Before you dive into social media there are a few things to consider. There are hundreds of social media platforms; however many have different audiences and different ways they interact with their users.
You need to choose the platforms that suit the needs of your business and represent your brand effectively. Here are a few questions you should consider before you join a social media platform.
Where is your target audience? Before you join a social media platform stop and think about where your target audience is. What social media platforms are they using and which ones are they avoiding? You should think about how your target audience is using these platforms and when. With this information you can create a targeted approach to social media by joining platforms that reach your target audience.
Which platform suits your business? You don’t have to join all the social media platforms at once. Start by choosing the top two platforms that are right for your business. For example if you have a corporate business that is interested in increasing your professional network then LinkedIn is the perfect site.
Who will manage your social media accounts? Social media can be very time consuming. You need to consider who will manage your social media accounts and who is able to devote enough time to each platform. You can designate a particular employee or a team of people to manage your accounts. Make sure to educate your staff on how to use social media effectively and what messages you want them to distribute.
How will you use social media? You need to develop a strategy about how your business will use social media. This strategy should include what information you will post, how often it will be posted, how your brand will be represented and how you respond to positive and negative comments.
What are the security settings? Make sure you are aware of the security settings on each social media platform to ensure that your privacy settings are up to date. Always read the terms and conditions of each site to ensure you are aware of its rules.
Are you prepared for a long relationship with social media? Social media is not just a onetime thing. It takes a long time to build a following on social media and to position your business as a valuable member of an online community. Join well-established social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Twitter or Facebook because they have the potential to continue for a long time.
By taking into consideration these six points you can start using social media with a clear goal and strategy in mind.
