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posted on September 4, 2011 by

Start A Social Media Program – 6 Steps

We’ve put together 6 steps to start a Social Media Program for any business new to social media. While each business has a unique target audience and marketing message, the following steps give you an idea of how to start your program.

  1. Off-line Preparation: gather information to put a strong social media profile together, such as the business logo, mission statement and marketing message.  Just as you spend time creating the right image on business cards or brochures, your Profile on social media platforms should give a great first impression and clearly state your company’s purpose.
  2. Website and/or Blog: make sure your website and/or blog is regularly updated and maintained.  If your social media profiles direct traffic to your blog or website, you want those sites to reflect your best professional image.
  3. Content and Message: Social Media is all about providing useful information to others in order to build your brand.  Prepare a content file so you are ready to provide helpful information as soon as you “launch” your social media profiles.  Example: Are you an accounting firm? Then tips to prepare for tax season or explanations for tax law changes would be useful information to share with others on social media.
  4. Pick your platforms and set up your social media profiles. We usually recommend a business Facebook Page, simply because so many people are on Facebook. Can your business prepare helpful videos for services you offer? Then a profile on YouTube is also recommended. Determine where your potential customers are “hanging out” online and set up your profile on that platform.
  5. Interact: Social Media is “social” – it requires interaction with your customers/potential customers.  Post answers to questions your customers routinely ask, conduct an online poll (Example: If you own a bakery, ask your followers, “what is your favorite cupcake flavor: chocolate, vanilla, strawberry?”)  or update your community with industry news or announcements.  You want to provide valuable content, stay consistent with your interaction (posting an update once a month is not going to do anything for your business) and stay up-to-date on the social platforms you are using.
  6. Monitor your Profiles: You can’t create your social media profiles and never look at them again (like you would do for an ad in the yellow pages.  Daily (sometimes hourly) monitoring is necessary to stay connected to the social community your business or brand is building. Your social media marketing efforts will only be effective with continuous interaction.

Social Media Marketing and the Platforms associated with it are constantly evolving. Check back with us regularly for news, updates and resources to help you create an effective social media program.

If you would like help in setting up or managing your social media platforms simply Contact Us for a complimentary consultation.

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About Terry League

Terry helps small business owners with social media strategy, training and account management. With a background in marketing and training, she enjoys combining those two areas to teach business owners how to get the most out of their social media marketing. Connect with Terry on Twitter and Instagram @TerryLeague for more on social media with a mix of positive motivation and inspiration.