When individuals begin using social media, it’s typically for personal reasons. Sharing fun photos with friends or adorable family pictures has always been popular. However, those who transition to using social media for business may struggle with the distinction between posting for the sake of posting, as they did on their personal pages, and posting to achieve marketing objectives. There is a difference, and that difference causes different results.
I am sure you already know by now that having a social media presence with fresh, engaging content that reaches your target audience is important. That is not how we all start out, though. Looking back on my previous professional posts on social media makes me realize there are many things I would do differently if I could go back.
Social Media Platform Differences
When social media platforms were first developed, many people failed to understand that they function differently from one another. This resulted in the need to post content that is tailored to each platform’s unique characteristics. It’s important to learn the unique purposes of these platforms to create appropriate content tailored to each platform.
Call To Action
There is power in having an effective call to action in your post. If you are trying to promote something, sharing information for the sake of sharing information is not going to get you anywhere. By implementing an effective call to action, you can motivate your audience to take the desired action. Depending on your marketing goals, this may be to generate leads, purchase products, or build a larger following.
Mentions
Networking is important to companies and anyone wanting to grow their business. Promoting or thanking a partner on social media can increase exposure and engagement. This can also lead to mutual resharing and increased visibility. Interactions on these posts can also boost their performance and push them to the top of users’ feeds.
Hashtags
I failed to understand the power of hashtags when I started. Hashtags make your social media posts more discoverable and can pull your brand into trending topics as soon as you publish them. I wish I had understood how to use them effectively in my original posts.
Content Strategy
Developing a comprehensive content strategy for each social media platform is the key to successful social media management. Creating engaging, informative, and visually appealing content is the backbone of every successful social media strategy. A well-thought-out content strategy also considers your brand’s objectives, target audience, and the type of content that resonates with them. It should also consider the best posting frequency, timing, and platforms to use for optimal engagement. Without a solid content plan, it’s challenging to post, attract likes and shares, or analyze the performance of your social media presence.
Having an overall content strategy is the most important thing I have learned after reviewing my old posts. Posts on social media should consist of creative content that engages your audience and calls them to action. It’s not posting for the sake of posting. By having an effective social media strategy in place, you can ensure that your social media presence is consistent and relevant and adds value to your audience. It also helps you to stand out amidst the clutter of social media noise and increases the likelihood of your content being shared, liked, and commented on. Ultimately, a solid content strategy is the foundation of a successful social media marketing campaign.
Melanie DuBose 