Social media has become an essential tool for businesses of all sizes to connect with their audience and promote their brand. However, simply having a presence on social media just isn't enough anymore if you want to get results. To truly maximize the benefits of social media, businesses need to have a clear and compelling social media strategy in place.

What is a social media strategy?

A social media strategy is a plan that outlines how a business will use social media to achieve its goals. It includes details on each platform you will be using, outlines your target audience, the types of content to be shared, the frequency of posts, and the metrics that will be used to measure success. In addition, a social media strategy provides a clear roadmap for businesses to follow when engaging with their audience on social media.

Why do I need a social media strategy?

A social media strategy is crucial to business owners that want to:

Increase website traffic
Boost online engagement
Build an email list
Improve sales or sign-ups
Promote your brand online

Whether you're already online or soon-to-be online, a social media strategy is essential for businesses that want to virtually engage with their target audience and achieve their marketing goals. With a proper social media plan, all your efforts to grow your platforms will be more strategic and done with purpose. A well-crafted social media will keep your planning on the right path to ensure you are targeting the right audience, sharing the right content, and tracking the right metrics to drive results.

What goes into a social media strategy?

A social media strategy typically includes, but is not limited to, the following elements:

Goals and objectives
Target audience
Platform selection
Content pillars
Posting frequency and timing
Metrics and analytics
Competitor analysis
Visual platform elements (i.e. banner updates, graphics, profile picture recommendations, etc.)

Additionally, if your business is currently active on social media, your strategy may include a social media audit and SEO recommendations for each platform.

How do I use my social media strategy?

To take full advantage of your created social media strategy, treat the document like your rule book for each platform:

Follow your content calendar and posting schedule/calendar
Monitor your metrics regularly to track your progress
Follow your engagement strategy to help boost your online presence
Stay up-to-date with social media trends and changes to adapt your strategy accordingly

If you need better results from a section of your strategy, feel free to adjust your plan based on your results as needed.

How often should I update my social media strategy?

Your social media strategy should be updated regularly to reflect changes in your business goals, target audience, or the social media landscape.

At a minimum, you should review and update your strategy annually to ensure that it continues to align with your business objectives and target audience. However, you may need to update your plan more frequently if there are significant changes to your business goals or social media platforms.

Pro Tip: A general rule of thumb is to consistently test your strategy for at least 3 months to get a decent amount of results from your audience.

Having a well-crafted social media strategy can be a game-changer for any business. With the right approach, social media can be a powerful tool for building brand awareness, engaging with customers, and driving sales. So don't hesitate to take advantage of this opportunity to grow your business and connect with your audience on a deeper level.