I’m sure you’ve seen the ads and posts with people telling you the “THREE resources you need to start a blog” or “Use this calendar to be successful on social media” and there’s a reason for it - you need a plan to see results!
Let’s back up - Why should you use social media and a blog to market your business? Because it’s a FREE way to spread the word and grow your business! That’s why it’s a no brainer to create a strategic plan for your blog and social media -- it really doesn’t cost you anything financially.
When I start working with a new client and will be using digital marketing for the first time, I always share these tips to make starting out way less overwhelming and way more doable!
Pick your Platforms Strategically
If you haven’t read my blog titled, What social channels should I use for my business in 2019?, then I’d recommend you do that now. With an overwhelming amount of social media channels currently available, it can be hard to figure out where to start.
The short answer, in my opinion, is to join whatever platforms you’re most comfortable with, and which ones you will actually log into and use. Never been on any social channels? Getting started with your business on social media isn’t the place to try and learn, and I'd encourage you to hire a professional for that.
Know your target audience
When you know your ideal user inside and out, you can write with a specific person in mind rather than just writing to everyone. Focus in on that person - their age, lifestyle, gender, demographic, etc. - to make your product/offer/service feel essential and irresistible to them. By doing this, you will create more sales and revenue for your business.
Get out a physical calendar and map out your content
This is how I start every. single. month. I create content calendars for every client I have (including myself and this blog!) and I map out what days I will be posting to what platforms. It helps me to physically write out my plan and make sure I’m measuring it against my overarching strategic plans for each of my clients. It also helps me to make sure I’m not posting too much or too little. If you’re managing multiple communication channels, this is an ideal way to make sure your audience isn’t overwhelmed with your messaging.
Not into doing things on pen and paper? Using an online tool like Google Calendar and having a calendar specific to your communications would also work great!
Create content that is helpful to your target audience
Once you know your ideal client, and you know what they would want to see as they scroll their feed, think of how you can give out free tips, resources and content that they will actually find helpful and valuable.
The trick here is to give out helpful advice for free! When you become a trusted resource to them, they will keep coming back to you! Obviously, you don’t have to give EVERYTHING out for free and can save some sage secrets for a paid product or service. The main point is, don’t be afraid to be helpful online to gain the trust of those following you.
Need a bit more help figuring out your ideal communication cadence? Contact us for a social media strategic plan.