SOCIAL MEDIA
Instagram, TikTok, SnapChat … who can keep up these days? It’s hard enough to understand what’s trendy, much less where you should focus your social media marketing efforts.
Don’t know where to start? Or, have you started but are frustrated with the constant changes? That’s where Social Light can help.
We actually got our start in social media strategy 2009. After more than a decade working with small businesses on social media, we know every brand is unique, but everyone needs a plan.
Here are some of the things we’ll discuss when we’re talking about your social media opportunities:
GOALS &
RESOURCES
What are your social media goals?
Sure, everyone wants more likes and followers, but how does that tie in to your overall marketing and business goals?
A more useful goal would be to stay top of mind with existing contacts. Or perhaps you want to use social media to get some exposure that will help you grow your email list. Super.
We can work with an array of different goals, but a huge part of your social media strategy is identifying the goals you have, and the resources (time, money, content) you have available to meet them.
CONTENT
STRATEGY
The problem many small business owners face is that they want to post about things they care about, which may not actually be the things their audience cares about.
As an example, we see a lot of businesses post about awards that win, contracts they’re working on, and other things to toot their own horns.
That’s not a problem – in fact things like this can help you establish credibility. However, a little goes a long way.
If you want people to follow you, there needs to be something in it for them. Maybe that’s style tips they can use, discounts they can take advantage of, or heck – even pictures they love.
Building a content strategy needs to be a balance to help you obtain your goals, while giving people a reason to follow- and interact with your posts.
SOCIAL MEDIA
CHANNEL SELECTION
We’ve had small business owners tell us, “Every one tells me that I need to be on Instagram, but I really hate it.”
Then there’s a pause, when they expect us to jump in and tell them all the reasons they absolutely must be on Instagram.
Except that doesn’t happen.
If you really hate Instagram, it’s going to show. You’ll likely only post sporadically and your content will be lackluster when you do.
The truth is there’s no one-size fits all approach to social media. Some businesses have great success with Instagram, while others find LinkedIn offers a better ROI.
At Social Light, or goal is to help you hone your strategy by picking platforms that will work for you, and your audience.
“Professionalism and competence on steroids.”
-Steve Kraner
ADVERTISING
Some social channels (cough Facebook) have turned into a pay to play medium. This means that unless you’re planning to put some serious bucks behind your social posts, you may struggle to grow.
While not every platform is as restrictive, they all have advertising options to help grow your audience, and target the people most likely to get excited about your offering.
At Social Light, we’re big fans of running highly targeted campaigns to help get your brand in front of the right people.
TO DIY OR
OUTSOURCE?
The truth about social media is that it’s a noisy place, and the best way to stand out is to have an authentic presence.
Many small business owner express a desire to manage their own social media accounts so that their unique voice can be heard. We think that’s great, but we know those same business owners often need a little guidance to achieve their goals.
Other business owners come to us wanting to show up on social media, but don’t have the time or interest to come up with things to post.
Whatever, your personal approach, we’re happy to work with you to fill in the gaps you need.
ADVERTISING
Some social channels (cough Facebook ) have turned into a pay to play medium. This means that unless you’re planning to put some serious bucks behind your social posts, you may struggle to grow.
While not every platform is as restrictive, they all have advertising options to help grow your audience, and target the people most likely to get excited about your offering.
At Social Light, we’re big fans of running highly targeted campaigns to help get your brand in front of the right people.
TO DIY OR
OUTSOURCE?
The truth about social media is that it’s a noisy place, and the best way to stand out is to have an authentic presence.
Many small business owner express a desire to manage their own social media accounts so that their unique voice can be heard. We think that’s great, but we know those same business owners often need a little guidance to achieve their goals.
Other business owners come to us wanting to show up on social media, but don’t have the time or interest to come up with things to post.
Whatever, your personal approach, we’re happy to work with you to fill in the gaps you need.
CRISIS MANAGEMENT,
CUSTOMER SERVICE, EMPLOYEE
POLICIES & COMPLIANCE
Different businesses deal with different things when it comes to social media. Some things you can anticipate, while others have a tendency to sneak up on you.
A full social media strategy will cover how to:
- talk to your employees about getting everyone on the same page around social media
- move a customer service complaint offline
- prepare for a crisis, including the chain of command that needs to be followed
- address any laws or regulatory compliance in your industry
Surprised at some of the things on the list? While not everything may be applicable to your business, at Social Light we take a comprehensive look at social media marketing and ensure it doesn’t operate in a silo. We’ll give you some tips on integrating social media into your website and email marketing; in fact we’d love to have a discussion about your overall digital strategy.
Schedule your free social media consultation today.