Putting together an effective social media strategy is no easy task. There’s an extreme amount of social networks popping up all over, some offer similar features, and some offering very unique features. Taking advantage of each individual feature the network has to offer will ask for different strategies, but fundamentally each approach you take at any network should be the same. This is a guide to help you understand that basic fundamental approach. Once understood you can maximize the total utility you can receive from the sites unique features.
Understanding The Network
Understanding this section will be the key to successfully assimilating into a social network. Many have attempted jumping right into the conversation and interacting with those who helped build the foundation of the network. For some this process works, but for most it ends the campaign right in its first lap. By diving right into the conversation you leave yourself open to not performing up to the users expectations. Over time community members build a standard on how they feel each member should act. Whether this is by how you state specific topics all the way down to presenting information. If you choose not to spend time learning about the community your posts may be buried, or your questions may go unanswered. I recommend that you spend time evaluating the conversation, try to understand what the community wants out of its members and their actions. From their take this knowledge and jump into the conversation.
Building Social Relationships
Now that you have an understanding of how the community works and what is expected out of each member, begin building relationships. There is no need to try and connect with every member on the network. Just as you spent time learning about the network spend time learning about individuals. From their those with the same interests as you or those you find that you could ultimately be a resource for should be where your attention is aligned. With that said there is no reason to turn over people that do not fit these qualifications, but approaching individuals that share the common interest of you will be more beneficial when it comes time to virally marketing your services.
Now you are ready to take advantage of each unique feature the network has to offer. Understanding the network and building relationships will be an ongoing process. Do not be afraid to set new standards in your community, creating new ways to present your content will help maximize the success of your campaign. However if your strategy includes techniques that are not globally accepted in your network it could damage your campaign.