Social media is so much fun. Since the first successful platform, MySpace, took shape back in 2003, it has become a part of everyday life for most people around the globe. In the past 10 years, platforms have grown and changed. But their purpose – to connect with others, has remained very much the same. However, the business and personal use of these online community platforms is not the same. And that misunderstanding may be holding you back when it comes to your business.
When it comes to a business platform, there is way more involved than snapping a few photos and posting your favorite during leisure. It is an important and expected tool used to communicate with your customers, clients – and the world. In many cases, it may even be the first time a new consumer is introduced to your brand. So, it’s needless to say, having your best virtual foot forward is important.
Social Media for business
While social media in your spare time can be a way to pass the time, running an account for business is an in-depth process. A process that takes a great deal of time and dedication from an array of professionals in the creative space. A large team will have many different roles from a social media manager, a graphic designer, a copywriter, a content creator, and more. However, here at Maida Media, we’re here to assist you in understanding and executing the must-haves.
Social Media must-haves
Each platform is different. From Instagram to Pinterest, Facebook, and more. However, they do have a few key elements in common. To succeed on any platform you will need the following:
Creative content – for example, pictures, videos, or graphics. And the content that might work for your brand will be totally different for another. It is important to conduct research and social listening to understand what is trending on the platform. Additionally, what is trending within your specific niche.
Eye-catching copy – copy, as in copywriting. You might currently refer to this text as the caption! Arguably just important as the content, within these blurbs, you will share your brand story. What sets you apart, how and why your brand was founded, what your brand has to offer the world. Most importantly, how the brand sounds to the people who support it.
Strategic planning – hashtag strategies, posting schedules, key words and more are all a part of the important planning element in social media success. These are the nuances that will make the difference between simply posting “good” content, and posting good content that is in the right place for the right people to find.
Research – is the key. It’s the most important must-have, and it’s the one that most don’t even take in to account. In order to keep up with current market trends, to craft copy that prompts careful reading, to create a strategic plan, careful research is needed. Through the careful collection of data and analytics, we learn more about how we can continue to learn and grow.
Don’t forget
Social media is a two-way street. It is not the one-way, passive communication we grew accustomed to from brands. It is a chance to speak to and learn from the consumer directly. In your strategic planning, ensure you have methods in place to answer comments, concerns, and messages from the people who support and love your brand!
Want to learn more?
Learn more about the basics of social media and understand how it fits into the larger world of public relations in our post: “Understanding your needs: what is public relations and why is it important to you?“