Improve Your Social-Media Game in 4 Steps

Step 2: Pick Your Platforms

Next, determine how you’ll connect with your audience. Consider the many social-media platforms available, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, Pinterest and Snapchat. You can try them all, but it’s best to focus on the one or two platforms that can most help you achieve your marketing goals.

According to the Small Business Administration, Facebook helps companies build pages for their brand and to stream live videos. Instagram is great for sharing product or lifestyle photos. YouTube lets brands share videos. Twitter is best for brands with short, “newsy” messages or announcements. Pinterest is like a digital bulletin board with images linked to ideas or projects. And Snapchat lets brands share in-the-moment videos or images that disappear after 24 hours.

Also, consider how many – and what type of – people use each platform. Facebook, for example, has 1.5 billion daily users, with 58.3 percent of American users between ages 25 and 34. Snapchat reports 186 million daily users, with about 71 percent of its users under age 34. As you study your market, decide which platforms best suit your audience.

Step 3: Create a Posting Schedule

Or Use the ATA’s Free Social-Media Calendar!

Posting on social media can intimidate some businesses, but customers want content that’s fresh, interesting and informative. Don’t worry! The ATA’s got you covered.

ATA offers a free 12-month Social Media Calendar – complete with informative posts – for ATA members to use. Log in to the ATA’s “Resource Website” and download it for free. It includes weekly messages with timely, meaningful content that engages customers. You can use each message as is, but Scott Einsmann, ATA’s digital manager, recommends tailoring each one to your brand and customers.

“Social media is your company’s digital voice, and should represent your business’s unique identity,” Einsmann said. “If you manufacture awesome products, your posts can educate customers on those products and show them in action. If you’re a retailer, help customers get to know your business by posting hunting reports, archery tips and product spotlights. It also establishes you as a knowledgeable resource.”

Many ATA posts encourage people to comment online, visit your website or stop by your store. Those actions help them interact with your brand and discover your products and services. Which leads us to Step 4.