When it comes to social media content, you may think it’s easy enough to post, share, and tweet. However, simply doing those things alone isn't going to help you achieve your business goals. There are deeper elements to each post, share, and tweet.
With the constant changes and new additions to social media platforms it can be difficult to know if you are doing the right thing. However, a few simple strategies in place can greatly benefit your business.
Being active on social media platforms for your business is different than it is for your personal life – it may even feel a bit overwhelming. If you are ready to get the most bang for your social media buck, then it is time to learn the...
...5 things you need to know about social media content.
#1 Social Media Content is Fluid and Can be Re-Purposed
Most people think of content as a video, blog, post, or other form of media. It is much more than just the media format – it's the story you are sharing with your audience. You can create long content or short content, or you can build several pieces of content around a central theme.
After you have decided on the content you want to use – the story you want to tell or the information you want to share – you can then put it into a media format. Once you have chosen how you want to share the content, you can then re-purpose and reuse that same content.
If you create a video, it doesn’t stop at YouTube. You can share that video on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, other social media networks, your blog, and in emails to your contacts.
If you created a blog post, share it on various social media platforms and in an email to your contacts. The more you re-purpose and distribute your content, the more your investment of time and resources will benefit your business.
#2 Each Social Media Platform Needs Its Own Plan
It is not enough to simply distribute the valuable content you have created onto each platform. Every platform has its own unique style and audience. You need to devise a plan for each platform that plays into its style and audience.
Know why you are using the various platforms – it is not necessary to use all social media platforms, you want to choose the ones that will work best for you and your company.
Once you have your goal for the platform, you need to outline your objectives, the types of content that work best, and metrics for recording your success. You also want to consider the audience you are targeting, the tone and voice you need to use, and how often you need to be posting to that platform.
If you are a fashion blogger you may want to post on Pinterest several times a day. However, if you are run a business blog you may find Facebook works best for you.
#3 Think Long Term
Social media has been in constant change since it started – it is constantly developing and evolving as it grows. It is important that you do not get discouraged. What was once easy to accomplish on social media is not as easy any more. The same techniques that would get sales and grow your following two years ago, may not necessarily work as quickly now.
Some of the same strategies may work, but you may also need to adjust some of the others. It will take time to achieve your desired goals. Keep in mind that it may take a week, month, or even a few months to achieve your desired goal depending on your business.
#4 It’s Important to Track Your Numbers
Once you post a link, video, blog, or other form of content, that isn’t the end. You need to pay attention to what type of action your potential clients are taking. Are they following the link? Are they liking it? Or, are they sharing and retweeting the content?
You also need to pay attention to which demographic is interacting with your content. You may find that your desired demographic isn’t being reached. This could potentially be a huge loss of income for you and your business.
#5 Use The Ads Features
Are you using the platforms ads feature to its full potential? Most social media platforms allow you to post ads and choose specific qualifications for those it reaches. Make sure you are using these to get your content in front of your potential customers.
When you post your ads, give them a day or two then check on them. You need to determine if you are reaching your desired audience and if the ads are converting. It is in your best interest to experiment with the ads. Try posting ads with different calls to action – one ad may ask that they view a page on your site while another ad points them toward a sale.
By adding these 5 strategies to your social media content marketing, it won't be long before you start to see a clear improvement in the results you're getting.
