As a business, putting together an effective social media strategy is essential 
in building relationships with customers and prospects, and increasing brand visibility online too.
Just the way an architect always has a well-drawn out plan for a house before it is built, putting together a well thought out strategy before getting on social media should be top on the list for any brand/ business.
7 Tips on How to Make Social Media Work for Your Brand
1. Have Clear Goals:
Every brand or individual who decides to use the social media platform as a tool for either personal branding or brand management must have clear goals as well as an action plan on how they intend to achieve those goals. i.e. what they intend to achieve and how they intend to go about it.
2. Have Clear and Engaging Content:
Having clear & engaging content would provide brand awareness & daily consumer interaction with your brand. Find content that resonates with your target group. For instance; if your target group is young people, research & discover what most young people are doing online, provide content they would be interested in (Music, football, videos, games, etc.)
3. Engage with your consumers:
Social media is a two way communication. If your audience/ consumers take out time to visit your social media page and interact with your content either by commenting, liking or sharing, please respond to them. No matter how flimsy or irrelevant their suggestions may be, the least you can say is “Thank you for your comment”. You would be amazed how much trust you would gain from your audience
4. Always ask your audience/ consumers for feedback on your products:
This would help the brand position itself in the right direction. Social media gives you the opportunity to reach as many people as possible, through one medium, all at the same time!
5. Be Consistent:
If your brand has a “serious tone of voice” offline and you decide to get on social media, find a“social media tone of voice” to increase your online presence & engagement.
6. Use the right images:
On social media, sometimes images speak louder than words! Use images that are sharp, clear and attractive to the user.
7. Be Sincere:
No matter what you do, be sincere. Sincerity equals believability and credibility for your brand.
Want to learn how more about social media marketing? The Professional Diploma in Digital Marketing covers modules which will teach you in-depth best practices in social media planning as well as practical skills needed to implement, monitor and measure successful social media campaigns.
The next training session begins on Saturday, 11th of October, 2014. Send an email to digitalmarketing@wdc.com.ng to register your interest.
Nigeria
