The 6 pillars of effective social media

As an SME there is a lot of pressure to engage on social media, everyone will tell you, you have to get on social media, that's where it is! Even to the point of sacrificing other business necessities like a website!  So before embarking on the choppy seas of social media for your SME here are few tips to make your voyage a lot smoother and more rewarding in the long run.

1. Social media is permission based marketing, meaning people will follow, like etc for a reason. They might be interested in your company, you, your products or services and most importantly your content but remember, they do not like to be sold to!  They can just as easily unfollow and unlike you so don't hit them in the face with a sales pitch every day!

2. Make it worthwhile. Meaning the content your share on social should excite, entertain or educate, make your content original, interesting and unique.

3. Know your audience. Your social media should have a personality, it should match your company tone, pitch and behaviour as it is an extension of your company’s identity.  By knowing your audience you can tailor your content to engage and interact with them.

4. Reward your loyal followers with exclusive content or even giveaways, but make it relevant, ‘win a free ipad by liking me’ is pointless as you will attract people who simply want to win.

5. Make sure you merge your online and offline message, tell people where they can find you across the social platforms, use every opportunity to share your vanity URL’s www.instagram.com/youcanfindmeherecomesee

6. Schedule posts and use personalised automated tools to make your life easier, however make sure interaction with your followers is in real time as much as possible.