The Real Story Behind Social Media Marketing Hype

As the owner of a small business, you cannot afford to ignore social media; it is where consumers go to find brands and learn more about their products. Social media marketing lets you promote your business to your target demographic and build a community of loyal customers who can become your brand ambassadors.

Authentic Content

Posting a picture of your latest flyer on Facebook isn’t social media marketing. When is the last time someone shared an advertisement with you? Probably never since people share how-to articles, infographics and other helpful or engaging content. When people share your content, you expand your business’ audience without lifting a finger. A good rule of thumb is to create four non-promotional posts for each promotional one.

Time Management

Entrepreneurs rarely have free time, which is one of the reasons business owners cite for their lack of social media marketing. You don’t have to use Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Google+, Reddit and Foursquare, but you should use at least two of them. Trying to be everywhere at once results in thin, infrequent content. You can schedule posts and Tweets with an automation tool, but you have to watch the news to avoid insensitive content, such as a promoting a blazing hot sale when there was a major fire in your town where people lost their lives.

Where to Reach Your Target Demographic

Since you only need to choose a few social media platforms to use, you want to select the ones that your desired demographic uses. To reach your audience use:

Facebook – Every social media marketing strategy should include Facebook since it is the most widely used platform. Facebook also allows you to target an audience by specific interests or behaviors in addition to a geographic area so you only pay to reach the people who are most likely to become your customers.

Twitter – Businesses frequently use Twitter as a customer service platform to answer questions and address complaints. Don’t use Twitter unless you can address these issues within 24 hours, preferably sooner. Moreover, you need to remain professional at all times as other consumers will read your response.

Instagram – If your social media marketing goal is to reach the 18- to 29-year-old demographic, try running an Instagram ad that allows readers to click through to a special landing page that is optimized for conversions.

Pinterest – Pinterest has a predominately female audience. Use this platform if your product has visual appeal, such as fashion, food, destinations and home decor.

Google+ – Google+ is a good platform for posting photos of your business and articles. If you need a boost in Google’s local search results, create a Google+ account.

Reddit – Create a business account on Reddit if you want to run paid advertisements in a relevant niche subreddit. The news aggregation site is popular with males between the ages of 18-29. While many business owners don’t consider Reddit in their social media marketing plan, it is the 4th most popular website in the U.S.

Foursquare – Foursquare is the ideal social media marketing site for local businesses. Ads are easy to set up and they appear when people are searching for a certain type of local business. You pay only if a consumer taps on your ad or visits your business.

YouTube – Social media marketing on Tube can consist of paid ads, creative video content on your own channel or a combination of both. Creating engaging videos isn’t easy; you have to think like your customer. Would they benefit from a product demonstration or assembly instructions?

Metrics

Each platform has metrics, which you can use to gauge the effectiveness of your social media marketing strategy. Aim for followers and subscribers as these are the consumers who are willing to get more of your content delivered in their feed.

Developing a social media marketing strategy isn’t easy but you have to go to consumers where they hang out online and learn to be social.

D2 Branding in Tulsa, Oklahoma can assist you with your company’s social media marketing strategy. D2 Branding takes great care using the best social media marketing strategies to benefit your brand. After all, it is your reputation on the line.

For a complimentary 15-minute marketing consultation with D2 Branding, call us today at 918-520-8012 or visit our website at www.D2Branding.com.

Learn more about how D2 Branding marketing agency in Tulsa, Oklahoma can help your business grow!