Are you in control of your company’s story online? Content is king, as they say, and platforms like Facebook and Instagram provide a space for you to grow your brand awareness, engage with your customers, and promote your products and services one post at a time. After all — if you don’t take control of your narrative, someone else might.
Why does pre-planning content matter?
It’s important that customers know exactly who you are and what you do when they visit your profile. The best way to do this is by establishing a social strategy and setting aside time each month to prepare content for the following month.
While P.R. crises may arise on occasion, there should never be marketing emergencies. With a solid pre-planned social media schedule, you’ll be able to focus on running your business with peace of mind.
How should I get started?
Begin by identifying what you aim to achieve through posting on social media. What type of content do you want to offer your followers? Most businesses on social media aim to do one (or more) of three things; document, entertain, or educate their audience. Let’s break those three down a bit further with specific examples:
Entertain: A real estate agent might post memes about the highs and lows of the home-buying process.
Educate: A childcare center might provide tips on helping children with separation anxiety during their first year at preschool.
Document: A recording artist might share behind-the-scenes footage of the songwriting process or what it’s like to prepare for a live show.
Once you’ve identified the type of content you plan to post, you can begin building your bank of collateral by gathering images and videos as well as using the “Voice Memos” app on your phone to record post ideas when inspiration strikes.
Lastly, use Facebook Insights and Instagram Insights, or third party platforms like Hootsuite and Sprout Social to schedule content for the upcoming month. A good goal to aim for would be a minimum of 3 posts per week.
Remember; facts tell, but stories sell. Be sure to prioritize your social media strategy in 2021 and beyond!