Six Critical Steps of a Successful Social Media Marketing Plan

“You have to try out the new smoothie shop, it is the best!” How many times have you heard someone say this about a place or a product and tried it out? Almost 90% of the time, right? This is because a friend or someone whose recommendations you trust has made a suggestion. This is known as word of mouth marketing. This type of marketing is at least three times as effective as any other marketing method. Social media marketing is the mother of all word of mouth marketing. Why, you might ask? Very simply, you reach millions.

Before you plunge into social media marketing and are disappointed with your results, you must understand that this process requires nurturing, patience and time. However, done right, it will give you great results.

1. Connect with people in your target market to be noticed. Put up useful and valuable information on your blog, Facebook page or even Tweet it. This step purely is for building your reputation and not trying to sell anything yet.

2. Talk to people, respond to comments and build relationships. There is nothing better than making a future customer feel that they are being engaged personally. Do not sell anything yet.

3. Ensure that you responding to every message you receive on social media. If you are at the stage where people are re-posting your posts, then you have started getting conversions of sorts. Still, do not sell anything yet.

4. Offer free content, webinars and even do blog talk radio. Keep your followers engaged and expectant. If you have come as far as this step, you should have a decent prospective consumer base.

5. This is the step where you can start selling your product. Without being too in your face, offer your product or service to the customer base you have built up. Make the point of sale quick and efficient for the customer. Any confusion or lengthy process could cost you the sale. Your product must be as good as your word; or else your efforts are in vain.

6. When you have a group of satisfied customers, word will get around. Not only will your customer base expand but you will find opportunities to offer other products that you have lined up as well. Making addition sales from here on will not be too hard to make, as your customers will respect and appreciate the recommendations you make going forward.