10 Questions to Ask Yourself When Creating a Social Media Strategy by @stephnissen_

by Stephanie Nissen | Featured Contributor

You need a strategy.

Social media marketing only works when you know not only what to do but why you’re doing it. Why did you make that particular post? Why are you on social media? These are just a few of the questions you have to ask yourself when creating a social media marketing plan. This strategy is going to help you determine the whats, whys, and who’s of your social strategy. I recommend that when you answer these questions, write down your answers. Do you know what you’ve just done? You’ve started creating a real marketing plan! If you already have a written marketing plan in place, fantastic. Though, I am finding more and more small businesses that have not written it down at all. Don’t be that business!

These are 10 questions to ask yourself when creating a social media strategy. These will get you started thinking about your goals, your audience, your tactics, and ultimately how to know what’s working in your social media networks.

1. Who is your ideal customer?
2. What social networks does your ideal customer spend time on?
3. What are you business goals for the next year? Next 5 years?
4. What can you post on social media to information, educate, or inspire your audience?
5. What sources will you use to find trust-worthy content?
6. What tone do you want to have online?
7. What are your competitors doing well on social media?
8. Who is going to handle your social media presence? In-house or outsource?
9. How active do you want to be on social media?
10. What are your goals for using social media for business?

These 10 questions help you define a social media strategy but they do not cover every aspect. This will get you started moving in the right direction. Social media is not a cure-all solution for your business’ marketing plan – it’s one tool in your marketing toolbox. Define how you will use it, what you want to gain from it, and what resources you need to do social media not only correctly, but successfully!

Need more insight into creating your social media strategy? Check out these great resources:

25 Questions to Help Define Your Social Media Strategy from Buffer

Social Media Strategy in 8 Steps from Convince and Convert

26 Tips to Create a Strong Social Media Content Strategy from Social Media Examiner

Do you have a social media strategy in place? How do you create it? I’d love to hear your story in the comments!

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Stephanie Nissen – Social Media and Marketing Consultant at Nissen Media, LLC

As a woman small business owner and solopreneur, Stephanie knows that running a business takes time, knowledge, flexibility, and passion. Some of the hats she wears at her company include Social Media Manager, Blogger, Copywriter, Website Designer, Marketing Consultant, Email Marketing Campaign Manager, and Social Media Coach.

Stephanie works primarily with small and local businesses but still enjoys marketing for large brands. Most of her clients fall into one of these categories – small business, real estate, coaching, and online marketing. Her educational background is in web development but her passion is in marketing.

Personally, Stephanie is “social media obsessed”, a proud Mom to an active toddler, active follower of Christ, and way too competitive at board games!

Connect with Stephanie on Twitter, Instagram, and like Nissen Media on Facebook.

Stephanie Nissen