Social Media Campaigns
Social media is a buzz word that you are probably hearing a lot about right now. So what is it and how can it help you make your business thrive?
When you ask most people what they think of when you say “social media” they may answer that it has to do with communicating through electronic methods. That is very much what social media is about. It is the sharing of information and media in a free platform without restrictions. Consider YouTube. We have all heard of different videos going “viral”. This means that they are being shared throughout the world at a rapid rate. What could be more exciting for your company than to have a multimedia or social aspect that spreads like wildfire?
What makes an outstanding social media campaign?
1. Know as much as possible about your target audience. Find out what they are interested in and what makes them want to visit different sites. The more you know about your clients and/or visitors the more you can cater to their taste.
2. Use the right social media approach that meets the personality of your company. There are many avenues you can take in the aspects of social media marketing and not all of them will create the response that you want for your company. Do your research and keep your customers in mind.
3. Get involved! Have you ever been to a forum or blog where you leave a comment that warrants a response just so you can be left out in the cold? No one likes a company that puts up ways to connect and then leaves their visitors dry. Be kind and courteous, respond to your visitors and clients. After all, every visitor is a prospective client and social media can be your first impression so be aware that you are being watched and that what you do online really matters.
4. Surround yourself with a team that knows about social media and social media campaigns. You want dynamic people with innovative ideas when it comes to social media. It’s all about making an impact and doing it right. Some companies think that the answer is to put out as many social media campaigns as possible when in reality you want the best quality that will really grab the attention of visitors. Less can be more but you need the right team to lead your social media campaign.
5. Don’t be a copy cat! Use your own original ideas (this is where a team of professionals that can brainstorm with you comes in handy). Make your own way into social media campaigns, don’t try to be like anyone else, your audience will see right through you.
What can you add to your social media campaign that will grab your target audience and make them want to stay and interact?
1. Be visually pleasing or astound even. Think outside the box. Most of us are still amazed at technology and we love the multimedia experience. Use this to your advantage. Think of the television ads that are aired during the Super Bowl. More often than not they have the “WOW!” factor. They keep people talking and make us laugh time and again. They make a big impact.
2. Let your audience be heard. We all like to think that companies want our opinions. Take the Target campaign that wants to know how the company should donate millions of dollars. There are many people who have a charity that they love and you can bet that they are willing to chime in with their opinions so that their voice can be heard. Take polls from your visitors or ask for feedback by other methods and you will get the attention that you want.
3. Keep your Twitter, Facebook, and other social media platforms updated once you put out a new campaign. Communication is key and visitors love to be updated on your progress or what is new in your company.
How do you know if your social media campaign is a success?
1. Watch your statistics closely. Know when your visitors are coming and where they are coming to you from. This is a good indicator if you are wasting time in certain methods.
2. While your statistics matter – they are not everything. When it comes to your social media campaign you need to let it simmer and stand the test of time. You may be anxious to see overnight results but amazingly it may take a full year to see overall results. Think of the bigger picture and don’t get lost in the immediate numbers. You want to see if your annual sales increase and if your customers keep coming back. Customer retention is a huge indicator of success when it comes to any social media campaign. Give it time and you will know what the next step is.
