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PLUMBING CONNECTION
WINTER 2016
FIVE STEPS TO EFFECTIVE
SOCIAL MEDIA
I
n today’s world, the social media market has become
a dynamic, authentic and important entity. It has the
ability to influence the ideas and opinions of millions of
people worldwide. Since it is autonomous, substantial and
changeable, it can’t be ignored. There is a real necessity
for businesses and organisations to enter the world of
social media, monitor it, act through it and respond to its
challenges.
“But how can I make social media effective without
spending too much time on it and is it really worth it?”
This is a question I often hear from clients when thinking
about marketing.
Social media doesn’t have to be complicated or time
consuming and can be very effective with benefits that
include:
∫ Building relationships and engage with customers
∫ Raising awareness of your company and successful
projects
∫ Demonstrating thought leadership and position you as an
expert in your field
∫ Listening to, understanding and engaging with your
audience.
You don’t have to use every social medium but rather
choose the one or ones that are right for you. Linkedin,
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, Google+,
Blogger all have advantages to offer the building industry.
There are two stages in getting on board – listening and
participating.
Listening means monitoring social media and you can do
this for a month or two before you actively get involved.
WHY LISTEN?
∫ Your customers, competitors and even suppliers are
already online and most likely talking about you
∫ You can gauge customer perception and use it to improve
your offering
∫ This information gives you the groundwork and research
on which to base your marketing strategy and help you
confirm or conform your message.
And now get involved…
WHY PARTICIPATE?
∫ It opens dialogue between you and current/potential
customers
∫ It builds your brand visibility and provides an opportunity
to promote your projects
∫ You can use valuable online feedback that is cost effective
to collect
∫ It can drive traffic to your website.
Planning social media is a bit like planning to build a
house. You have to start with a design and direction and
while you may have to make some adjustments on the way, if
you don’t have a plan it will never be successful.
There are just five steps to follow:
1.Determine your key messages –
what are you going
to say about your organisation, how it is different from
other companies and why a customer should build their
new home with you. Make sure this stands out from your
competitors.
2.Develop a content calendar –
a month by month plan
WHETHER YOU LIKE IT OR NOT, SOCIAL MEDIA IS HERE TO STAY.
CECELIA HADDAD
EXPLAINS HOW TO USE IT BEST
TO YOUR ADVANTAGE.
BUSINESS PROMOTION
CECELIA HADDAD