One of the most common questions that is raised in client meetings is ‘what makes a good social footprint?’

Such a valid question in this day and age, with almost eight in ten Aussies¹ now using social media. My answer – it really depends on the industry. In some cases less is more.

A great starting point is leveraging each platform's pros and understanding their cons, this is key to a successful digital footprint! They each play their own role in engaging users and each have their own set of weaknesses.

Let's break down the top four:

Instagram highly depends on visually appealing content, Facebook is more open to opinion posts, LinkedIn is a forum for articles in a professional environment and Twitter an open forum for real time updates.

These days we are spoilt for choice for platforms to communicate with our customers, there is no question that nowadays it's necessary to have at least one platform, allowing for your business to open 24/7, a platform for two way communication and a place to impress new potential customers and engage existing ones.

Here’s 7 ways to improve your social media game:

1. Know your audience and know your platform

Determine post frequency. Put yourself in your customers shoes, what times are they ‘likely’ to engage with your content. (keep in mind algorithmic timelines)

2. Schedule your posts

If you are targeting a busy professional, LinkedIn post 10:00am-1:00pm, Facebook 6:00pm-8:00pm.

3. Plan your posts

For every social media platform out there, there are even more planning platforms available too. Hootsuite, Later, Sprout social. A little cost upfront will save you time in the long run.. Don’t be afraid.. we use them.

4. Content, Content, Content!!

Think about the engagement you are aiming for from your posts; not every post will need the same outcome. Not to mention, no need to over complicate the caption.

5. Be ‘topical’

Coincide social posting with topical information relevant to your offering/ industry. Explore hashtags-they’re, great for promotions as they follow a ‘word of mouth’ strategy. If a user enters a competition with the hashtag #teamrefinery their network will be informed.

6. Allow time for user correspondence

Comments, likes, swipes, taps, scrolls, opens, replays, hashtags – it all counts. It’s all in the name, get social! You want to be seen as here to chat. Welcome feedback, and encourage conversations. Users feel valued when they are listened to. Bad comments and reviews are easily overlooked when there is an abundance of positive interaction.

7. Generate regular reports

Often overlooked, reports are arguably the most important. Especially after campaigns! Reports are invaluable for learning about what works, what doesn't and what can be improved (free research.. woo hoo!!).

¹ Sensis (2018). The must-know stats from the 2018 Yellow Social Media Report. Available here.

Talk to us about developing a Digital Communication Strategy:
Ph (03) 9533 6293.