Thanks to the surging popularity of websites like Twitter and Facebook, companies have started devoting bigger and bigger chunks of their budgets to social media marketing. But, just like any other promotional strategy, you need a solid plan if you want to be successful.
So, how do you create a social media marketing plan that helps boost your web traffic and your sales?
1. Figure out who you’re targeting
Most people spend time on some sort of social media site, but those sites can differ from group to group. For example, if you’re targeting college kids, you’re much more likely to find them on Facebook than LinkedIn. But if you’re targeting older professionals, LinkedIn or Twitter might be more useful for your efforts.
Whether you focus on one site or a variety of sites, you need to find the right sites to appeal to your target audience. Otherwise, your message won’t get seen by the right people.
2. See what the competition is doing
As popular as social media is, many companies haven’t gotten to it yet. Beating the competition to a particular platform automatically makes you the leader of the pack. If, for example, you discover that Twitter is a great site for reaching your target audience – and none of your competitors are Tweeting yet – go full-speed ahead so that you can be the first ones on the site. That way, everyone else has to play catch up.
3. Be prepared to wait
Social media doesn’t necessarily work overnight. Sure, you can see some fast successes here and there, but a solid social media marketing strategy is one that’s catered to the long haul. After all, it can take time to develop your personality and show people the “real you”, instead of just offering more corporate speak.
However, in the meantime, focus on creating compelling content – whether it’s links, pictures, videos, or status updates. On the social media sites, interesting stuff can go viral in the blink of an eye. Even one viral video can give you a major boost in traffic!
4. Keep tabs on your progress – and be prepared to make tweaks
Social media strategies aren’t always perfect right off the bat. But by keeping tabs on your progress, you can make changes to that your strategy becomes perfect.
By using Google Analytics or a similar program, you can see exactly where your traffic is coming from. If, for example, you’re getting a lot of clicks from the videos you’re posting on Facebook – but getting very few clicks from the pictures you’re posting on Facebook – focus more of your efforts on videos. After all, it’s in your best interest to give your target audience exactly what it wants!
Kirsty LaVier is editor for Shopping Cart Reviews, the leading site dedicated to helping you find the Best Shopping Cart Software.
