you want to drive more traffic to your website? Increase sales? Build brand awareness? And then: How are you going to accomplish your goals? What’s social media tactics will you use? A Facebook page? Youtube channel? Ah, and then this: How will you measure the impact of your efforts? A hint: The strategy you create will tell you what you should be measuringYou can see how the “strategy” must come first, right? If you don’t have a social media plan, and don’t know where to start to build one, find someone who does. Hire a coach to help you set objectives for your social media right from the start.
    1. Be Real. Don’t try to be something you’re not. Be authentic. Share. Social media demands honesty and transparency. Don’t be afraid to share information about yourself, your likes and dislikes—even your weekend adventures (keep it clean, of course!). Social networks are human networks. Real people looking for real connections.
    1. Engage. If you start cultivating your social media presence, don’t just throw up a Facebook page and sign up for Twitter—updating it once a day – and expect build a strong community. If you’re in it, you’re in it. This is not the time to dip your toes in the shallow end to test the waters…dive in…get your hair wet…venture into the deep end. If you don’t start being part of the conversation, you can bet that your competitors will (and are.)
  1. Have fun. Social media networking is supposed to be fun. And this is even more important when you’re using it as part of your marketing efforts. Fun is memorable. Boring is forgettable. Do you want to hang out with boring friends? So, have fun. Post something funny. Let your hair down. Be memorable.

Now that you have the top 5 DO’s…just do it!

Have questions about how your company can get started with social media? Send me a note.

You can also follow me on Twitter or Like me on Facebook!

You never know what tidbit of information I might share that will help you reach that next level in your social media plan.