Flying Pig Communications

Today we are excited to have a guest post from Tampa Social Media and Online Marketing Strategist, Kim Randall. Kim has a great blog that focuses on social media strategy that is a must see for anyone engaging in a online marketing campaign. Check her out HERE

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Social Media is becoming a common workplace topic for so many of us. Twitter this, Facebook that, blogging, video and to the small business owner I can only imagine that this all seems so overwhelming.

A Social Media Campaign doesn’t have to be stressful, but it does need to be thought and mapped out before any sort of execution. There are so many companies that are doing it right Online, but for every one company doing it right there are probably something like 4 doing it completely wrong. Remember that not everything Online is going to work for every Brand so to only copy a campaign from your competition will probably get you no further than they are.

Here are 5 steps that you can take that will better prepare you for your Social Media Campaign before you execute anything.

1. Familiarize yourself with the popular Social Platforms (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube), obtain your Company’s name on all of these platforms (if available) and make sure you post “New to ______ and just checking it out”.

By obtaining your name you are securing your Brand Reputation and by posting that you are new show people that you may make some mistakes and that you are NOT Spam.The funny thing about the Internet is that people LOVE to help so soak it all in. *Remember to balance the advertising with socializing*

2. Make sure you personalize your Social Sites and have all of the correct information pointing back to your main content.

These Social Platforms are going to generate eyeballs back to your main content. By creating content and interacting on these platforms you are building up your Brand’s trust and you want to make sure your sites are linked up and you are sending them to the proper sites.
3. Stick to the basics to start with.

As with anything, if you are unfamiliar with something you can easily become frustrated. Don’t sign up for every site that Mashable recommends. Instead take it slow and build up the major sites first. Get to know them and see how they can help you and your Online Presence.
4. Decide who your target audience, customer or client is.

If your business is based in a small town in Tennessee do Google searches for Twitter lists within that Geographical location. Be careful following too many people on Twitter at one time or friend-ing a large number at once on Facebook. You do not want to appear to be Spammy. Slow and steady really does win the race.
5. When all else fails and you are still trying to find your place within the Social Media world, consult a trusted and reputable Social Media Strategist that can help you take your Online reputation to the next level.

Make sure you do a Google search on whoever you choose to consult with and look into their own Social Presence. Are they interacting with others? Can you even find them on Google? When was the last update they made? Remember that the way their Social Sites look is probably a good indication of how yours could turn out. If they care about their Brand Reputation they are more likely to care a great deal for yours.

Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: | brand building, brand development, communications, community relations, market research, marketing, public relations, relationship building, slogan, small business, social media, twitter, twitter lists