The 3 R’s of Successful Social Media Marketing
What does it take to have a successful social media marketing program in place?
Social media can help propel your business further ahead than you ever thought possible, and much faster than you ever thought, as well. However, in order to find yourself with a successful social media marketing program, there are a few important things you need to keep in mind.
Below are the 3 R’s of a successful social media marketing strategy, and should always be at the forefront of your campaigns.
1. Respect
It sounds simple enough. We all know that we should be respectful of one another online. That said, there is no shortage of examples where brands disrespect each other and, even worse, disrespect their audience.
There is never an excuse for rudeness online. Never mind the fact that it is simply improper etiquette, but from a PR standpoint, everything you say is seen by the world-wide web. When you publish something callous or inappropriate on one of your social channels, your entire online audience, and in all likelihood, some extended audiences will see your brand portrayed in this negative light.
Keep your brand in the good graces of your audience. You might find the socialsphere unnerving and, at some times, completely enraging. It is always important to take a step back and cool your head before responding.
2. Respond
We never tire of pointing this out: engagement is the cornerstone of any successful social media marketing strategy. People are online to talk. If you are leaving comments and questions unanswered, what service is your social marketing program providing for your brand?
It is important that you actively engage in as many of the conversations around your brand as you can. This is helpful for a number of reasons. It keeps you in the loop of what is being said, it shows your audience that you care and, perhaps most beneficial of all, it keeps you abreast of any unhappy customers and allows you to help them deal with their issues before they spiral out of control.
Engage with your audience and your brand will shine on social.
3. Routine
Social media can never be an afterthought. Not if you plan on driving business with it, anyway.
Your social media program needs to be as fully integrated in your overall marketing strategy as anything else. Like a blog, your website or a press release, you should have a content strategy, a posting schedule and an engagement manual that applies to each of your social channels. Taking your social media seriously will result in far greater results than simply posting content whenever you remember to do so, or whenever it is convenient.
What other important rules (not necessarily starting with ‘R’) can you think of when it comes to success with social marketing? Tell us in the comments below or on Twitter!
