There is a lot that can go into a social media strategy, but if you are just getting started, then you just need to start. Jump in and figure it out.
I’m giving you a simplified way to create your own social media strategy:
Step 1: Establish Your Username For ALL platforms
You will not necessarily use all platforms, but you do want to try to have the same username across all social media networks. It’s good to go ahead and claim your username on all platforms you might use in the future.
Choose a username as close to your URL or business name as possible. You can use a variation on your name + your business name if your business name is not available. Or if your business name is your name and that is taken, try using your name + title variations.
You want to avoid using numbers unless they relate to your business.
Step 2: Pick 1 to 2 Social Media Networks To Start With
The networks you start with should depend on where your target audience is hanging out.
I hear you; you might not know that yet. But you have to start somewhere.
Here is what to do:
Pick 5 competitors/peers in the same business as you to see what networks they are active on and seem to get a lot of engagement using.
AND/OR
Check out what brands you know your ideal client/audience is drawn to and see what they are doing on social media.
Start with the network that your audience seems active on.
Step 3: Set Up Your Profile
This is going to vary platform to platform but do make sure you go through and cross all your T’s and dot your I’s (i.e. fill-in as many sections as possible).
Utilize the same profile picture across all platforms, and I do recommend if you have a picture of you on your website already, use that one.
Make sure your bio clearly states what your business does and includes a call to action (i.e. visit my website, sign-up for my newsletter, etc.). You don’t want someone to visit your profile and not know what you do as a business (which I do visit profiles like that on the regular).
Step 4: Establish Your Frequency
Establish a schedule of how often you will post on each platform.
How many times per day or week will depend on the platform.
Step 5: Know Your Content Mix
Determine the ratio of your content, promotions, curated content, and other posts that will make up the above schedule.
You can read an in-depth layout of that process in this blog post.
Step 6: Pick Your Topic Focus Areas
Decide what areas of expertise/what topics you want to display as part of your strategy. Take the above content mix categories and then break down your major topic/expertise areas for each category. Try to focus on what you are an expert in, what you are trying to sale, and what topics are relevant to your industry and audience.
Step 7: Promote Your Presence
Link your active social media profiles within your website, within other social media networks, in your newsletters, and email signature.
Step 8: Establish A Social Media Process
Once you have established how often and what you will be sharing then it’s time to get that process started.
You can read all about how I handle my social media strategy here.
Step 9: Block Off Time For Engagement
Most networks you can’t just schedule it and forget it. You need to be interacting with others. This means when people comment you comment back BUT also reaching out to others in your industry/your audience following and commenting on their posts as well.
Grab this workbook to help you get a plan started for your social media!
The best way to have a successful social media strategy is to be consistent, have a routine, engage, engage, engage and adjust your strategy as you better understand your ideal client/audience and what your audience reacts to.
My Words Of Warning Wisdom
Don’t post only to get followers/likes if those kinds of post are only for attention and not focused on attracting your ideal client.
Quality over quantity and more is not always better. Experiment with frequency and timing to see what fits your audience.
When looking for advice on social media CHECK THE DATE! Social media platforms change constantly do not follow advice that is outdated. Especially tips on beating algorithms.
OK, go get started spreading the word about your business!!
