Tips from a Textbook: The 8 C's of Strategy Development

 

 

Normally I’m not one for textbooks, but I recently came across some information in a social media textbook that I thought would be good to share. I’ve mentioned that getting your business started on social media means creating a strategy for your social media marketing. There are an endless number of things to consider when creating your social media strategy, but today I’m going to share with you The 8 C’s of Strategy Development.

Categorize

 

Categorize social media platforms by target market relevancy. Consider who your audience is and where they are on the social web. This may mean that different segments of your target audience are in different places and that you may need to alter your content for each group and location.

Comprehend

Comprehend the rules and behavior standards for each platform. “Listen” and learn how to behave and obey the social norms for the platform. Don’t become a spammer. By understanding the rules of the platform, you can better engage and connect with your audience.

Converse

Followers and fans don’t want to be bombarded with your marketing message 24/7. Remember to engage in actual conversations with them and help them to feel a connection to the company and the brand. Understand that it is your job to be a contributor to the platform, not a shameless promoter.

Collaborate

Establish a mutually beneficial relationship with your online community and collaborate with them. Listen to their feedback and provide them with content that is beneficial to them. This will help to build stronger brand loyalty and perceived value for the consumer.

Connect

Influencers can help shape opinions on your product or service and connecting with them is a big way to help you further connect with your audience. It can help to increase your word of mouth and positive brand image, so make connections with your audience and influencers.

Contribute

Contribute valuable content to the online community. Don’t just promote your product and send out your marketing message. Become a valued member of the forum and offer content your fans and followers care about. It will help build your reputation and drive engagement.

Community

Get the community to participate in discussions and in the creation of content for your brand. This can benefit you and the consumer. Consumers like to feel involved and heard and by allowing them to participate, they feel a greater connection to your brand. This can also help you by creating more loyal consumers and give you some great feedback on improving your product or service or some altogether new ideas.

Convert

Convert your strategy into desired outcomes. Make sure you know what you are working towards with your social media strategy and accounts and make sure your content and interactions support these goals. If you’re doing it right, you should be able to turn brand awareness into consideration, then conversion, loyalty, and advocacy.

There are so many different components to developing a good social strategy that it takes time and patience to make sure you get it done right. With all of the different questions and planning tools you’re considering, don’t forget the 8 C’s. They’ll help to keep you on track and remind you of some of your most important goals and actions.