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It’s a well-known fact that social media is a vital marketing tool for businesses of all sizes in all industries. However, many businesses are using social media without a formal strategy in place. I am sure every other aspect of your business has a strategy to achieve a projected goal. Why should social media be any different? Having random posts on social media is not going to produce bottom-line results. The following five steps can help you create a social media strategy that effectively achieve your business goals.

1. Define Your Social Media Goals

The first step is to establish what goals and objectives you want to achieve with social media. Obtainable goals that can be achieved through social media include increasing brand awareness, building a loyal community, attracting more leads and increasing sales. Here’s and example of how social media can help you achieve your objectives and what metrics you should be tracking:

Pro tip: Make sure your social media goals also align with your overall marketing strategy.

2. Know your Audience

Identifying your target audience is essential in every marketing strategy, and social media isn’t any different. You need to know which social media platforms these potential prospects are using and what types of content will grab their attention. For example, if your ideal customers are Generation Z, you want to focus more on Instagram than Facebook and your content should be quick and witty.

3. Create Engaging Content

Now you can start creating engaging content that will attract your target audience and will help achieve your defined goals. I strongly recommend having a social media content calendar that provides a visible plan of what your content is going to be and when and where it will be published. Your social media content should follow the 80/20 rule, which means 80% of your social media posts should inform, educate, and entertain your audience, while only 20% should directly promote your business.

4. Invest in A Social Media Management Tool

Investing in a social media management tool will provide better time management, while also providing detailed reporting. Tools like Sprout Social allow you to schedule your content in advance, respond to and engage with comments without having to jump on each social media platform, and gain practical insights into the performance your social media posts.

5. Track & Analyze Your Metrics

It is very important to track and analyze your data on a regular basis. By tracking and analyzing your data, you are able to re-evaluate your social media strategy and make changes as needed. A great social media strategy is never set in stone: it is always changing and evolving, much the same way that social media itself does. As social media platforms and their users change, the marketing strategies you previously used may no longer be effective.

If your business doesn’t have the resources or the time to create a social media strategy, don’t be afraid to outsource it the professionals. Many businesses make the mistake of tasking their social media to employees or family members who are active on their personal social media accounts. However, creating and implementing a successful social media marketing plan requires more than simply posting fun images and videos. You want someone who has experience in managing paid social media ad campaigns - someone who knows proven strategies that can help you achieve your business goals.

THAT Agency has a team of experienced social media marketing specialists who stays current on the latest trends and knows how to get bottom-line results. Give us a call at 561.832.6262 to see how we can help your business grow.