Social Media Marketing

As a social media consultant I am often asked what I do when I’m setting up a client’s accounts. Which ones do I pay attention too and what do I do first? I am currently going through that right now with the re-launch of Popular Electronics Magazine so I thought I would lay it out for you. There is nothing magical about this and the details and importance of each platform may change from client to client but there are basic goals that I have.

• Base: I set up a base for the client. This is usually the web site and the blog.
• Promote: Then I make sure everything is in place to promote the base with tools such as twitter.
• Follow: Then I make sure that when people find them they can follow easily by liking them on facebook or following their tweets.
• Interact: Finally I make it so my clients can follow through with newsletters and interaction.

Different Needs

Each client is often starting from a different place but for this discussion let’s assume that we are setting up a client from scratch. Usually the platforms and tools I setup for my clients, or modify so that I can better assist them include:

• Website/blog: Getting the base set up so it is easy to update, easy for visitors to find and attracts clients and prospects.
• E-mail: An email from the domain adds a professional touch.
• Google: Needed for a number of jobs from Google Places to Analytics.
• Twitter: One of the best ways to promote your site.
• Facebook: A professional business page to engage your fans.
• LinkedIn: Not only for the CEO but for the company and the employees.
• YouTube: Where you can promote videos.
• E-mail Newsletters: Still one of the best ways to keep your clients informed
• Odds and Ends: Depending upon your needs there are a number of tools that can be used to promote your site or listen to your clients.

Over the next couple of blog entries I’ll go into each of these steps in more detail. If you would like more information or would like a complementary social media assessment please contact us.