Most businesses know that Social Media Marketing (SMM) would be to their great advantage, but many need guidance as to how exactly to implement a SMM strategy. Social media agencies can help; each have a set of guidelines and will cater to your particular business’ needs. There are a few simple rules everyone should remember when engaging in social media on any level.
Know Your Audience
Who you are marketing to will play a huge role in how you market to them. Know who your business is likely to cater to, and find out how they are already using social media. Then…
Join the Conversation
Participation in online communities should be genuine. Never try to promote yourself or your business before building relationships. Your communication to potential customers should help them solve problems, not just have your brand pushed on them.
Think Outside the Box
Simply joining the most popular social networks (Facebook, for one) will not guarantee you genuine engagement with consumers or other businesses. Consider all the internet has to offer; don’t just sign up for a Facebook account and think you have this social media thing under control. Again, an online marketing or social media agency may be able to help you explore all your options.
Earn Your Reputation
Be helpful and relevant, and you will earn a good reputation. Join the community only to lurk or shamelessly self-promote, and you will earn for yourself a bad reputation. Choose wisely; the community is there for the benefit of everyone involved and trying to manipulate feedback will only make your company look bad.
Find Success
This last step is described in Matt Ambrose’s recent article. Ambrose believes that any feedback received, “even criticism, can be harnessed to improve product design and find out which areas your services are lacking.” This will result in a better product from your team, which in turn will “receive better reviews” and “be easier to sell.” This will lead to customers advocating for your brand.
How do you implement these guidelines? How can you better use them in the future for greater success in SMM?
