Be Consistent, so be REAListic.
So last time we came up with how to find ideas to write and post about; you may have already started posting, which is excellent! But a social media plan is never complete without consistency and planning.
It is really easy to say, this is what we are going to do and then do it for a month and stop because it is the busy season and who has time for it. Unfortunately, it happens all too often especially for small businesses when you just don’t have the resources to keep up when you are running in several directions. So – that is why having a realistic, basic plan is incredibly important. I was talking to one of my friends and she told me she chose two mediums because they worked best for her clientele and focused her efforts on them. I think that is smart. Just make sure you do your research and see that you are getting a response from the medium you choose. If you are spending extra time on this, you need to see results.
Even if you just come across a lovely quote that will inspire people or if you tell people about your weekend plans and ask them about theirs – you one – are learning about your clients and what they like to do and two you are being personal which makes you stand out from others. Business is personal these days, socially anyway. Being personal is what sets small businesses apart from big businesses. So soak it up and be real, that way it won’t be so intimidating to find something to post or write about every day, but if you plan on writing a blog it is important to also set aside time each week or every two weeks to write your article, this is where your Content Calendar comes in handy.
Tip: If you do not plan on writing a blog, I think it is pertinent you curate a news section on your website that you can link your media posts too – that way you are always circling people back to your website.
Make a Content Calendar.
This is important, because while I said above it is okay to not be so structured from day to day with certain posts, it is important to be consistent with your blog to gain a following. Think up some ideas before hand for each month to give you a starting point and ensure you follow through with your deadlines or else you lose your consistency. This is incredibly important for blogs. I don’t think you should write a blog daily unless that is what you do. I think you should write a blog two to four times a month, and post n ews articles daily to link to your social medias. Think of it like a magazine, having themed months.
Now you have developed your own small business social media plan and are reaching your audience in a current and expected way. You have established the media that suits your business and clientele best, and discovered ways to connect with them through your posts. You have decided whether you are going to blog or curate a news section on your website, and you have started posting to at least two different mediums. Most importantly you have set a REAListic schedule that connects with your audience in a consistent way. We would love to connect with you and see learn about your business.
Lets stay connected!
Kasey B. Wright
About the author:
Kasey B. Wright is a small town, small business kind of girl with nature in her heart. She grew-up working long hours at her parents general store in amazing Joseph, Oregon – Google it, oh wait, here’s a link – visit! Really- Arts, Camping, Resort on Wallowa Lake, Mountains, 52 high lakes, Gorgeous! Enough with the free advertisement, but truly it is amazing – Google it! Now days, if not twiddling away on her iMac, painting, or mentally re-designing pretty much everything, she is outside with her family enjoying all of the adventures that lay beyond her front door (which in Missoula are abundant and basically start within a five-minute radius of her house). Her family, a husband of whom she met as a freshman in college (architect – I know two designers and yes, nothing ever gets done), our dog (neurotic first child wire-haired pointing griffon), cat (shelter cat – maybe the most adjusted member of our family), and toddler twins (girl+boy) in chronological order, keep the adventure alive! Oh yah, fish too (rarely claimed).
