What do you do if stakeholders are out of the loop on your social media efforts?

1 Assess Needs

Before you can effectively update stakeholders on your social media activities, you need to understand what information they consider important. This may vary widely depending on their role in the organization. For instance, a CEO might be interested in overall brand reputation and return on investment, while a sales director may want specifics on how social media drives lead generation. Start by asking stakeholders directly about their needs and expectations, or if that's not possible, infer their interests based on their position and responsibilities.

2 Create Reports

Once you know what stakeholders are looking for, compile regular reports that highlight the most relevant social media metrics. These reports should be clear, concise, and tailored to the interests of each stakeholder group. For example, if engagement rates are a priority, focus on those figures and provide context to help them understand the significance. Visual aids like graphs and charts can be particularly effective in making data more accessible.

3 Schedule Updates

Consistency is key when keeping stakeholders informed. Establish a regular schedule for updates, whether that's weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. This ensures that stakeholders know when to expect new information and can prepare any questions or feedback they may have. The regularity of updates also helps to build a routine around communication, making it a standard part of business operations.

4 Use Jargon Wisely

While social media management comes with its own set of technical terms and jargon, it's important to use language that stakeholders can understand. Avoid overwhelming them with industry-specific lingo unless you're sure they're familiar with the terminology. When you do use specialized terms, provide a brief explanation to ensure clarity. This approach helps stakeholders feel more connected to the social media efforts and less alienated by unfamiliar terms.

5 Foster Dialogue

Encouraging a two-way dialogue is essential for keeping stakeholders engaged with your social media efforts. Invite feedback and questions, and be prepared to discuss both successes and areas for improvement. This open communication not only helps stakeholders feel valued but also provides you with insights that could enhance your social media strategy.

6 Offer Education

Sometimes stakeholders may be out of the loop simply because they lack understanding of social media's role and potential impact. In such cases, offering educational sessions or resources can be invaluable. This might include workshops, one-on-one meetings, or written materials that explain the basics of social media marketing and how it aligns with the organization's goals.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?