I don’t know about you, but it seems like 2011 just flew by. Before I knew it, it was October and I started planning for 2012 (don’t worry, this post addresses you procrastinators). Last week was full of those famous countdown lists; looking back at the biggest social media/PR mistakes of the year. This week will be all about “looking forward” lists. It’s like dieting, the number of tips/tricks/plans are in abundance right now. I am sure you already know what worked and what didn’t in 2011, just like your waistline. Now is the time to forgive yourself for those faux pas (White Fudge Oreo’s, my personal weakness) and move on.
Diet
Look at what you did last year, what was a waste of money (minimal ROI) and time? Get rid of it, reduce the amount of it or repurpose the content in a new channel. It’s just like dieting; cut the fat/sugar/carbs, whatever makes you inefficient. Then budget for this year. What do you want to do more of and what are you willing to give up or change to make that happen?
Don’t just add more to your plate; reorganize what is on the plate.
How does your website look? If it is out of date and is difficult to update, this should be your first order of business; because it is your 24/7 salesforce and it needs to be current.
Exercise
Ok, so if your website looks good (the food); then it is time to look at exercise. If you haven’t been engaging with customers and prospects lately, here’s where you begin. If you aren’t on Facebook, that is the number one place to start, go there and create a landing page.
Get out there daily and read comments (and answer if appropriate). Take small steps. Don’t “post and ditch;” stay around to foster a real conversation. Build your network and offer useful information about updates on latest products or deals. Encourage Participation, if you are a recognized brand, expect fans to join you in demonstrating their loyalty. Get new fans talking, when you create a contest and offer coupons to them. Another way to attract fans to your Facebook fan page is to offer them product samples or let their friends know about their loyalty.
Look at the Infographic created by Moontoast; try to move your fans to superfans.
Now what? Merge a good diet on your marketing plate with good social media exercise. Try really hard to not think of social media as “separate, but equal” and think of them as part of an overall healthy marketing lifestyle. Purge elements that are things your have always done because they contributed to the “fat”. If you are already Facebook savvy, try another tool to get more visitors to your site. Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube are great starting points.
Weigh In & Make It A Lifestyle Change
Finally, determine your key performance indicators. Ask these three questions:
- What do I want to achieve?
- What does success look like?
- How often will I check in to evaluate my progress?
Measure, analyze and forgive if things get off track by the end of the month, it takes diligence to stick with a healthy marketing lifestyle. To get exclusive content to keep on track, subscribe to our newsletter. If you need additional help with diet, exercise, healthy lifestyles and weighing in, contact Vivid Image.
P.S.
We’ll be your personal trainer to get you in your best marketing shape your business has seen. Just Do It. You will love the results!
Sarah,
I love the diet and exercise analogy! Marketing your business is a ‘lifestyle’ you have to work at CONSISTENTLY, over a period of time, before you can expect results!