Most businesses are already on social media. Those that aren't know they need to get there or they miss out on valuable marketing opportunities.
In an online world of different platforms with different expectations for each, how do you keep up?
Here are some reasons why you should consider outsourcing your social media needs.
Keeping up is time-consuming
In the ever-increasing noise of the online world, and with ever-changing formulas on sites like Facebook and Twitter, you need to post often to be seen.
When your customers do notice you, will you be available to respond or will you be attending to other business?
Today's consumers expect near instant responses. If you can't respond quickly, you need someone who can. They don't want to call you on the phone, they want to talk online.
Engagement vs. Sales Pitch
While your customers need to know about your latest product, they definitely want to feel like you know them personally.
Your content should reflect that. This is a key point of customer contact.
You wouldn't hire a surly person to work in sales. You also want the person running your social media campaign to provide excellent service.
Just because you or your employees know how to access Instagram, doesn't mean that it's the best place for them to speak to your customers, unless everyone has been trained or the agency you work with handles it.
Engagement
This simply can't be stressed enough. Social media is not just another place to post your latest brochure.
Each platform has its own language and set of users.
There are unspoken rules on each site. Can you show yourself in a casual slice of life type post on Snapchat, then inspire someone else with a polished photo on Instagram, then write a witty post on Twitter?
We haven't even covered Facebook or Pinterest yet.
If this sounds daunting, consider outsourcing your content or ignoring almost all the platforms except the one you're seeing the most traction and engagement on.
A person who specializes in creating social media content can flow between platforms easily and help moderate replies.
So how do you deal with it?
The best strategy to social media is to growth hack the discovery of new fans that like your content, and once you have your base, learn more about them and post what they want. You can do this on your own! Hire an intern, or take 30 minutes each night to go out like, follow, and comment on users that have shared interests as you.
For example, if you're looking for mentors for your startup, find a group like #startupdenver, and search for people who hashtag that, you'll liekly find the judges, sponsors, investors, and other pitches, which all can help you in unique ways.
It's not an easy task to find even just 100 followers that relate with your vision, and it's important to find them before you start worrying about engagement.
To learn more about how we can help you growth hack Instagram and LinkedIn, visit Handshakin' Services.
Originally posted at www.handshakin.com.
