Forming a Social Media Success Plan – Step 1

There are 7 steps to building a successful social media platform. During the next few weeks we will be going over these steps one at a time.

The steps are:

  1. Create a Vision
  2. Set Strategic Goals
  3. Find Your Social Media Voice (Persona)
  4. Build Your Social Media Platform
  5. Create a Publishing Plan
  6. Build Your Tribe (Community)
  7. Evaluate Your Results

This week we’ll talk about creating your vision. Why do you need a vision? “When there is no vision, the people perish.” – Psalm 29:18. In order to reach your full potential, you need to know where you’re going.

With that in mind, here are a few questions you need to ask yourself:

  • What is the picture of your future for your social media platform?
  • What is your desired destination?
  • Where would you like to be in five years?
    (Yes, the tools are going to change, but answer this based on the tools we have right now).
  • What do you want your business/brand to be known for?
  • What is going to be your social media legacy?

Some examples:

Health Coach: To become the foremost resource on Facebook for health and wellness information.

Animal Rescue: To become the most informative and entertaining animal rescue site on Facebook. (Confession time, I love animals, I have a passion for animal rescue, and I would never miss a Tip of the Day from Giddy and Twinkle, check out their Facebook page).

Specialty Sales: To be the go to shopping place for technophiles and geeks. (Go check out ThinkGeeks Google+ page).

Your homework for next week:

  • Write a one sentence social media vision statement that aligns with your business objectives and inspires and motivates you to keep building your social media platform.
  • Research what similar people are doing in social media. (I’d never advocate copying, but your competition might have some great ideas you can put your own twist on).

If all of this seems overwhelming, it might be a good time for me to mention my December (and January because I know some of you procrastinate) limited time package

Social Media Calendar Plan for 2014 ($160)

  • Overview of your business, products, services, market, target audience, and Internet marketing activities
  • Determine the one or two best platforms for your business communications (based on your market and target audience)
  • Help you determine your online voice (strictly professional – somewhat personal).
  • Create publishing plan for 2014 using the PIC Principle:
    • 20% promotional (product launches, free offers, upcoming events)
    • 40% informational (Blog posts, industry news, quotes and tips)
    • 40% conversational (questions, replies)
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