Building a Successful Social Media Strategy for a Growing Company

As a recent hire tasked with managing social media for a small but growing company, you might feel an overwhelming sense of responsibility to get it right from the start. Here, we dive into essential advice to ensure your social media efforts are both effective and engaging.

The Definition and Importance of Social Media Design

Defining social media design involves creating content aimed at gaining website traffic or attention through social media platforms. It may sound straightforward, but it requires both creativity and strategic thinking. The key is to craft content that resonates with your audience and encourages sharing, fostering a word-of-mouth marketing effect.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Social Media Design

To enhance your social media design, it's crucial to steer clear of the following common pitfalls:

Selecting Topics Where You Know Little

Avoid diving into topics you're not knowledgeable about. Your audience expects valuable insights, so ensure you know your subject matter as deeply as possible. Authenticity and expertise build trust.

Relying on Quantity Over Quality

Quality content trumps quantity. Posting a single high-quality piece per week can yield better results than several mediocre posts. Focus on delivering value over volume.

Not Focusing on Engagement

Social media is about building relationships. Engage your audience through meaningful conversations. Don’t just post; interact, respond, and build meaningful connections.

Lack of Visuals

Visuals speak louder than words. Use images, videos, and infographics to capture attention. They not only convey your message more effectively but also make your content more shareable.

Complex, Lengthy Writing

Keep your content concise and straightforward. Editing is key—edit, edit, and edit some more to ensure clarity and impact.

Irrelevant Subjects

Know your target audience and tailor your content to their interests. Irrelevant posts will fail to engage your followers and waste your marketing efforts.

Ignoring Results

Measure your success against your goals. Analyzing metrics helps you understand what works and what doesn’t, allowing you to refine your strategy continuously.

Looking for Shortcuts

Social media success requires time, effort, and persistence. Genuine engagement takes time to build, so patience and commitment are crucial.

Understanding Business Social Media, As Seen from a Market Perspective

According to a survey by Internet Retailer, a growing number of businesses are recognizing the importance of social media in building brand awareness and customer loyalty rather than immediate sales. Here’s a breakdown of their findings:

96% view social media as important to the future of their online business, with 53% considering it very important. Most common platforms: Facebook (90%), Twitter (75%), and Pinterest (54%). 51% post videos on YouTube, while 9% use Google and 15% leverage Instagram.

Successful social media design involves not only reaching but also engaging your audience. Understanding their needs and preferences is key to defining your next steps and increasing your chances of success.

About the Author

Mike Schoultz is the founder of Digital Spark Marketing, a digital marketing and customer service agency with over 40 years of business experience. Follow him for insights on improving business performance. Connect with him on Google , Twitter, and LinkedIn.