The secret of promoting on social media is creating a campaign that doesn’t seem like a campaign. You have to have the classic advertising maxims involved (three to five insertions of an add to get attention — something I learned back in the stone ages). But you also have to give your target market content that is relevant and engaging. How does what you post matter to them? If fact there are several others you must ask yourself before you begin (and during your campaign):
- Is my content engaging?
- What platforms would be the most effective?
- What content would work best on each platform? (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Periscope, YouTube, SnapChat — you get the point.)
- What frequency should I post?
- What hashtag should I use?
- Should I mix in traditional media?
- How long will my campaign need to last?
- How can I get people to share my content?
- How can I engage my audience?
- Who is my market?
In the old days, you’d try to raise awareness. Today, you have to engage people or they won’t pay attention.
In 43 days, I launch my book, Chainsaws & Casseroles. Not only am I the audience, but I am also the publisher (I own a small company that publishes my books). That means I have to all the work before I can reap the rewards. I will share with you my social media marketing plan.
“In preparing for battle I have always found that plans are useless, but planning is indispensable.” Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower.
For me, the process of planning is what makes the difference. Like war, once we started, things change. But today, I will work through my plan and help you set up yours.
Be thinking about what you are going to promote. We will do this project for four weeks and it will be a big part of your participation grade.
Also, on Sept. 29, we will have a field trip to the Mississippi Museum of Art for a social media/MPB event. I am also working on getting details put together for a quick visit to the Clarion-Ledger. I’ll give you details on Thursday, Sept. 24.