Katheryn HorsleyThe use of social media as a marketing tool has steadily increased over the last few years. Whether you’re the marketing manager of a large corporation or just an average Joe, the ability to engage in online conversation is arguably the most compelling feature of social media. So we say harness it!
Just as you’d find in any face-to-face conversation, social media engagement should be carefully fine-tuned according to dos and don’ts of general common courtesy. In the virtual world, this may be referred to as Internet Etiquette – or “netiquette” for short!
Here’s how you can boost your brand’s social media success using basic principles of netiquette:
Redundancy
We’ve all had a conversation with someone who seemed to suffer from broken-record syndrome. Often times it can feel disengaging, right? Well repeatedly posting the same content on your social media sites has a similar effect on your followers. Reusing content is a great way to keep consumer interest, however it should be done in a way that feels new and fresh from the viewer perspective. This is the most prominent distinction between recycling content and simply being redundant.
“Double Dipping”
Along the same lines as redundancy is “double dipping.” Sure, it may be tempting to copy content from one social medium to the next; however this is the quickest way to unsatisfy your most loyal followers. When sharing similar content via multiple mediums, always be sure to vary your post captions and hashtags to generate new leads and excitement around your content. Keystone Click #QuickTip: Using a content calendar may assist you in developing an effective theme for recycled content on each social medium.
Posting Without a Plan
Speaking of content calendars! We find that our clients have an easier time posting effective content and are more likely to stay on track when they utilize a developed content calendar. Posting on a whim can be great for on-the-spot content, however the best way to foster continued engagement with your followers starts with a solid plan of action. Content calendars often span over each social medium used by a brand and include weekday themes and the incorporation of hashtags to generate new leads and trends. Not only will this tool keep you organized, but it can significantly reduce time spent preparing your content pieces – Here’s how you can plan a week’s worth of social media posts in just one hour!
Not sure how to get started with your brand’s content calendar? No problem, that’s what we’re here for! Give us a call and we’ll help you work through the fine details.
Ignoring Visual Cues
You know what they say – “A picture is worth a thousand words.” And in an era where social media posts are limited with character counts, you could afford to use some visual imagery! Not only do images provide visual appeal when your followers are scrolling through their social media feeds, but studies have shown higher levels of engagement on posts with images versus text-only posts. If the social medium you’re using has been optimized for image sharing, then there’s really no reason to avoid visual cues within your content posts.
Over-Selling
Social media is a great tool to foster user engagement with your brand. With higher levels of engagement, you may expect an increase in sales as well – when selling content is applied tastefully, of course! When it comes to incorporating sales posts within your brand’s social media, we recommend using the 70/20/10 rule. This means that 70% of our posts are dedicated to sharing valuable content pieces with your audience while 20% of your posts are targeted for other users within your industry. Finally the last 10% of the content shared is intended for selling and profit purposes.
Using this rule will allow you to be recognized as a trusted source for valuable content thus creating brand recognition and loyalty. Once that relationship is established with your followers, 10% is more than enough to greatly benefit your brand! Still not convinced? Get in on the “Social Sharing Sweet Spot” to optimize your posts to the fullest. Knowing what, when and how to post is the key to your social media success!
Looking for more industry tips for increased social media success?
We’d love to work with you and your brand to find a strategy best suited for your needs.
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