With over 1.2 billion users embracing social media across varying platforms there’s no denying that it’s certainly here to stay. Clearly then social media marketing should also be embraced. To back this up let’s examine all the facts. These findings are from Social Examiner’s Social Media MarketingReport who questioned over 3500 business marketers.
Fact 1 – Those marketers who spend on average six hours a week or above, using social media platforms to share quality content, benefit from fifty two percent more leads than those marketers who do not.
Fact 2 – Twitter users generate more than twice the amount of leads as those who do not use Twitter.
Fact 3 – More than one third of B2B and B2C businesses who do market say that Facebook is a critical part of their marketing strategy.
Take from this what you will, but one thing’s for sure…businesses who don’t utilise the power of social media to market their products and services are going to be left behind. With this in mind, let’s take a look at those all important do’s and dont’s of social media marketing.
Do’s
Post regularly – if you disappear for long periods of time, so might your followers.
Be slightly controversial – A little controversy can generate interest (as long as it fits with your brand). However don’t overdo it!
Share content – Quality content sharing through video’s, posts and pictures is the best way to build brand trust and awareness.
Become a source of knowledge about your industry – Make yourself known as an expert in your field to build trust in yourself and your brand.
Encourage interaction – Be open and friendly and encourage that all important social interaction.
Dont’s
Self promote – A little bit of promotion is a good thing but over promotion will turn prospects off very quickly.
Make extreme statements – A little bit of controversy is good. However extreme statements that alienate your position probably aren’t.
Be ignorant – If someone has taken the time to interact with you, the last thing you should do is to ignore them. Always respond (whatever the feedback).
Make it complicated – You may well understand your industry inside and out, but that doesn’t mean your followers do. Using complex jargon is more likely to be a turn off, so keep it simple.
Sing the same tune – Don’t keep rehashing the same content over and over. Give continuity to your brand by all means but be careful not to be repetitive.
As you can see, there is a certain social media marketing etiquette which should be observed and hopefully if you can follow these basic do’s and don’ts then your social media marketing efforts won’t be in vain.
