Sometimes with marketing ideas, we get wrapped up in using the latest and greatest platforms instead of focusing on how these platforms actually benefit our vision.
Right now the buzz is on social media networks. And while some are gaining great success, it is important to remember what is found to be good for one business may not be for another. Here are some key points to keep in mind when looking for your next marketing move.
Define platform options.
Many businesses fall into the trap that to be successful on social media you have to be on every network. This is completely false. The best thing to do for your company is to take a moment and figure out your options. Determine what your market needs and where your customers are already located. Be honest in your ability as well. It appears better if you have a few successful platforms, then too many, that it seems you can’t keep up with.
Find where your customers are.
Again, taking the time to find where your customers already gather and feel comfortable is key to marketing on social media. Keep in mind that although many networks boast high user numbers, it doesn’t necessarily mean that your potential clients will be there.
Gather adequate data.
Now that you know where these customers are, you are ready to begin releasing content, gaining followers, and collecting info. Doing this for about 3-4 weeks can help to test each network in order to make sure that the result is worth your time, effort, and resources. It also helps in finding what will work within each specific platform.
Spend resources on what works.
Once you gather this data, you should have a clear view of which platforms have been working for your business and which have not. You can then turn your efforts on the top few that show the most promising return for your company.
Stay consistent.
By focusing on only a few key platforms, you are able to give them the attention they need to succeed and thrive. Continually pulling data allows you to view what your followers enjoy in terms of your posts. It is also advised to stay with a platform. No matter what happens in a single month or time period, it can easily be changed with a simple shift in plan.
Repeat cycle.
Continue to use these strategies when beginning any new platform or analyzing a current one. Any always remain aware of how each and every platform works with your business and its mission.
The key point is that marketing on any platform is a guessing game. There is no way to decide before starting that a platform will either be a success or a complete failure. But if you look at the components of your business, you can easily find a platform that aligns with your ideas while increasing customer interaction.