Social media optimization is the utilization of social media sites and platforms to promote a business or service. Although the terms digital and e-marketing are generally dominant in academic circles, social media marketing has become increasingly popular for researchers and practitioners alike. This popularity is due in large part to its relatively low cost and relative ease of implementation. In addition, social media optimization has also demonstrated a strong ability to drive targeted traffic to websites. Unfortunately, many marketers still consider it a complicated art. However, with a few simple guidelines, you can be on your way to optimizing your social media marketing campaign in no time.
As your social media marketing strategy begins to take shape, the first thing you need to decide is whether or not you will build your content network internally or outsource it. The former usually results in a greater return on investment and the ability to tap into deeper resources, such as a university’s social networking pages. However, this comes at a cost. Because social media marketing involves creating relationships with those whom you most want to target, you should be prepared to spend significant time, and possibly money, developing relationships with those that are not targeted by your efforts.
Another option when you decide to build your social media marketing strategy internally is to use social media to strengthen ties with your existing customer base. For example, you might find that a customer referral raises your brand’s visibility. Alternatively, you might find that other customers’ comments enhance your company’s presence. It all depends on the nature of your business, but whatever method you choose, remember that you are extending the reach of your brand. Use social media to connect with your audience on a one-on-one basis rather than trying to mass market to millions of users.
Once you have defined your audience, begin looking for platforms that will allow you to do so. Use Facebook and Twitter, for example, to increase your presence. Use other platforms to network with your customers, too. While you can certainly invest heavily in paid advertising, you won’t gain as much success if you’re not willing to put forth the effort. That being said, here are some more suggestions to help you get starteIt is also important to remember that social media marketing will not work unless you interact with your audience regularly.
Before you begin using Social Media Marketing in London, create an online presence for your company. Don’t forget to set up a blog, or at least maintain a Facebook account or Twitter account so that you can attract new visitors to your site. There are many other options available, including Google’s AdWords and Yahoo! Search Marketing, both of which offer more sophisticated methods of advertising.
Once you have created a presence, start adding content. Your website or blog should always offer interesting and helpful information. If you’re using social media marketing, this should be a primary goal, as well. Make sure your articles are useful and entertaining, and are written in the first person. You should also be sure to provide links to any further information or reviews that you have found on the specific product that you are reviewing. This will keep readers interested in what you have to say and will help build brand awareness for your business.
It is also important to remember that social media marketing will not work unless you interact with your audience regularly. Make use of the social networks by making posts on your page, connecting with your audience through blogs and twitter contacts, and joining the various community forums that may exist. The more interaction you participate in, the more chance you have of building a following and developing a brand. For example, participating in online surveys can offer you the opportunity to build a following that will be loyal to your brand.
Finally, the most successful campaigns have one thing in common: they are organiz. Do not post a single promotional message to your fan page one day and then forget about it the next. If you forget to post something each time you make a post, people will come to depend on your posts for updates, instead of your sporadic posts. If you are serious about your social media marketing plan, set aside time each day to make a post to your pages or websites. You will be surpris how quickly your company can grow if you follow this plan.