How To Develop a Social Media Marketing Strategy That Works

Marketing StrategyHaving a marketing strategy is good, but having a marketing strategy that works is great! Last year, I wrote several posts to uncover why businesses must formulate and practice a social media marketing strategy that works. Whether it’s measuring the ROI on your social media efforts or saving a dying business with social media, building a social media marketing strategy is one of the basic building blocks to leveraging social media for your business.

Many businesses believe setting up Facebook and Twitter profiles will do a world of good to them and that’s their definition of joining the social media bandwagon. However, the truth is that using social media requires a careful thought process, strategic planning and flawless execution.

In this post, I present 5 proven tips which will help you build a social media marketing strategy “that works”!

Observe Others and Analyze Your Marketing Strategy

Very often, businesses jump on to Facebook and Twitter without even analyzing what they need out of these social networks. They claim that since their competitors are using social media so they have no other choice but to adopt social media. Sooner than later, such businesses are caught off-guard and their social media ambitions reach a tame end.

I reckon it’s important for businesses to analyze how social media can help them. They need to observe how people use social media and how their competitors are leveraging it. Analyze your business needs and how various social networks like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and others can fulfill these needs.

What’s Your Social Marketing Strategy Action Plan?

Once you’ve determined what you want out of social media, the next important question is how you get it. Businesses need to come up with an action plan with realistic targets and feasible time/ cost estimates. If your action plan takes forever to achieve or if it requires you to invest a fortune, there’s a strong case to revisit your action plan. In such cases, it’s best to start with concrete short-term goals such as I want to have 2,000 Facebook Friends in the first 3 months or I want to close 5 deals with my Twitter followers this month etc.

Execute Your Marketing Strategy

A marketing strategy is only as good as those who see it through. Once you have a social media marketing strategy in place, it’s important to focus on getting the execution right. Very often, businesses need to take a call on whether they can execute their social media strategy themselves or do they need to hire specialist social media experts? When in doubt, seek help from an expert.

Evaluate Your Marketing Strategy

Most business follow a simple rule when it comes to adopting new technologies or paradigms – If it boosts my business’ ROI, it’s worth the investment. Social Media is no exception to this rule. Unless, businesses see value addition from social media, they are not going to take the plunge. Therefore, it’s important for businesses to evaluate the impact of their social media efforts.

Evaluating social media ROI is easier said than done. There’s no single criteria based on which you can determine the success/ failure of your social media strategy. For an in-depth analysis of how you can measure your social media ROI, read this post.

Refine Your Marketing Strategy

The real beauty of social media lies in its dynamism. Social media is changing all the time. For example, if you logged in to your business’ Facebook profile, after a long gap, you would have realized that it’s now a Fan Page. Therefore, it’s important to continuously refine your social media strategy and adopt a flexible approach with the changing social media scenario.

Does your business have a social media strategy that works? If so, what are the most important criteria for developing such a marketing strategy? How does your business measure its social media ROI? Do you think it is difficult to track the business value of social media? Please share your opinion by leaving a comment below this post.

Total
0
Shares
70 comments
  1. Great stuff Douglas following your four steps here and focusing to 1.) observe, 2.) execute 3.) evaluate 4.) refine brilliant advice. I think by focusing on these 4 things a super solid basis is set and success is definitely more likely. 

    Let me Buffer this, really enjoyed it. 🙂 

  2. An excelent post, I’m mexican and I think that here in Mexico we have to help companies with strategies in social networks because they are afraid of them, and they think that it will not increase their sales.

    Great post!

    1. Thanks Marco. It was same here in Canada not long ago. Everybody is jumping on board now. The secret I learned from experience is to educate the market place with case studies that are similar to their market.

      1. Hi Douglas, I follow you on twitter as well as your blog. I am just starting out as a Social Media Consultant to help Small Local Businesses in Carstairs, Didsbury, Olds etc. to enhance their online presence and move their businesses forward. Wondering if you could provide some tips on how to find case studies to help a local “Newbie” out? …please! tiff@tiffnetmarketing.com
        Thanks again Douglas!
        Ian

  3. Thanks for this post. I think your steps are the right ones to get success in social media. I also agree with Marco. Many companies are afraid of social network and it can be difficult to explain why they should create a solid strategy.

    1. I’m glad you like it @16928e58e670d1a74a50a738ae123de7:disqus . Like I mentioned to @twitter-6052322:disqus , it will take a bit of education of the market to get them to get the full benefits of having a sound marketing strategy with social media.

  4. Great post Douglas, thanks.
    I think that your last point is one that is overlooked too often – refining a social media strategy and keeping up with the changes can be quite time consuming! As Marco has said, it can be intimidating with the steep learning curve, so case studies are great way to remove some of the unknown factors.
    – Jon from FreshNetworks

  5. Very good advice! Social media, like any other marketing strategy, must be understood, coordinated, and evaluated. Observing online helps define what will work for your organization, what is uncomfortable as well as what fits. The great thing about social media is the ability to evaluate quickly and make changes so by all means, don’t leave out that piece.

  6. Very good advice! Social media, like any other marketing strategy, must be understood, coordinated, and evaluated. Observing online helps define what will work for your organization, what is uncomfortable as well as what fits. The great thing about social media is the ability to evaluate quickly and make changes so by all means, don’t leave out that piece.

  7. THIS ARTICLE IS VERY INFORMATIVE AND I LIKE IT .. IM GOING TO USE IT TO DRIVE MY BUSINESS ONLINE TOO

  8. Well, Social Media Marketing is really one of the coolest way to marketing of our product and services. And this one is truly the most effective way to sell the product and services. The regarding source massively shares the best of way about how to develop the effective social medial strategy. And it’s truly one of the most essential information about it.

  9. Social Media Marketing Strategy #1
    Plan for Success – Without a road map to your destination you’re not likely get there. Sure, sometimes people accidentally hit the jackpot, but most of the time success comes from careful and thoughtful planning. Avoid setting out blindly for a hit or miss effort. Instead, make a plan and stick to it, adjusting as necessary.
    Social Media Marketing Strategy #2
    Implement Automation — Automation in social media is a great way to save time. There is no good reason why you should not automatically schedule new posts, new articles and new information across all your social media. There are many tools available that do this effectively. Automating your data will allow you to use your social media time more wisely in conversation with your potential clients rather than just pushing information to them.
    Social Media Marketing Strategy #3
    Schedule your time  — If you set up automation you can then carefully schedule your time for using social media for being social. Imagine that! The automation of updating friends and followers of blog posts will create time for you to actually read other people’s tweets and status updates, re-tweet good information, and to actually participate. The trick is to schedule the time, and adhere to the schedule.
    URL : http://www.addvalue.com.au

  10. This is a great article! I think that it is very important to make and stick to a plan that works for your company! Great advice! 

  11. Social media marketing is in place to pick up the buyers when they are willing to buy…when they are entering in key terms. In social press marketing, people are looking to network, not buy. But, people like to buy! And social press promotion is there prepared for them….when they are prepared.

  12. I must show my appreciation for your generosity in support of individuals who absolutely need guidance on this particular concept. Your very own commitment to getting the solution all through had been especially beneficial and have continually empowered people just like me to get to their aims. This informative tutorial denotes a whole lot a person like me and much more to my office workers. Regards; from everyone of us.

  13. You could definitely see your skills within the work you write. The sector hopes for even more passionate writers such as you who aren’t afraid to say how they believe. All the time follow your heart.

  14. I simply want to say I am just newbie to blogs and absolutely liked this web page. Probably I’m going to bookmark your website . You surely have excellent articles and reviews. Thanks a bunch for sharing your blog site.

  15. I intended to put you that bit of observation just to say thanks the moment again for your personal pretty secrets you’ve shared here. It is extremely open-handed with people like you to convey freely just what a few individuals would’ve offered for sale as an electronic book to generate some cash on their own, certainly given that you could have done it if you ever considered necessary. The basics also acted as a fantastic way to know that other people have the same zeal similar to my own to learn a little more with regards to this condition. I believe there are several more enjoyable periods in the future for individuals that browse through your website.

  16. Heya i’m for the first time here. I located this board and I locate It truly helpful & it helped me out a whole lot. I hope to give something back and aid others like you helped me.

  17. Jesus Christ theres a great deal of spammy feedback on this web page. Have you actually believed about trying to get rid of them or installing a tool?

  18. Hey! I’m at work browsing your blog from my new apple iphone! Just wanted to say I love reading through your blog and look forward to all your posts! Keep up the outstanding work!

  19. What is the name of the people/their profession who are located in malls or shopping centers or expos at different companies booths and they are hired to give out flyers/free samples, etc..? . . Thanks in advance.

  20. I’m amazed, I must say. Rarely do I encounter a blog that’s both educative and engaging, and let me tell you, you have hit the nail on the head. The issue is an issue that not enough folks are speaking intelligently about. I’m very happy I found this during my hunt for something regarding this. http://www.nudecelebleaks.com/

  21. A fascinating argument on casino and betting agencies is definitely worth a comment. I think that you should publish more on this subject matter, it may not be a taboo subject but generally people do not talk about such issues.Casino internet betting is usually the most professional and safe means to place your bets at the moment. The bonus deals and special offers are an attractive choice for online poker. You will never get these types of options in any local casino.

  22. While I actually like this publish, I believe there was an punctuational error near to the end with the third paragraph.

  23. Flylady has a great program and I recommend it. But I’m thinking about leaving because all the testimonials and such seem so fake. I really don’t think my kids are cheerfully going to clean their rooms and go on a “Rielly Mission”. Do you think Flylady is starting to overdue it and how “real” are the testimonials from members. Or just tell me what “bugs” you!. . Thanks!.

  24. The structure for the site is a tad off in Epiphany. Even So I like your blog. I may need to install a normal browser just to enjoy it.

  25. Do you have a spam problem on this web site; I also am a blogger, and I was questioning your scenario; we now have created some good approaches and were looking to trade solutions with other individuals, be sure to blast me an e-mail if interested.

  26. Howdy just wanted to give you a quick heads up. The text in your content seem to be running off the screen in Internet explorer. I’m not sure if this is a format issue or something to do with web browser compatibility but I figured I’d post to let you know. The style and design look great though! Hope you get the problem fixed soon. Cheers

  27. 1 of the things that I get questioned often is “How do I generate Mlm leads with out investing any money?” Whilst there are many totally free lead era equipment, one of my [url=http://www.mbtbootsjp.com/] MBT 靴 [/url] favorites is Ebay. Why Ebay? Nicely, with Ebay instead of having to pay to create leads, your leads are having to pay you! The quantity one reason that individuals fail in this industry is they operate out of advertising funds prior to they make cash. If your leads are having to pay you, you can construct a massive downline while making cash, rather of investing cash. Additionally, these are actually Better prospects than you can purchase from a lead era company simply because you get their current and accurate contact info.Studies show that the individual who is most likely to buy a item once more are somebody who has [url=http://www.newtoryburchjpsales.com/%E3%83%88%E3%83%AA%E3%83%BC%E3%83%90%E3%83%BC%E3%83%81-iphone%E3%82%B1%E3%83%BC%E3%82%B9-c-155. html] トリーバーチ iPhoneケース [/url] already bought a comparable item. At The Web Advertising Main Occasion convention, I discovered that if you get proven Purchasers [url=http://www.cheapferragamosalejpn.com/] ferragamo [/url] and not freebie seekers, then you will build a a lot more responsive prospect base to work from.Now, that you comprehend the power of using Ebay as a prospecting tool, I want to give you some ideas as to what to sell on there. While these suggestions are geared towards my chance in the personal development business, you can effortlessly adapt them to any chance.one) Look about your home. Do you have any outdated motivational cd’s lying around that you have [url=http://www.newmonclersalejp.com/] モンクレール ダウン [/url] not played in a while? I know I sure do! Why not promote them for cash!!two) Go to Goodwill and buy motivational publications and tapes. You can get books at Goodwill for as small as fifty cents. I as soon as bought Tony Robbins’s Personal Power cd established at Goodwill for $forty eight (retail worth of $three hundred) and offered it on Ebay for $one hundred twenty. Cha ching! Aspect note: you can also use this [url=http://www.miumiujpoutlet2013s.com/miumiu-%E8%B2%A1%E5%B8%83-c-60.html] miumiu 財布 [/url] strategy on Amazon.com3) [url=http://www.mbtbootsjp.com/mbt%E3%82%B5%E3%83%B3%E3%83%80%E3%83%AB-c-85.html] mbt サンダル [/url] Promote public domain functions. After a certain period of time, publications fall out of copyright and turn out to be component of the public domain. You can resell the book more than and over legally without having to pay a penny in royalties. Examine Google for community domain sources and courses that you [url=http://www.newmiumiushop.com/] miumiu 新作 [/url] can purchase.four) Sell resale legal rights products. Numerous software program products come with [url=http://www.miumiujp2013.com/%E3%83%9F%E3%83%A5%E3%82%A6%E3%83%9F%E3%83%A5%E3%82%A6%E3%83%9C%E3%83%BC%E3%83%81-c-98.html] miumiu ポーチ [/url] what’s called resale legal rights. Resale rights merely indicates that you have the correct to resell the software with out paying anybody. Just purchase a resale legal rights item associated to making cash on-line, resell it and suddenly, you have a direct who is interested in on-line cash creating possibilities, do not you? five) Produce your personal item. You can write your own small booklet about creating money or personal development and resell it on Ebay. Right here are some other tips:one) Use your about me page to give out totally free reports to build your checklist. two) Set your minimal bid really low to attract a great deal of bidders. When the auction ends, then contact them and provide them a totally free gift related to your chance.Now that you study this article, you ought to be full [url=http://www.newmiumiubagjp.com/%E3%83%9F%E3%83%A5%E3%82%A6%E3%83%9F%E3%83%A5%E3%82%A6%E8%B2%A1%E5%B8%83-c-96.html] ミュウミュウ 長財布 [/url] of suggestions. Now, go get them!

  28. I really enjoy reading on this site, it contains good blog posts. “Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind.” by Rudyard Kipling.

  29. When it comes to contemporary career improvement, 1 factor we can all count on is alter. With the introduction of technologies, telecommuting, and E-commerce, how work is performed is in a state of reinvention. Self-employment and small business development will become much more the norm than large business. And career changes will be more frequent [url=http://www.newmarcbymarcjacobsjp.com/%E3%83%9E%E3%83%BC%E3%82%AF%E3%83%90%E3%82%A4%E3%83%9E%E3%83%BC%E3%82%AF-iphone-%E3%82%B1%E3%83%BC%E3%82%B9-c-19.html] marc jacobs iphone 4 case [/url] because of to rapidly changing organizations and industries. Finally, the line in between types individual and expert life will turn out to be even much more blurred. Because the contemporary globe of function is rapidly altering to maintain up with the demands of our quick-paced lives and lifestyles, here are some characteristics of what the new work agreement will appear like:Seeking much more which means from work.Equating profession achievement” with individual fulfillment over paycheck or status.Everyone will need their own title-brand name.”Elevated use of technology.Finding function that needs doing.Altering in the way management and management is conducted (much less arrogance at the top level, much more power on reduce levels).Increased need for networking and self-advertising. Lifelong trying on” of numerous roles, work, and sectors.Creating a strategy that is flexible, and constantly evaluating the match” of the work.Increased illustration of women and minorities in the workforce.Altering career fields many occasions in a lifetime.Self-responsibility: Everybody understanding they have to chart their own career [url=http://www.newmonclersalejp.com/%E3%83%A2%E3%83%B3%E3%82%AF%E3%83%AC%E3%83%BC%E3%83%AB-%E3%83%99%E3%82%B9%E3%83%88-%E3%83%AC%E3%83%87%E3%82%A3%E3%83%BC%E3%82%B9-c-88_89.html] モンクレール ベスト [/url] path.However, the 21st century career also offers many benefits:Much more profession possibilities for everybody.Freedom to select from a variety of jobs, tasks, and assignments.Much more [url=http://www.monclerdowndressjp.com] モンクレール ダウン [/url] flexibility in how and exactly where work is carried out, i.e. working from house or telecommuting.Much more control more than your personal time.Higher opportunity to convey your self through your function.Ability to shape and reshape your lifes function in accordance [url=http://www.newmiumiushop.com/] miumiu バッグ [/url] with your values and interests.Elevated opportunity to develop other skills by [url=http://www.jptoryburchsales.com/%E3%83%88%E3%83%AA%E3%83%BC%E3%83%90%E3%83%BC%E3%83%81-2012-%E6%96%B0%E4%BD%9C%E5%85%A5%E8%8D%B7-c-11.html] トリーバーチ 2012 新作 [/url] operating in numerous sectors and environments.Self-empowerment state of mind. Allows you to create circumstances or placements where you can fill a need in the world that is not being filled.Chance to existing your self as an impartial contractor or seller with solutions to offer.How can you effectively navigate through the turbulent times of alter and career uncertainty? By developing resiliency, exercising proactivity, making excellent self-marketing tools, keeping your skills up-to-date, and finding your distinctive life balance. one.Develop resiliency (the ability to bounce back again).Getting the correct mindset about career change is imperative to your ability to bounce back again from setbacks, sudden modifications, and twists and turns alongside your [url=http://www.miumiujpoutlet2013s.com/] miu miu 店舗 [/url] career path. You will experience a great deal of profession alter and transitions, so you might as nicely get comfortable sensation uncomfortable. two.Consider a proactive method to your profession developmentYou must continuously be on the lookout for new ways to apply your gifts and talents in the new economy. This demands thinking creatively, actively promoting yourself/business, and becoming actively involved in how your career progresses. Remaining concerned in expert associations, and steady networking are excellent ways to connect with other like-minded experts. 3.Produce first-price advertising materialsAlways keep your resume current. You by no means know when you are heading to want to discuss it with someone or pass it along. If you are in business for yourself, create stylish business cards and letterhead. Harness the power [url=http://www.monclerdowndressjp.com] モンクレール激安 [/url] of the web by developing an interactive web site.four.Dedicate to lifelong learningTo keep earning, maintain learning. Do not wait till you lose your task or want to appear for an additional position to gain new abilities or coaching. Recognize the need to be open up to studying and attend courses related to your region of experience to keep your abilities sharp and marketable. Maintain in mind the leading skills required for profession success include:Communication, Pc-knowledge, Creativeness, Consumer Care5.Discover your unique life balanceThere [url=http://www.discountnewmonclerdownsjp.com/%E3%82%B3%E3%83%BC%E3%83%88-%E3%83%A2%E3%83%B3%E3%82%AF%E3%83%AC%E3%83%BC%E3%83%AB-%E3%83%AC%E3%83%87%E3%82%A3%E3%83%BC%E3%82%B9-%E3%82%B3%E3%83%BC%E3%83%88-c-113_115.html] モンクレール ダウン レディース [/url] are 4 dimensions to lifestyle: love, labor, leisure, studying. Remember that work is just one element of your life pie. Be sure to indulge in all of your locations. Simply because having an general balanced lifestyle is what prospects to the most fulfillment.

  30. This is really a wonderful site, would you be interested in doing an interview regarding just how you created it? If so e-mail me!

  31. Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates. I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like this. Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.

  32. Greetings! Very helpful advice within this post! It is the little changes which will make the greatest changes. Thanks for sharing!

  33. Have you ever thought about publishing an e-book or guest authoring on other sites? I have a blog based upon on the same topics you discuss and would love to have you share some stories/information. I know my subscribers would appreciate your work. If you are even remotely interested, feel free to send me an e mail.

  34. Have you given any kind of thought at all with converting your main web site in to Spanish? I know a couple of of translaters right here that will would certainly help you do it for free if you want to make contact with me personally.

  35. I just hope that you dont lose your style because youre definitely one of the coolest bloggers out there. Please keep it up because the internet needs someone like you spreading the word.

  36. Pretty part of content. I just stumbled upon your blog and in accession capital to say that I get in fact loved account your blog posts. Anyway I’ll be subscribing to your augment or even I fulfillment you get admission to persistently quickly.

  37. I hope you never stop! This is one of the best blogs Ive ever read. Youve got some mad skill here, man. I just hope that you dont lose your style because youre definitely one of the coolest bloggers out there. Please keep it up because the internet needs someone like you spreading the word.

  38. Hi, I do think this is an excellent site. I stumbledupon it 😉 I am going to come back once again since i have book-marked it. Money and freedom is the greatest way to change, may you be rich and continue to guide other people.

  39. I think this is one of the most important information for me. And i am glad reading your article. But should remark on some general things, The site style is perfect, the articles is really excellent : D. Good job, cheers

  40. Howdy just wanted to give you a quick heads up. The text in your content seem to be running off the screen in Internet explorer. I’m not sure if this is a format issue or something to do with web browser compatibility but I figured I’d post to let you know. The style and design look great though! Hope you get the problem fixed soon. Cheers

Comments are closed.

Related Posts