If you’re confused by the question, the likely answer is that you don’t have one. If you’re doing anything with social media without a strategy to guide your actions, you’re wasting time and resources. In fact, you could skip social media altogether and let your competitors dominate in this space.

Chances are, that’s not your intention. Fortunately, the Social Media Examiner has provided some tips to help you along the way. We’re borrowing from their expertise to provide you some guidance on developing your social media strategy. Check it out:

Outline Your Goals in Your Social Media Strategy –

You know one of the most important elements within your business is to have a goal. You likely have goals for sales, number of customers called, number of donors reached, etc. The same applies here – what do you hope to accomplish with your social media? While you’re developing your answer, don’t forget to keep it simple and SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic/Relevant, and Timely).

A Social Media Strategy Beings with Research –

You know where you want to get to, but how will you get there? What are your competitors doing? Where are your customers or donors hanging out? Where are the key conversations surrounding your industry taking place? You need to know the answers to these questions before you successfully launch your campaign.

Develop a Digital Rolodex –

If you want to be considered the authority in your industry, you have to play the game. Make connections by following the right conversations. Subscribe to blogs in your industry and keep a list of influencers who are relevant to your business. This not only helps you to build relationships naturally, it also provides an excellent resource for your content.

More Social Media Strategy Tips to Come……

We don’t want to offer everything we know in the first post. After all, we want you to come back. There are 4 more tips we’ll provide in the next blog. Until then, start on the first three – you’ve got your work cut out for you. The good news is it can pay off in the end.