Article by Vicky Mahony from Upstartr.
Social media is a marathon not a sprint; and like a marathon, the better you prepare and execute your plan, the more effective you will be. There are so many different platforms to consider and it is easy to waste valuable time with an unfocused and scattergun approach.
According to Pew Research, over 69% of the public use some kind of social media. The profile of user varies across platforms, according to a range of factors; things like age, gender, educational background or earnings level. So target your time and effort to the platforms that most closely resembles your target customer.
Using the below easy plan – create your product; work out your target audience; decide the voice of your brand and then decide what social media platforms are right for you in order to reach that audience.
Decide according to the profile of platform’s users and the sites purpose.
If you want to connect with people you might consider Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn. If you want to share media, showcase design with potential for immediate impact, consider Instagram, YouTube or snapchat. If you want to curate, create or share content, overlay some blogging or publishing networks. These networks can work independently or together to give your brand a voice with potential or existing customers.
The Big 4!
Twitter is a blend of micro blogging, instant messaging and texting; used to share information in real time and connect people. A useful medium to spread your content, share product and news items, exposing users to your expert voice. You can set up a business and personal account giving you two opportunities to promote your product.
See the Simply Business guide for more tips:
https://www.simplybusiness.co.uk/microsites/twitter-for-small-businesses/
LinkedIn is a business connections platform; a social network for professionals. Good for building connections, generating leads and boosting your business profile. You can set up a business and personal account; set up and join groups to share information or expertise and search a huge database for potential suppliers or clients.
If someone hears about you; you bet, they will look on LinkedIn to see your background and experience, it is your online and immediate access Resume!
Also excellent for finding a job if you are looking.
See HubSpot’s top tips:
Facebook is an interesting one; set up as a social sharing platform but now being used for business. You can set up a business account or pay for Facebook ads linking to your main website or shop.
If your customer profile is such that they engage with Facebook business it’s worth a shot; otherwise Facebook ads can be a powerful tool for marketing your business.
See Social Media Examiner marketing guide:
https://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/facebook-for-business-ultimate-facebook-marketing-guide/
Instagram (also part of the Facebook family) and other photo sharing sites are great for sharing instant graphics, photos or videos.
To make Instagram work you need to post often and interact regularly. Use it to promote blogs, make announcements and share interesting content. Keep it light, interesting and colourful. Your reach will depend on how you can keep attention; so avoid boring at all costs.
See Instagram’s ‘Getting Started’ for tips:
https://business.instagram.com/getting-started?locale=en_GB
Do you have a fitness product that you would like to launch in the New Year? Why not contact Vicky or Sam.
Upstartr helps bring product or service to market. We are a boutique consultancy, providing a high quality, flexible resource to help you deliver your product, service or project; quickly, efficiently and creatively.
Contact info@upstartr.co.uk.
Upstartr was founded by Vicky Mahony and Samantha Cullum and offers clients a personal service, with practical, pragmatic and tailored support.
Interested in learning more about social media and marketing. Why not join us on our Digital Marketing and Social Media modules in Edinburgh or Maidenhead.