Create the Worst Social Media Strategy Ever
Create the worst social media strategy ever.
Want your social media strategy to fail? Looking for a social engagement plan that flops? Then take these sure-fire steps to social disaster:
Confuse the message
You likely take time to align traditional marketing messages, so it’s just as important to be sure social media messages are consistent. If your social media monitoring staff is in-house, implement processes that ensure employees know when and how to engage social media users. Consider Vodafone UK. An employee sent a rather unsavory Tweet that triggered reputation management on the company’s part. Vodafone was forced to issue an apologetic Tweet as well as a statement—but not before the offending message had been viewed more than 9,000 times.
Live on every imaginable social network site
You wouldn’t waste money buying ad time during a Christian television show if you’re selling a brand that embodies sex, drugs, and rock-n-roll. Social media strategy deserves the same thoughtful analysis.
Chances are your online influencers prefer just a few of the many social media sites inhabiting the web. Social media monitoring and active online listening will help you figure out where that ever-important online listener is so you can engage them there instead of rambling through every blog, community, and forum on the World Wide Web.
All takin’ and no givin’
The “social” in “social network” implies that the platform helps build relationships. It can take days, weeks, or months to develop the type of quality relationship that nurtures an online listener. That means you’ll need a strategy that allows you to create those relationships. If it becomes tough to build conversations around the hundreds or thousands of mentions a brand elicits, consider investing in a social media monitoring service that provides the social engagement strategies you need to build an army of online influencers.
Launch a “plan” without a strategy
Creating a company Facebook page does not mean you have a social media strategy. From marketing plans to fire drills, chances are your company has a plan to cover it all. Treat your online listening the same way. Before you post a single comment, create a strategy that’s aligned with your brand and company goals. Check out Mashable’s 5 step plan for creating a smart social media strategy.
Look for a partner to help you craft and implement a plan that will make your brand stronger.