Developing a marketing plan using social media can seem like a scary and daunting task when you first begin. As a self proclaimed social media addict I want to help you develop that plan in a user friendly way that works along with the overall marketing plans that professionals like myself and companies like Allegra help your organization develop.
The experts at Nonprofit Marketing Guide(.)com have created an easy to follow step-by-step guide to help you determine how and where to build your initial social media presence for your organization. Everything from what social networks you should be present on, how important analytics are and developing a social media policy and strategy for your organization. With tips on engaging your audience and promoting your online presence this is a great starting point for any organization.
The minds at Socialbrite have put together a The 7 Elements of a Strategic Social Media Plan. Social networks are abundant and making sure you join the right ones for your organization is important, deciding which to join based upon your organization’s strategic plan is important. Their list asks important questions that every organization must answer when developing their strategic plan and their social plan.
Social media is an inexpensive, quick and usually painless way to reach your donors and the people you serve, but you have to make sure you are doing it correctly to get the most our of the time you devote to it.
- Thoughtful Presence: Make sure that you are only joining the networks that will provide the most benefit to your organization. Just because a social network exists doesn’t mean you need to be on it. And if you are on it..be active!
- Metrics! Metrics! Metrics!: Social networks provide a great number of resources for you to track your engagement with your audience. Make sure that you are studying what the results are and tailoring your activity based upon what brings the most positive outcome.
- Be conversational: Your social media presence is the digital presence of your organization so make sure you’re having a conversation with your audience. Get to know the hashtags that are relevant to your topic and join the existing conversations out there.
Social media is a very important component to a marketing plan, it needs to be well thought out and feed in to your overall organizational goals.
Ann Marie Giudicessi is a member of the marketing team at Allegra Marketing, Print, Mail in Urbandale, Iowa. She has a bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies from Central College and is a lover of all things social! She enjoys working one-on-one with clients to teach them the ins and outs of the social networks that best suit their organization. She, along with the team at Allegra, can work to help your organization develop a comprehensive strategic marketing plan.
