As a modern brand, having a strong social media presence isn’t just a “nice-to-have” – it’s a pretty big necessity for anyone – business or individual – looking to ACTUALLY make a mark. With billions of users scrolling various social platforms daily, the sheer potential for both visibility and engagement (which is obviously what we’re looking for) is HUGE. Here’s how to do it (take notes):
Watch who you’re talking to (and how you talk to them)
Understanding who your audience is, is the cornerstone of any worthwhile social media strategy. The more you know, the better – look into their demographics, preferences, and interests and then tailor your content accordingly. This will help you to align with their needs, creating a connection far deeper than a superficial, surface-level online presence. Put in the effort to create a unique identity that reflects your values, resonates with your audience – and is consistent across platforms (no split personalities here!)
Content is King
If your content is a snooze fest for you to create, it’s proooooobably not going to be a hoot and a half for your audience either, so be sure to have fun with it. Combine different formats, such as text, images and videos to create engaging content that breaks the scroll and captivates your audience.
UGC for the Win
Your biggest asset is your audience, and you can capitalise on this by encouraging your followers to share their real experiences with your brand (contests, challenges, tags, hashtags, etc). This is a surefire way to build authenticity, trust, and a sense of community around your brand.
Social media is a two-way street
You’ve got to be engaging with your audience – respond to their comments, messages, and mentions timely, participate in conversations and pay attention to every bit of feedback they give you. The heart of a strong online presence is building a real relationship with your audience.
#StayRelevant
Think of hashtags as the currency of social media discoverability. If properly researched and incorporated, relevant hashtags are a top-tier tactic to increase visibility and reach a wider audience.
The devil’s in the DATA
Be sure to regularly monitor social media metrics to understand what works and what doesn’t – keep a keen eye on engagement, reach, and click-through rates to make informed decisions and optimise your strategies for better performance in the future.
Be a good listener
Pay attention to what people are saying about your brand or industry, and do your best to respond to feedback, address concerns, and take advantage of potential opportunities to provide value. Social listening is a solid way to stay informed about trends and sentiments within your target audience.
Scope out the competition
Monitor your competitors’ strategies to learn from their successes and failures, then adapt and improve and improve your own strategy based on this analysis. This will give your brand the competitive edge you’re looking for, while still maintaining your brand’s unique voice.
Every brand is different and unique, and there isn’t a one-size-fits-all cookie-cutter template to craft your social media presence, but these are definitely some nifty strategies to keep in mind – not only to enhance your online presence but also to foster meaningful connections with your target audience (which is always a win).
