In my last blog post, I provided an introduction to social media by answering two foundation questions, namely, ‘What is Social Media?’ and ‘What does Social Media involve?’. Both of these questions I have been asked, as well as have asked myself (when I was first new to online marketing). Understanding what is meant by social media and knowing what it involves is a good start to building a successful online marketing plan.
In order to implement that plan, we also need to know how we can effectively use social media as part of our everyday business routines. Creating content for social media, especially daily, often sends people new to social media into a spin: ‘But what should I put on social media? What can I talk about it? My day isn’t very interesting’.
I’ve put together a short list that will hopefully give you some ideas of daily content you can share with your network to help you create content that is useful, timely and resonates with your target audience.
- A busy day ahead? Tell us what you have planned.
- Launched a new project? Show us.
- Working on a new release? Let us know how it’s going.
- Hit a problem? Ask for help.
- Had an exciting meeting? Tell us about it.
- Looking for a new supplier? See if your network can recommend someone.
- Had a great week? Give us a round up of your best moments.
- Had a bad day? Have a good old moan about it.*
- Got an event coming up? Let us know how the preparations are going.
- Doing some research? Ask your network to help.
- Having a sale or a special offer? Promote it.
- Learnt something new today? Share the knowledge.
- Seen something that made you smile today? Cheer us up.
- Got some hints and tips to share? Let us know.
- Read an inspiring book or article? Share it.
* Don’t do this one all day, every day otherwise you might find that your followers will start switching off. Nobody really likes a Moaning Minnie.
Think about this: if you bumped into a friend or a colleague, and they asked any of the following questions:
- ‘How is your day?’
- ‘What have you been doing?’
- ‘How is work?’
- ‘What are you up to?’
what would you you say? You would most likely answer honestly and tell them if you were having a good / bad day, you’d tell them what you have going on in work at the moment. Do the same with your social media friends and colleagues – start and engage in conversation. Instead of having a face to face to chat, you’re having a virtual one.
But please heed my words of warning: Be careful with what you do say, in the same way that you would be careful if the conversation was face-to-face. Only publish content you would be happy to put your name to. If you have a strong opinion on a particular topic, make sure that you are happy to stand by that opinion if you were to be called up on it.
Most importantly – have fun! Enjoy creating content and building your social media network.
