Now more than ever, it is vital to engage with customers digitally. Social Media channels have been a crucial part of marketing and have become a way to connect with clients. As we evolve into new means of communication, social media has grown even more powerful. We not only promote our products to our clients, but we inspire and educate.
As with all marketing and sales tools, we need to keep learning. I watch my 14-year-old navigate Social Media feeds and post with such speed and agility. I only wish she would apply this same dedication to her math work. The one thing that I have learned from her is that rules of the game change rapidly, and if you are not up to speed, well, your left behind, and it can backfire.
Social Media for personal use is different from Social Media for business use. In the hospitality world, we can post about all the areas of the hotel, such as food, wine, accommodations, promotions, activities, there are many ways to work with the content. So how do you know what, when, where to post?
- How many posts a week is recommended?- Depends on the network, for example, Instagram, it’s recommended to post at least two times a week on the feed and 3-4 via stories; however, these numbers change as the algorithm does, so it is essential to be informed and updated. Facebook depending on the number of followers, recommended postings average 4-5 per week.
- Content is vital in Social Media. The algorithm rewards relevant content and punishes irrelevant content. We need to understand our target audience and curate material based on their beliefs, needs, and wishes. Following good practices is essential; however, the connections created with the audience will determine the success or failure.
- Who is your audience? Everyone? Not everyone, identify your target audience by learning about their interest and how they align with your product. Messages can be delivered directly or indirectly. Find ways to engage with your audience and create a connection.
- How important is it to answer questions from Social Media? Very it is the best way to get to know your users, what they think, what they believe, what they like, and dislike. Nurture the relationship in hopes of establishing a link that will eventually develop into a sale, a fan, a promoter.
- Should you hire a Social Media Specialist? Social Media is far more complex and technical than many people think, as technology is continually evolving, so is Social Media and its rules. It is crucial to stay up to date with these platforms to reap the rewards. Social Media is all about innovation and creation, so if you don’t have a minimum of 4-6 hours a day to invest in learning about them and creating exciting content for your users, its recommended to hire a professional. Social Media is much more than posting beautiful pictures. It requires knowledge, time, and creativity to do it efficiently.
- Should I be on all Social Media Platforms? It depends on your industry, budget, and objectives. It is better to have two strong social networks with a loyal community than five weak ones.