Consolidate and Connect: Tips to Increase Productivity on Social Media
There are many tools that coach small businesses and other social media users about how to use various networks to reach out to customers. However, it’s also important to recognize when the time you spend on social media isn’t as effective as it could be. If you suspect social media has become more of a time sink than a solution, keep reading and learn how to make meaningful improvements.
Target the Influencers
Many people spend a lot of time casting a wide net on social media, or in other words, focusing on a very broad target audience, and hoping a substantial portion of those individuals will respond favorably. Instead of doing that, pay attention to people who have a high level of influence and can spread it to others by way of their association with you.
For example, if you’re the social media manager of an environmental supply rental company, it may be worthwhile to follow members of your local community such as the mayor, or anyone who’s a city council member. Those individuals typically interact with dozens of people on a daily basis.
If they converse with local organizations that get involved with environmental matters, the few community influencers you’re following on social media may spread the word to many other people who are held in high regard. That’s a smart way to potentially get your company recommended as a great solution if environmental equipment is needed by a community organization, and the people in charge would prefer to rent it rather than buy.
Be Choosy
Perhaps your time on social media could be better spent on sites that target professionals, such as LinkedIn. It all depends on what your goals are, but if you’d like to reach peers instead of solely communicating with customers, LinkedIn may be the ticket. A survey conducted by DHR International discovered the majority of executives prefer that site for social interactions.
Also, try to set aside a limited amount of time each week or month to experiment with using new social networks. Some may have value, but don’t register any new accounts without first doing research to see if the sites are likely to support your company’s goals.
Post Less, Engage More
Creative content has power no matter which social network you use. However, if most of your content is made up of posts that are doing very little or nothing to advance your business, it’s time to change your ways.
As a starting point, devote significantly more of your social media time to engagement, rather than distributing content. Try a 70/30 split of those two things for a two-week period and keep track of whether that change boosts your metrics. Make insightful comments and strive to be helpful whenever possible. That approach should help bolster your social media reputation, and it will also help you have a better understanding of the kind of content your audience prefers.
Block Out Social Noise
It can be tempting to follow anyone and everyone on social media, especially if you want to give the impression you’re an active user. That urge is understandable, but it may do more harm than good.
Facebook has filters that allow you to “like” a company or individual without receiving associated notifications. Play around with those if you’re concerned your feeds are getting too crowded with posts from people who aren’t peers or members of your target audience.
If you often look at the clock with a shocked expression after realizing how much time you spend on social media, but aren’t noticing great results for your business, try the ideas above. They could streamline your efforts and strengthen your outcomes.
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