Social Media has been the dominance of the internet for some time, from Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn to Instagram, there seems to be a new social media platform that you ‘need to be on’ every year. But when it comes to marketing on social media, it is hard to know where to start.

Making new posts, preparing adverts, leaving comments on relevant subjects, interacting with other users, growing your audience, these are all things you need to consider, and for someone new to this, it can be a lot to take in. So, with that in mind, we have prepared some tips to help take the pressure off.

Know your business

It made sound a bit silly, of course, you know your business. But do you know it from a customer or user point of view? Ask yourself, how do they understand your business and, why might they be looking at it. How might they come across you and what might they have searched or enquired to find you.

Focus on the networks your customers use

Research which social media networks your customers actually use and then focus your efforts on those networks. It makes no sense putting time into a platform if your audience doesn’t use it.

Clarify your objectives

By outlining your business objectives alongside your social media marketing objectives, it will give you a better idea of the type of content you need to produce. What is your aim, and what do you need to do to achieve it?

Tell people you are on social media

If you’re at an event, creating a new advertising campaign, speaking to a client, whatever it may be, let people know you’re on social media and how they can find you. You’ll be surprised at how many people will follow you.

On top of this, make sure to include links to your social media on your website, marketing graphics and email signatures. Make it easy for your customers to find you.

Add value

Now how exactly do you add value? Well, it comes down to research and time. You want to add value to the content you are sharing with your customers, so find out what content is valuable to them, what are they interacting with, and, just as importantly, what are they not interacting with. Just make sure you stay relevant to your audience base.

Post regularly

It takes time and patience to cultivate a reliable online presence, and it takes no time to lose it all. Consistency is key.

Mix things up, experiment

Do not be afraid to mix things up, whether that be images, links, social media graphics or videos and the platform’s algorithm will thank you, as long as you’re relevant to your audience, it’s hard to go wrong.

Don’t be shy, reply

Positive, negative or confusing, always make an effort to engage with your audience. Each conversation can lead to an opportunity.