Top 7 Social Media Tips To Do – Now!

Social Media is becoming one of the hottest sources of website traffic today. In addition to direct traffic social media is now seen by search engines as an indicator of a sites authority. This means properly implementing a social media strategy can improve ranking and increase traffic. As website owners we all know traffic means sales- if you can convert the visitors to customers. Facebook, Twitter, Linked In, Google+, and other social media sites are now so useful many people spend significant time on them every day. As the amount of time spent on these sites increases so does the number of features the visitors use. It is now common for heavy social media consumers to search on Facebook or Twitter rather than Google for information. This is a big shift that is driving more advertisers to properties like Facebook.

Social media marketing is fun but there is a fine line between having fun and building a business. Don’t get caught in the social media trap where you invest time and money for zero return. Here are the top & tips you need to be thinking about NOW!

1. Know your marketSeriously, know your market. Name the typical customer. Write down everything about them that you assume. Some of the best information is their fears and frustrations. If your answer is that you are your typical customer- man you need to get to work on this! Where do they hang out? Do they even go online? What stuff are they interested in? This information is gold when communicating with your target market. Don’t waste your time watering down your message or talking to the wrong people.

You enter any type of marketing and promotion, the most important thing to do is to know your market first. Make sure that your effort and time will not be wasted by targeting relevant people that are possible customers. For instance, if you have a restaurant in New Jersey, then your main targets are those people around the area or at least, those who can visit your restaurant and be your actual customer.

2. Create a Social Media Marketing Plan

What I know you are saying –What does this even mean? If you can identify a target market and know enough about them to engage in a conversation then you have a place to start. Keep in mind there are direct benefits as well as indirect benefits to much of these activities. Having a clear understanding of the possibilities can be a big help when creating a plan. If you think you just build it and they will come…well you are in for a serious let down! Think building systems and processes to engage and direct potential customers.

3. Build a Social Media Brand

Once you have a plan, the next thing to do is to take action. Start with the main framework of your social media site – the visual aspect. It is critical that your presence build a consistent and identifiable message across platforms. In the beginning, start with the basics like your contact information. Make it easy to find and look consistent. Maintain the same graphics and images across your site and pages. This will give your properties a familiar feel to the visitor.

4. Leverage Status Updates

Of course, you have to create status updates and keep on updating your social media sites daily. Be strategic and plan these ahead. Actually research what your target customer is interested in and either create that type of content or find it for them. If you do it right they just may appreciate it! Doing so can build a connection with your target market. Never forget to post your site’s links.

5. Build Build Build Your List

Offer your visitors a chance to opt in to your insiders list. Make this worth their time and effort. You may have to give them something of value – but hey that’s how you build relationships. Then start working on conversion.

6. Communicate with People not at them

Communicating with people through your social media accounts is indeed effective in gaining their trust. Not just any communication but personal communication – the kind of communication that allows them to get to know you. This is the type of communication that builds the right kind of followers.

7. Be Consistent

Social media management is a long-term commitment. Ten posts over a three day binge followed by three months of darkness will not help you. You need to make the commitment and stay on track. If you can do it right it will pay off-When you begin your social media journey this year keep these seven Tips at hand. They are sure to help you supercharge your business this year!