Social media marketing is an excellent way to reach and engage with your customers, clients and patients. It can be low cost (but do not delude yourself or believe anyone who represents that it is free – even if you do it yourself, your time is money!) and can be an easy addition to your marketing efforts, especially if you are familiar and comfortable with social media. Here are 7 tips to set yourself up for Social Media Marketing success.
1. Be prepared
If the extent of your digital knowledge begins and ends with checking your email on AOL, take some time to learn more about how social media works before you attempt to use social media for marketing. Take a class, attend a webinar or set up a one-on-one training session to get a better understanding of how social media works and more importantly, how marketing via social media differs from traditional marketing efforts. Social media platforms should NOT be treated as just broadcast outlets. I find that many seasoned business owners initially see social media as yet another place to put their ‘ads’. That approach is NOT going to set you up for social media marketing success! Social media requires engagement and the sharing of content of value with your community. Many of those same seasoned business owners have spent years talking with clients/customers and patients. They know the frequently asked questions and how to recommend the right product or guide someone to the correct service to address their needs. Once they understand that social media can be a way to engage like this digitally, they can thrive!…
