Finding new ways to bring in those all-important clients can prove challenging. The modern marketing landscape changes virtually on a daily basis – particularly where social media is concerned – keeping up with the latest buzz can seem a daunting task to say the least.

But the question is; with social media fast becoming one of the most targeted and pro-active marketing platforms, can you afford not to have a strategy?

Boosting Business With Social Marketing
Done well, social marketing can be an invaluable tool for boosting sales and extending your business network. To help you get it right for your business, here are the first 5 steps of the ultimate social media marketing plan.

1. Identify your objectives
Without knowing what you want to achieve, it’s pretty easy to get lost down the social media rabbit hole. Recognising the importance of social media is one thing; knowing how to use it to your advantage is another entirely.

Ask yourself – what do I need to achieve here? Whether it be finding more clients, raising your brand profile, professional networking or link building - it’s important to have a clear idea of what you wish to accomplish. Perhaps most important of all, if you don’t have a clear objective, you’ll have nothing against which to measure your results.

2. Passive? Aggressive?
Aggressive marketing will actually prove detrimental in the long term. Think about it – ‘social media’ is, by its very definition, a platform based on social interactivity and therefore will to some extent be governed by accepted social boundaries.

Just as people are unlikely to respond to the loud, obnoxious drunk in a crowded pub, your audience will be equally turned off by a constant barrage of marketing hype. Find a tone and approach you’re comfortable with, and stick with it.

It’s also important to remember that network marketing is a two-way street. Don’t be afraid to assist fellow professionals with feedback and advice when they need it – they may come to the rescue when you need it most.

3. Know your market
Whilst there are literally endless social networking sites in existence, spreading yourself too thinly could prove counter-productive. Instead, select 2 or 3 key sites that will meet your needs and enable you to maintain an active profile without taking up too much of your time.

If you’re a photographer for example, Facebook, Flickr and Twitter are a great way of keeping your audience up to date with new work and clients, whilst providing a direct link back to your site. Sharing your latest portrait shots will say far more for you than any amount of cleverly worded marketing.

4. Consistency is key
Again, this is where it becomes important not to spread yourself too thinly. Once you have decided which sites you’re going to use, devise a regular schedule for updates. This is where many social marketing strategies fall down, with marketers starting out with good intentions before allowing work to take priority. Before you know it, your marketing efforts are on the backburner. Remember – you’re doing this for a reason and, as with everything in life, you get out what you put in. The best mindset is to believe that this is a long term investment in your business.

It’s also important to assume at all times that your audience are savvy to your intentions. If you’re in it just to promote yourself and your business, users will quickly see though this and be turned off. Try to integrate yourself into the community and pace your marketing efforts.

5. Remember - It’s a two-way street
An easy trap to fall into for many freelancers is worrying too much about your own business and not enough about others. In much the same way as a passive marketing approach will assist in building a loyal following, establishing a reputation for being helpful and approachable will pay dividends in the long term.

Don’t just focus on your own business in your updates, engage users by posing questions, offering assistance and so on. Establishing an active dialogue with fellow social media users will both raise your brand profile and inject a little personality into proceedings. Try it – you might be surprised at the response.

Next month - The Ultimate Social Media Marketing Plan – Part Two. Contact us if you would like help planning your social media marketing strategy.