Behind the Scenes: My Winning Tactics for Creating Social Media Content That Shines
You’re probably aware that social media can be a game-changer for your business. However, the key to unlocking this potential is not just about being on social media, it’s about being proactive, strategic, and most importantly, engaging.
I’m often asked how I manage my social media marketing and content as a small business owner and so in this blog, I’m going to break down my approach. From planning my social media strategy to repurposing blog posts, taking inspiration from everyday conversations with other business owners to sharing my personal moments.
The Importance of Social Media Planning
Have you ever heard the phrase, “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail”? It’s an old saying but it’s especially true when it comes to social media. Randomly posting content just for the sake of it rarely gets you the results you’re looking for. Planning your social media content helps you post consistently, target your audience effectively and maintain a balanced variety of content.
I’ve gone into more detail about planning your social media marketing campaign with my blog “Empowering Your Small Business: A Beginner’s Guide to Social Media Success”, so do make sure you give that a read for some extra hints and tips!
When it comes to creating social media content, variety is indeed the spice of life. A good mix of content types keeps your audience interested and engaged. Blogs, videos, infographics, testimonials – all of these add to the richness of your content and cater to the different preferences of your audience. Now let me explain how I achieve this with my own social media planning and marketing.
Turning Blogs into Multiple Social Media Posts
Think of your blog post as a tree with multiple branches. The trunk is your main blog, from which you can create a video, 3-4 standalone snippets, or even conversational posts that are all derived from your blog content. Each form of content can be served across different platforms or even on the same platform on different days to maximise exposure.
Take, for instance, creating a video from a blog post. You can present the same information in a more engaging, visual format. Similarly, snippets can become valuable “top tips” that you share on your social media platforms. They can be used to generate discussion and engage with your audience.
By taking this approach, with just one blog I can create a post to share the blog, a video and 3-4 standalone snippets that can be used as top tips or conversation starters.
Taking Inspiration from Conversations for Your Social Media Content
Engaging with other business owners often results in rich, insightful discussions. But did you know that these conversations can also be a treasure trove of social media content? Just jot down interesting points and convert them into engaging social media posts.
Sharing the insights and experiences gained from these conversations not only makes for compelling posts but also helps your audience gain unique perspectives. You’ll be surprised how many people find value in the lessons you’ve learned from your business interactions.
The Power of Social Proof: Sharing Testimonials
Social proof plays a significant role in influencing consumer behaviour. Therefore, it’s crucial to incorporate testimonials into your social media strategy. I share weekly testimonials not only to highlight the successes I’ve had but also to build trust among my target audience.
If you don’t have many testimonials, consider sharing stories of how your product or service has helped customers. Real experiences and stories from clients not only provide proof of your business’s credibility but also helps to humanise your brand and connect with your audience on an emotional level.
Posting Updates to my Audience
It’s crucial to keep your audience informed about what your business offers. That’s why I regularly share updates about my services and any changes that I make. It means my audience is always aware of what’s going on and if I’m aligned with their business needs and goals (or not, as the case may be).
Plus, it gives an opportunity for current clients to learn about other services they might be interested in and to entice some old customers back when they realise you offer more than they initially hired you for.
Sharing Useful External Content
Ever come across an article that you found so helpful you couldn’t help but share it? That’s exactly what you should be doing on your social media platforms. Sharing useful articles, infographics, or resources you’ve found can be a great way to add value to your audience’s lives.
Remember, your social media presence isn’t just about promoting your own content. It’s also about becoming a valuable resource for your audience. By sharing articles and information from other sources, you demonstrate that you’re focused on helping your audience, whether that’s with your own content or someone else’s.
The Personal Touch: Sharing Personal Posts
Now, let’s talk about the personal side of things. As a business owner, it’s easy to get caught up in the ‘business’ side of social media. But don’t forget that social media is also about being, well, ‘social’. Personal posts can serve as a bridge that connects you as an individual to your audience.
Whether it’s celebrating a national day, sharing a photo from your recent holiday, or just sharing a slice of your daily life, personal posts allow your audience to connect with you on a more human level. They get to see the face behind the business, which can be powerful in building authentic and lasting relationships.
And there you have it, a comprehensive look at my approach to planning out social media content. Remember, effective social media isn’t just about being visible; it’s about being engaging, diverse, and authentic. It’s about planning your content to deliver value and variety to your audience while also letting your personality shine through.
Don’t worry if this seems like a lot right now. Just take it one step at a time and before you know it, you’ll be a pro at social media planning. Here’s to your success on the social media front. Keep rocking it!