Keeping It Socially Simple – Archer Designs
Archer Designs Business Development Manager Charlie discusses some tips for keeping it socially simple and how to implement the strategy.
The sad truth is, if you don’t speak up in today’s world, you become easy to ignore. When it comes to social media in business, our company is a huge K.I.S.S. fan. Keeping It Socially Simple.
Social media is a great asset when used properly. Who doesn’t like to connect with an appreciative audience. However, for many businesses, maintaining a social strategy is a great source of stress.
Take a deep breath. Keep it simple. And dive in.
First, you don’t really have to use every social media channel available in order to maintain a solid presence. What’s important is that you strive to create a consistent, fluid presence on any channels you end up on. Investigate them all and determine which platform works best for you. See what your influencers and competitors are doing. Select only the channels you can reliably maintain. You don’t have to spread yourself thin.
For instance, when we came up with the our social strategy for our digital marketing and advertising company, Archer Designs, we found four main social outlets applicable to our purposes, all within reach to maintain consistently. Here is why we use them.
LinkedIn is a great way to establish yourself, or your business, as a thought leader in your field. Remember to follow your fellow professionals and strengthen ties to local companies.
Facebook is ideal for sharing informative content and cultural posts. This is where you connect with your audience by offering a level of transparency that creates meaningful engagement, all the while being viewed in the consumers’ eyes as a useful resource. Personify your business with the human element. What goes on behind the scenes of your operation? What is of interest to your organization? Avoid the hard sell here.
Instagram is a wonderful means for showcasing the benefits and lifestyle associated with your product or service offering. Is a picture really worth a thousand words? You bet!
Twitter, like Facebook, is a vibrant communication tool. All it takes is 140 characters (or less) to drive referral traffic back to your website.Share tiny bits of information that invite further conversation and tease the interest of prospective contacts.
Although each social media platform is unique, it is important to maintain a consistent voice throughout your messaging. Voice and tone is different for everyone. Whether it’s casual or formal, keep it professional. Always consider the audience you’re attempting to appeal to. People appreciate consistency in the businesses they follow. Write for your audience, not for yourself.
When it comes to social media content, consider the rule of thirds. People don’t like to be sold to with every post. Prospective clients enjoy a balance of content that incorporates equal parts selling, cultural interest and outside perspective. Tell the world what it is you do, and how much you enjoy doing it. Share the work of others that inspires your own efforts.
Those are the basic dos of social media; here are some of my personal don’ts:
- Lacking visuals. Facebook posts with no accompanying image or media links are a wasted opportunity. People scrolling content seek visual elements to draw them in.
- Tweets crammed full of #hashtags. These end up making your message appear clunky. One or two is perfectly fine.
- Neglected social streams. Social media is a two-way street. Be proactive in your responses to people. Be on the lookout for people’s comments.
- Items posted at the wrong time. Usually this is done out of convenience for the sender.
- Adopting an off-putting sales-like tone, all the time.
There’s so much more but that is just the tip of the iceberg
Unlike a formally conceived advertising campaign, social media won’t eat up your marketing budget. Maximize the potential of your chosen social channels. Never forget that social media is your participation in a conversation you really want (and need) to be in.
This is your opportunity to surprise and delight. Go for it.
Keeping It Socially Simple , Our Social Media Strategy
Source: Social Media Simplified
