Features of an Effective Social Media Strategy

Photo by @Kasten Winegeart

We can’t deny that a brand's online presence is more important today, than ever before. According to Statista's April 2021 report, there are almost 3.8 billion social media users worldwide today.

Social media is a powerful tool of engagement between a brand and its audience that directly impacts trustworthiness and loyalty in the relationship between these two. As we can recall in the recent lockdown that took place due to COVID-19, the use of social media platforms, specifically Instagram and Facebook became essential for companies to utilize and to share information to their audiences.

We cannot deny that a brand's online presence is more important today, than ever before. With social media being a key factor influencing a customers' buying decisions, it is evident that the way you communicate to your customers online significantly matters. Thus, we have collected five pieces of advice to help you make sure you incorporate all the right elements in your social media strategy.

Do not create content just "for content."

When using social media for your business, it is vital to start with a strategy first and foremost. When you have a plan established for your brand, it helps to ensure that you include all the important pieces of your social media strategy, providing a framework for your content and a clear outline of your social media goals and objectives. On social media, you have an audience who is constantly "hungry" for engaging content that would make them keenly interested in your brand and its philosophy. We also insist that every post on your social media feed creates value for your audience and not only entertains them. Value-based content is the cornerstone for the audience's hunger, as monotonous visual entertainment can get jaded. 

Visual content is your mirror.

Following the previous advice, we recommend that you create a visual identity for your brand. It needs to resonate with your overall image besides your Instagram page. Think about the brand colours of your product, packaging and even website. Your social media feed needs to reflect what your product or service is from a simple glance. Not highlighting your product or services is maybe not the most effective strategy. Remember, you need to make a person view your content and encourage them to engage with it by leaving a comment, save or like. Strong creative and copywriting skills are crucial and several services we offer at DRPR.

Consistency: quick recipe to make yourself recognizable

Consistency is key in social media marketing. In addition to creating valuable content, you want to ensure you are staying consistent with your social media posting and schedule. The more you communicate your message, and the more you post frequently, it will help to make a memorable impact and thus affect your customer’s purchase decision.

Ensure you talk directly to YOUR audience

We all know this feeling of getting another spam newsletter in our mailbox with a regular introduction paragraph that sounds like "Hi, there!" How do we feel about it? Disregarded, neglected and even a little bit down. Thus, to avoid making your online community feel the same way, show them you know them! Of course, you do not know their names! However, it is good to use the same vocabulary your customers use and interact with the same tone of voice that resonates with your customers. The critical thing to remember is that your goal is to sell your product and build "friendship" between your brand and each customer. Moreover, it is vital to know who your audience is, so we encourage you to do some market research to evaluate your competitors' audiences and execute social media listening to get an idea of how your audience sees and feels about your company.

Don't follow all trends, but ensure you know which will work for you.

In his book Steal Like an Artist (2012), Austin Kleon says, "We don't come out of the womb knowing who we are. In the beginning, we learn by pretending to be our heroes. We learn by “copying” and it is common to refer to others for inspiration and to look for industry trends to see what consumers are interested in. However, it is essential to keep in mind that your creativity is key to success. Ensure that even if you go with popular social media trends in your posts, your brand's individuality and philosophy is still reflected in them.

Specialties on your social media matter.

Special offers, contests, and unique promo codes are a great way to make your audience feel unique. These features keep your audience interested and actively engaged and thus are an effective tool to increase your sales.

These are only a few of the secrets to skyrocketing your social media. If you want to make the most of your business’ social media management, do not hesitate to reach out and book a consultation with us today!

By Mariia Minaieva