I LOVE social media. In fact, I log several HOURS per day on various social media networking sites. Granted, most of that time is for my clients. I figure its a good thing when you can turn something you are knowledgeable and passionate about into a service, which is why I decided to be a social media marketer, managing social media profiles for clients.
Over the last couple of years Ive heard all kinds of excuses from clients with regards to why they have decided to cut back on their social media marketing efforts. Here are just a few:
1.It doesnt work for me!
2.Ive seen no real increase in traffic to my website.
3.It takes too much time.
4.Facebook is just a place where people goof off and act like they are working.
Social media is not a quick fix. Consider the fact that people are literally bombarded with hundreds of buy now messages constantly and thats BEFORE we enter the buying season of Trick-or-Treat, Gobble-Gobble and Merry Christmas!
Consider all the fan pages you like on Facebook. Of the truly successful fan pages with loads of active followers (who like and comment on posts) how frequently are they posting buy my stuff updates and links? How much more often are they creating a relationship with their audience and interacting?
Social media marketing is social. Its not posting then running off. Its interacting and getting to know your audience, creating relationships with them and adding value to their life through your posts. A single post is not going to drive traffic to your website UNLESS you have already built up a relationship with your audience.
Here are a few tips on improving your social media marketing efforts:
1.Post frequently. People dont interact with inactive pages. Theres a fine line between posting frequently and posting way too much. While some pages post up to 10 times per day, others post no more than 2-3 times per week and still maintain an active following.
2.Post relevant information. Be careful to just post anything and everything that entertains you. Your followers are following your page or account for a reason. If your page is about cooking dont post about the latest technology of intergalactic travel. Keep it relevant.
3.Post to add value to your audience. You do know the world is not all about you and your products and/or services, right? Often times there are articles or posts which your audience may enjoy or gain from.