Most businesses today have learned that incorporating social media into their business strategy is basically a given.  In a culture that outsources much of its energy into a social media environment, marketers must do the same in order to tap into the consumer network.  However, what some businesses are failing to do is to implement an effective marketing strategy to their social media platforms.  The problem lying in the fact that most people on social media follow the trends, and just mimic what everyone else is doing without actually knowing why. 

            If you think your business might be in this kind of boat, take a look at the tips below for actionable marketing tactics to incorporate into your social media activities.

10 Marketing Tips for your Social Media

1. Determine business goals.  If you don’t know what you’re trying to accomplish, its difficult to do.  Make your objectives measurable.  Socials shares don’t necessarily convert to sales.
2. Know your target audience.  Take the time to develop a tailored marketing persona.
3. Get the resources you need to support your efforts.  Though it’s often labeled as free, social media doesn’t happen by itself.  It requires people and budget to support your marketing plans.
4. Give your target customers the content they are seeking.  Provide the information your audience needs to make a decision to buy.
5. Curate other people’s content on social media.  Your content curation success depends on discovering, selecting and packaging high value, sharable information your prospects seek. 
6. Make your social media visually attractive.  You have to want to stand out on social media. 
7. Incorporate your brand into every social media interaction.  The idea is to keep your name in the front of people’s minds.  Be subtle about how you do this.  Integrate the human side of your brand on social media. 
8. Optimize your social media content to attract the maximum audience.  Make your social media irresistible with alluring headlines, attractive images, easy-to-scan text and social proof.
9. Use a variety of social media platforms.  Spend at leas as much time distributing content and engaging on your topic across social media platforms. Leverage every distribution outlet at your disposal including advertising, where appropriate. 
10. Measure your social media results.  Incorporate a contextually relevant call-to-action where appropriate.  Focus on getting interested readers into your purchase funnel rather than going straight for the sales.