New to Social Media Marketing? Follow These 10 Lessons to Get Started

Social media has increasingly become a major player in driving audiences to your brand or cause. So, how does the average organization or brand make the most effective use of these very important channels?

Here are 10 things that beginners can implement to maximize the effectiveness of their social media efforts.

1. Post regularly

The more your audience hears from you, the more mindshare and trust you’ll be able to build and hold onto.

2. Deliver relevant content

Ensure that what your audience hears (and sees) is interesting and fits seamlessly with your brand identity.

3. Post unique content

Try not to curate too much of your social media content, as most likely your target audience has seen it before. If you want to stand out, your content needs to be unique to your brand. Don’t be afraid to repurpose your content with a new spin or in smaller chunks.

4. Share and retweet

Great way to widen your audience and show that you are the thought leader in your market.

5. Don’t discount the “smaller” social networks

Test out everything, which includes Instagram, Periscope, Pinterest, Tumblr, Google+, etc. You might be surprised to uncover a new and difference audience that wants to hear from you!

6. Be a helper

Respond on social networks when you have legitimate answers to questions. Be sure to be genuine about wanting to help.

7. Mix it up with content formats

Make sure that your social media posts (Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, etc.) are well-branded, and don’t be afraid to use different formats.

8. Learn from your mistakes

Analyze past posts to determine what works consistently and what doesn’t. Refrain from posting content that fails to get significant engagement.

9. Automate whatever you can

Always maintain a fresh flow of content. Don’t be afraid to use social media automation tools to schedule your posts and organize your channels and feedback.

10. Encourage employee and customer engagement on your channels

The people who work for you and your valued customers are among your best ambassadors. Enlist their help in sharing your content on their personal channels.

By following these rules you will create an organic audience on social media that grows and helps spread your story well beyond the reach of traditional marketing outlets and techniques.

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