If you’re reading this blog then your instincts are already telling you the answer and the answer is yes. Other assumptions I’m happy to make: if you’re reading this you are likely to be a business owner or marketing manager, your hands are already full and you could do without any extra workload.
So here are some considerations when planning your next steps:
We are in the midst of a marketing renaissance!
Make no mistake, the analytics, insights, targeting and tangible results that social can provide businesses are awesome. In simple terms, you can directly audit return on investment against advertising and marketing spend in a way that marketers could only dream of at the turn of the century. This isn’t just clicks, this is starting conversations and building a loyal and engaged customer group. Stop thinking of social media as the new kid on the block; social media owns the block, and the neighborhood. The question is now how to use traditional channels to add value to your social media channels.
Thrive or survive?
Some businesses will thrive on social media and others will just survive. What’s the difference? Well, that will be informed by your objective. The smart money will be on lining up your efforts with a smart objective. For example, I want to create a no-nonsense blog that gives customers confidence to connect with Idenna. Some businesses lend themselves perfectly to Facebook, others Twitter, others Pinterest. Think about who you are and where you are most likely to be able to build a community. How do you do that? Simple, look for a situation in which you can speak to your customer group and add value to their lives. That could mean creating a Linked In profile that publishes really useful insights for your fellow professionals or maybe a pin board that offers beautiful inspiration. Why am I writing this blog? Not because I like the sound of my own voice, because my hope is that you will pick up the phone to discuss the conversation that this blog may have started in your head.
Keep it social
Business owners and marketers are very often under pressure to focus their efforts almost exclusively on delivering a barrage of commercial messages through their social channels. Stop. See the thrive or survive paragraph above. Your objectives have to line up with the objectives of your audience. If your audience was looking for a barrage of commercial messages they would go to your website. The reason people may considerer following you on line is to find out a little more about the personality of your business, or maybe they want some advice, added value or even some free stuff!
Should I outsource my social media?
No! Not if your business can’t afford to do it or if your business can’t afford the time to collaborate with an agency or freelancer properly to ensure the best results. At Idenna we have been running every kind of social channel for all sorts of business and we love it. From daily posts to advertising campaigns, we roll up our sleeves and get stuck in and we always thrive! Why? Because we work with businesses who have clear objectives, we take time to understand our customers and their audience and we create content and campaigns that inspire. Our best advice is to get clear on what you want from your social and then find the right person in your business or the right talent to support your business. Make sure that communication is good, understand that it is not just a sales exercise and that you are building an audience and community. Have an objective in mind, agree a strategy, a budget and then trust your plan. Getting it right can be incredibly powerful.
Want to find out more?
Call Jo our Account Manager or Natalie our Copy and Content Lead on 01726250850