How to get started in social media marketing when your business is well established, yet lacking a social voice.
Business leaders in 2019 are realizing that social media isn’t going anywhere, and it’s now generally considered one of the most powerful marketing tools available.

Businesses that don’t utilize platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn within their marketing strategy are missing out on vital opportunities that can drive evergreen success into the future.

Here are 5 steps on how you can lead your company to success through social media marketing in 2019.

1. Learn the basics of how social media platforms work and how they’re different.

In order to create an effective social media marketing strategy for your company, it’s important to have a good understanding of how each social platform works, and what differentiates each one from another. Once you understand why each platform is different, and what demographic audiences live on each platform — then you can put out messages on each platform that are applicable to the viewer and context.

Some businesses will have greater success reaching the younger generation through Instagram, while middle aged generations are easily reached on Facebook.

2. Consult a social media marketing specialist before diving in.

Although it may seem easy to start posting right away, it’s important to at least consult a professional social media manager or branding specialist. The messaging and appearance of the content you post on social media should be very high quality and well thought through. Often times it’s easy to start posting content that may seem interesting to you but doesn’t actually benefit your audience, resulting in a drop off in follower engagement.

A professional social media manager can help you create clear messaging and content guidelines that will help you stay focused towards your marketing goals, and effectively reach the right audience. They will also help you with tools to help you grow the account followers and elevate their engagement with your content.

3. Define what your social voice sounds and looks like.

Every company sounds and looks a little different, for good reason. Nike motivates and inspires people to “Just Do It”, while Tesla inspires awe and curiosity along with a humorous twist that keeps you intrigued with their continual technological innovations. Understanding how you want your audience to see your business has everything to do with the content and messaging you publish on social platforms.

It’s also critical to remember that each platform has its own context and style. For example Instagram content should naturally be more creative and eye catching, while Facebook should focus more on relationship and story telling. Ensuring that your content is native to each platform, and then injecting your voice into it is the key to a successful social media marketing strategy.

4. Build valuable content & don’t over-sell your brand.

Before you push that “Post” button, always ask yourself, “Is this a post I would personally find interesting and engage with if it was in my social feed?”. If your post doesn’t pass this test, then it’s time to go back to the drawing board.

The purpose of social media is mainly for entertainment, education, information, and sales (every now and then). If the majority of the content you are posting is self promoting, then you will alienate your followers. Make sure that every piece of content you post adds value to your audience and calls them to engage with you.

5. Consider partnering with an agency that can elevate your marketing strategy to the next level.

If your company has marketing budget available, then it might be a good idea for you to partner with a social media marketing agency to really take your marketing efforts to the next level.

Social media marketing specialists have years of experience and understand the ever-changing dynamics that social platform users face. They also can help you create higher quality content, as well as grow your online following faster than you could on your own.

Along with this, a social media marketing agency can create paid advertising campaigns on social media to rapidly drive increased sales and leads to your business cheaper than ever possible through print, radio, or television.

If you would like a free consultation on your social media marketing, then don’t hesitate to reach out! We are happy to connect with you and see how we can help.