Managing social media today means responding to anything at a moment’s notice. Long gone are the days when business was confined to 9-5 hours or handled by email the next day. When customers bring their issues to your business’s social media pages, you respond quickly. Being connected is no longer optional.
Here are some tips to help you stay on top of the demands of social media marketing in today’s demanding world:
Download apps that will help you log in quickly and easily
Apps such as Hootsuite and Buffer help you manage your brand’s online presence and schedule posts for when you’re offline. Experimenting with the various apps available is the best way to determine which app works best for your needs. Most of the apps available offer both free and paid versions. If you need to share access with the rest of the marketing team, consider the paid versions, so everyone has his own log in information.
These apps enable you to track certain keywords, so you don’t miss a mention of your brand or a trending topic. Make sure to set search tracking for things such as your Twitter handle minus the “@” symbol, in case someone is talking about your brand without tweeting directly to you.
Make sure your mobile device is up to speed
Nothing is more frustrating than getting the “failure to connect” error message when you need to respond to something quickly. Make sure your device won’t let you down when time is of the essence. When you’re shopping for a new device make sure you’re getting the fastest technology when it comes to connecting outside of the Wi-Fi service of your home or office. Go 4G, such as the LG G4 from T-Mobile, and check coverage areas with your service provider. Some networks work better in certain areas, so take this into consideration when you travel.
Make sure vacation schedules and weekends are covered
Everyone needs some off time with family; just make sure you arrange coverage of the weekend hours, so you can relax and enjoy family time.
Take note of when your customers are online
Don’t ignore the analytics page for your social media profiles. Take note of what times and which days of the week your customers are online. Schedule your posts to appear during those hours for the most exposure. Scheduling posts for when your customers online ensures you will maximize your effort and minimize your time.
Follow the biggest brands in your field
Watching what your biggest competitors are doing in managing social media can help you spot trends and learn from their mistakes. Pay attention to what times they’re posting, and particularly to what types of posts get the biggest engagement from their followers. Imitate their behavior or find a way to do it even better, and you’ve got the keys to success in your hand.
Marketing today means being online and responsive, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming if you make sure you’ve got all the tools you need at your disposal before you need them. Don’t wait to implement these strategies until you’re in the midst of a crisis.
