Q: At this stage, many social media platforms are diluted with endless content. Does it make sense to create and manage a social media account anymore?
A: Absolutely! You can’t afford NOT to be part of the conversation. You have to play smart. There’s definitely more ‘noise’ out there with everyone sharing their viewpoint, which is why it’s so important to have a strategy for your social media efforts; you should never have a social media account just for the sake of ‘having a Facebook page’. You need to have an end goal and consistently work towards achieving it.
To stand out among the noise you need to understand your audience and why they’re following you. You will be successful if you are able to solve a problem for your potential customer. Also, it’s crucial to understand the importance of targeting and selective online advertising.
St. Anne’s uses their blog to communicate with their existing and potential guests on issues that matter to them. For example, in this entry, they explain how the vitamins and minerals contained in their Lapacho tea can provide healing benefits and help solve some of your health problems.
Q: What emerging trends are you seeing in social media?
A: Utilizing influencers and having online videos are trends that will continue for 2016.
Influencers: Marketing has changed over the years, especially when it comes to reaching your target market. ‘Influencers’ are incredibly valuable. Unlike traditional advertising, they provide unique and genuine perspectives on your brand while still reaching a target audience. Because of this, consumers are more likely to buy a product that an influencer recommends rather than a product that is advertised through a traditional outlet.
The MBA Tour uses Twitter influencers to get the word out about their events in specific cities. Hearing this from an influencer may prompt more people to attend the event than if they heard about it straight from The MBA Tour.
Videos: Dynamic content is everything when it comes to social media. Ten years ago brands told their stories through words, two years ago brands told their stories through images, now brands tell their stories through videos.
When coming up with your content plan, think about ways you can use video to tell your story. These videos don’t need to look like a movie screening – it’s okay to be raw and authentic; it shows that you’re real!
Super Bowl commercials get as much attention each year as the game itself. One of the most talked about commercials this Year was Heinz’s “Weiner Stampede.”
Q: Measuring the ROI of social media is always a concern for brands. How can brands use social media to see a direct ROI?
A: Social media is shifting and evolving – it’s not measured the same way it was six years ago. You are definitely able to see a direct ROI from your social media efforts and we actually specialize in that.
If your brand has a large enough following you can leverage current partnerships as revenue streams. By doing this you can make money from your social feeds as well as produce dynamite content, which is an ongoing need for companies. Check out our new SOCIAL ROI PROGRAM.
Q: What makes a brand stand out on social media?
A: Whenever you create content, you need to think about the content that you, yourself would consume. With every piece of content you create, ask yourself: Would I read this? Would I care about this? Would I want to share this? Does this engage me? Does it solve a problem for me?
To be successful on social media your brand needs to have a unique story, be authentic and share value added content. Each post should have a unique “hook” to grab the attention of your target audience.
All of those likes, shares and comments come from people just like yourself – remember that when you’re trying to make your mark!
Q: If you could give one piece of advice for a brand trying to engage a large following, what would it be?
A: Speak to your fans as if they were right in front of you, face to face.
Like with any relationship, social media is a two-way conversation. Brands need to understand that they must strike a balance between the content they share. Encourage your fans get involved in any way possible and your brand will see the results from that!
Need help with your social media? Whether it’s assessing your current feeds, or strategizing new initiatives, we know how to make your brand stand out. Contact us today and let On Q share your brand’s story.
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