Lessons from your English Teacher about Social Media Marketing

English 101…Social Media Marketing 101

 

You probably didn’t realize it at the time, but your English teacher of many years ago was really teaching you everything you need to know about designing your social media marketing strategy on Facebook.  Wow, talk about a teacher ahead of the times! 

In case you can’t think back that far, or you were too busy passing notes, staring out the window, or sharpening your pencil, let’s review this quick marketing lesson disguised as English 101. 

The educational term for this lesson is “interrogative pronouns”, however you may remember it as the Five W’s (and one H); the Who(m), What, When, Where, Why, and How of developing a full story. 

Whether you’re just getting started on Facebook, or are enhancing your marketing efforts, ask yourself these 6 questions.  They will help you shape and define your social marketing strategy and create a focus for your daily and weekly action plans.

“What do I want to accomplish on Facebook?”  Knowing exactly what your goals are with social media is essential to bringing clarity to your activities and time on Facebook.  Whether it’s to gather new local customers and more bookings, sponsor global business partners, support your team, educate others on the benefits of your product field, or establish your name recognition as a leader in your industry, select at least two goals around which you can begin developing an action strategy.

 “Whom do I wish to reach on Facebook to accomplish my goals?”  Knowing your target market will guide your strategy in building and contributing to your network. Who will appreciate your personal brand, product line benefits, career opportunity, or the value in your content?

“Where will I find my target market on Facebook?”  Once your target market is defined, where will you find them on Facebook?  What local, global, or theme-based groups might they join?  Brainstorm keywords around your product line, business benefits, content theme, local area, and ideal client or business partner.  These are the terms to drop into your search box.  They will uncover a path to new like-minded friends.

“How will I connect, contribute, and share relevant content to my target market and network?” 
Providing  relevant and usable content that engages your network is the key piece in attracting people to you,  and setting yourself apart beautifully from the pack.   Your content is your “online voice” and can be in the form of your status update, Facebook notes, importing a blog post, tips on Facebook Fan Page, comments within Facebook groups, sharing pictures and videos, or sharing links of other relevant sources.

“When do I have time to commit to Facebook?”  You can achieve high visibility and a dynamic presence on Facebook within any lifestyle schedule.  The key is to get creative with “Facebook Flexibility”.  It’s available 24 hours a day, so use it wisely.  Phone calls, follow-ups, parties and presentations have non-negotiable time, Facebook has flexible time.

“Why will others want to know and take action towards me?”  Along with your content, your personal artistry is the most important and influential factor in designing your social media marketing presence. Each day, you express to your network exactly:

• Who you are
• How you approach life and business
• Why their lives will be enhanced through your connection
• What knowledge and value you’ll share that no one else can, because “you are you”.

When you educate, elevate, empower, and engage with your Facebook network, you will create a sense of urgency to know more about you, and explore what you do.

You are the value in any type of business partnership.  Create an amazing experience for your network!

Ok, now go thank a teacher!

Debra Warren