By John E. Anderson, MS Management
Social media strategy is a hot topic!
There’s lots of input because it’s considered:
· Necessary for buzz, brand-building and demonstrating currency;
· Time-consuming, since there are a wide variety of platforms from LinkedIn to pInterest. Oh, did I forget Facebook. What’s your rating as a Yelp reviewer and/or as a Google Maps Local Guide. What’s your community?
· Possibly controversial – posting strong opinions online can cost you so be careful!
With the number of professionals, businesses and the general global population online, and with Coronavirus lock downs during a hotly contested presidential election year – WOW, watch out!
Some professionals ignore social media. It’s a strategy for some narrow-niche, subject-matter experts who write books, blogs and do paid speaking engagements to build their consulting clientele. If you’re in high demand and paid well, who needs the risk?
But, it’s wise to be informed, and stay informed to make wise decisions. The times, they are a changin’… Here’s a quick review.
What is a social media strategy?
The hootsuite.com blog offers “How to Create a Social Media Strategy in 8 Easy Steps.”
A social media strategy is a summary of everything you plan to do and hope to achieve on social media. It guides your actions and lets you know whether you’re succeeding or failing. The more specific your plan is, the more effective it will be. May 27, 2020.
What should be in a social media strategy?
SproutSocial.com suggests in “How to Build Your Social Media Marketing Strategy,”
· Set meaningful social marketing goals.
· Research your target audience.
· Establish your most important metrics.
· Analyze your competition.
· Create and curate engaging content.
· Make timeliness a top priority.
· Assess your results and optimize. Posted May 4, 2020
Why is social media marketing strategy important?
Quoting LyfeMarketing.com in “Why an Effective Social Media Marketing Strategy is Important”
It’s an essential way for companies to reach consumers, and when done correctly, tells those consumers that their brand is active and focused on communication. The longer you wait, the more you have to lose. When done effectively, social media marketing can lead to more customers, more traffic, and more engagement. August 16, 2019
These resources, your own browsing, searching and talking with colleagues will prepare you to attend a talk and participate actively in a discussion group with practicing professionals. It’s next Wednesday, July 15th from 9:00 to 10:30 PDT on Zoom.
Washington State University Vancouver offers Alliance talks. The Institute of Management Consultants Oregon & SW Washington chapter offers discussion groups after the talks.
“Digital Marketing: Social Media Strategy” will be the topic of the WSU Alliance July 15 from 9 to 10 am. Registration is required for this Free Zoom WSU event.
After Alliance, participate in an online discussion group with other event guests, marketing pros and consultants to consider how you might apply and integrate what you’re learning. Share your experiences and learn from others. The Discussion Group is sponsored by the Institute of Management Consultants Oregon & SW Washington chapter. Registration is required for this Free Zoom IMC event.
