Successful Social Media Strategy Tips

Social media algorithms change, new platforms emerge, and trends come and go. But, even though all that can overwhelm you, social media remains an essential tool for entrepreneurs, coaches, and consultants to reach their audience and grow their businesses.?

When you have a strategy in place, you don’t need to worry about showing up every day on every social media platform. Here are five things to do for a successful social media strategy:

1. Build authentic relationships: Instead of focusing on promoting your products or services, take the time to engage with your community. Respond to comments, ask questions, and create conversations. “Memories” is one of my favorite features on Facebook. I love seeing how I used to connect with my friends. If you hop back into the social media time machine, you’ll remember how you used to show up and leave comments on each other’s walls. You were showing up and CONNECTING with one another. By building genuine connections with your audience, you'll build trust and loyalty, which will ultimately lead to more sales.

2. Embrace video content: Love it or hate it, video content is quickly becoming the preferred form of content for many social media users. Use it to showcase your personality, share your expertise, and create engaging content that resonates with your audience. Remember, people want to buy from people. You don’t need to be perfect. And if dancing, lip-syncing, or pointing doesn’t feel authentic to you, then don’t do those things. Find your own style. Whether it's through live videos, pre-recorded videos, or stories, make sure to include video content in your social media strategy. Pick one and be consistent.

3. Prioritize value over sales: While you can drive sales on social media, prioritize driving value. I like to stick to the 75-25 rule. For every fourth post, offer a way to have someone get your lead magnet, sign up for your newsletter, or a way to work with you. Other posts should provide your audience with valuable content that educates, inspires, and/or entertains them. By providing value, you'll build trust and authority, which will lead to more sales in the long run.

4. Listen to your audience: Social media works not just as a message broadcast tool but as a listening tool. Monitor your social media channels for feedback, questions, and comments. Use this feedback to improve your products, services, and content strategy. One of my favorite ways to get feedback from my audience is through polls on Instagram stories. They are a quick way for some of your closest followers to quickly give you feedback that can be incredibly valuable.

5. Diversify your content: While you should focus on creating content that resonates with your audience, that doesn’t mean it all has to be done the same way. Some people love to read, some enjoy listening, and some enjoy watching to learn new concepts or be entertained. To keep a wider segment of your audience engaged and interested, show up in a variety of content formats throughout the month. Don't be afraid to experiment to see what works best for your audience.

By following these five tips, you'll have a solid social media strategy to stay ahead of the game and build a strong, engaged community of followers.?

Thanks to guest blogger Katie Brinkley for today’s post.?

Hear more from Katie at this year’s Creator Economy Expo ?(May 1-3, Cleveland, OH) in her session, Show Up LESS on Social and Build MORE Business. Use coupon code TILT200 to save $200 off any in-person pass.

5 Things From The Tilt

• Equality and equity are not the same. ?Women make up a higher percentage of influencers with sponsored content deals, but men typically bring in higher rates. It brings up an interesting distinction to consider. (American Influencers Council)
• Joe and Robert think the proposed US TikTok ban goes too far. [This Old Marketing podcast]
• Joe talks the five critical strategies he's employed that have made his journey a success. (Content Inc. podcast)
• Looking for help with social media? Later is a social media management platform and link in bio tool for every social network. Plan, analyze, and publish content in advance — so you can save time & grow your business. Get a free 14 day free trial today.*
• Savannah, Ga., leaders have an interesting chat about attracting the big business of the independent creator economy to their region. (savannahnow)

*The Tilt receives a small commission if readers (at no additional cost) make a purchase using this link.

Content Entrepreneur Spotlight

Entrepreneurs: Wendy and Beth

Biz: Fruitloops: Serial Killers of Color??

Tilt: True crime featuring serial killers of color??

Primary Channels: Podcast, website

Other Channels: Facebook (3K), Instagram (2.3K), Twitter (1.4K)?

Time to First Dollar: Wendy and Beth created a Patreon account when they first started Fruitloops, and revenue arrived in “dribs and drabs.” The two still work full-time jobs and funnel any money earned from the podcast back into the business.?

Rev Streams: Ads, merch, Patreon, CashApp, Ko-fi?

Our Favorite Actionable Advice:

• The questions you have may be questions a prospective audience has. Fruitloops started after Wendy asked, “Are there any Black serial killers?” her co-worker and fellow true-crime podcast fan. She and Beth found the answer was yes, and started Fruitloops.
• Wendy and Beth have kept their full-time jobs, reinvesting the money earned from the podcast into the business.
• As the podcast business grew, the duo contracted with Evergreen Podcasts Network to help manage advertising and other duties.

All the Story: To learn more about Fruitloops, check out the longer story.?

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