4 Top tips for staying on top of social media as a business
(4 minute read)
Will social media platforms be around for years to come? We believe so. But perhaps not in the form we know now. The social media landscape is constantly evolving and as technology improves the best minds in digital find new ways to utilise its potential and develop new platforms with new ways for us to interact with our peers, and our customers.
With those new platforms come new business opportunities. New ways of reaching potential clients develop and for businesses a chance to boost sales and increase brand awareness.
But, what does this all mean when it comes to the daily grind for businesses on social media?
Well typically it means constant research to remain up to date with all things social media. Read articles, listen to podcasts, checking what your competitors are doing, and so on. But how many growing businesses have the time for all of that? Not many.
Here are a few tips to help you and your business stay on top of all things social and make the most of the opportunities it presents.
1. Make a plan
Like most things in life social media is a lot less stressful/time consuming when a plan is put in place. What is it you want social media to do for your business? How can it add value and integrate with your existing marketing? How much time do you have available to give to social media? Once you have answered these questions think about the important events throughout the year that relate to your business and plan your content around them. It doesn't have to be a fully comprehensive content calendar but it's great to have a rough idea so you have time to produce relevant content and can avoid the last minute panic. Do you need fancy software? No. Use an Excel spreadsheet, it works just fine. Sit down with your team and work through the year together, it's a great way to get your team working together too!
2. Utilise UGC (User Generated Content)
UGC is one of the most valuable assets to businesses out there at the moment. Creating your own content is time consuming and can be expensive if you need to hire a professional photographer/copywriter so why not reach out to your already loyal fans? A great way to encourage your customers to create their own content is to provide an incentive. Start your own hashtag and encourage your followers to join in (ideally on Instagram) and say you'll feature your favourite entry each week, run a competition with the prize being one of your services or products, or ask someone you feel understands your brand well if they would consider writing a blog post for you. Never be afraid to ask, you'll often be pleasantly surprised.
3. Don't focus on follower numbers
We all want our follower numbers to climb into the thousands, and over time that will happen, but it shouldn't be the original goal. If you're building a business it's vital that your customers are engaged and interested in what you do. High engagement on any social platform will indicate whether you are targeting the right audience, an audience that cares about what you do and will hopefully become loyal customers. It is however a two-way street - you also need to care about your potential customers. Reach out, engage with them and let them know how your product/service can improve their lives. You will see your following start to grow the more value you provide.
4. Find a social partner
Time is of the essence and social media has become a skill in its own right so it will be difficult for you to get the most out of it without putting the time in and learning A LOT. So, our advice, find an agency that can provide you with the support you need as you embark on your social journey. Finding the right company can sometimes be a challenge but it's well worth the effort. Most importantly try to avoid agencies that offer the buying of followers or likes, this may sound appealing but it’s not good practice and it won’t help your business in the long-term, in fact it may do the opposite.
If you’re ready to start reaping the rewards of social media but you just don’t have the time to take it on yourself, perhaps we can help. Social media for growing businesses.
