If you use social media to market your business there are lots of benefits of using one of the social media automation tools. There are several tools available many have free packages for example, Hootsuite, HubSpot and Sproutsocial. All have different features, it is worth reviewing and then choosing the one that meets your needs.
Benefits of social media automation
Social media automation tools are beneficial to businesses especially, if your business posts on more than account. Automation tools help to maintain social media marketing consistency. You can plan ahead, save time and have more control over your activity. Some automation tools provide insights into how your posts perform. This enables you to evaluate your activity effectively. All these features help you to maximise the success of your social media activity and your marketing budget.
Do’s and don’t’s
Although there is great value in using social media automation tools there are somethings you need to be aware of. “The do’s and don’ts.”
Responding to comments:
Although social media scheduling tools make sharing and posting content much simpler and more time efficient. You still need that human contact to build relationships with your followers. If someone comments on one of your business posts make sure you respond. Though you should consider what your comment before you reply. Do not just upload a post and forget about your follower’s comments. Definitely do not use automated responses, they are so obvious. Followers will know and are likely to be turned off by automated responses.
If you are a bigger business you may decide to engage a copy writer to come up with some suitable responses. If you are a small business this could well be outside of your budget. So, spend time and consider your responses before you reply.
Never buy followers
Although this seems obvious this does still go on. Businesses should always value quality of their followers over quantity. There is much more value in having a small number of loyal followers that genuinely engage with your brand. Then loads that do not care about your business or what you post. You would not buy friends, well not true ones and it’s the same for social media followers.
Post quality content
The most effective way to earn quality followers is to post quality content at the right time. Post content that is relevant to your target audience. Think what their problems are develop your content so it provides them with a solution. Content that offers useful information will generate more engagement. You cannot expect followers to read or comment on poor content that offers no value to them.
Choose the right time
Choosing the right time to post can be more difficult some scheduling software offers auto-scheduled feature. Be aware that this may not be included in the free software package. Alternatively, you can post, test and analyse. Post at different times and evaluate which times and which type of content gets the most engagement. Then you can schedule your posts at these optimum times to maximise the effectiveness of your social media marketing.
If you have questions about social media marketing or any other marketing activity please get in touch
