If you want to build an audience of loyal followers on any social media platform, consistency must be a part of your posting strategy. How many times a day you post is your choice, and some quick market research will tell you when your target audience is most likely to be online, but the key to success is to post every single day.
I’m sure you’ve seen Facebook Business Pages that just seem to gather dust because the owner got overwhelmed or too busy managing other parts of their business to keep up with posting interesting and engaging items on their page. Even if they are the biggest and brightest expert in their field, having a social media profile that lacks information will lead prospects to question why they aren’t more active.
Planning Your Social Media Posts
Instead of staring blankly at your empty Business Page, take out a calendar, or create a color-coded Google Calendar, and mark down weekly themes or seasonal holidays so you have an idea every month what you’ll post about.
What will make your followers engage with your posts? What information do they need during the week? What will make them loyal followers?
A mixture of educational, inspirational, and entertaining posts will mix it up for them but also don’t be afraid to tout your products or services. Don’t rely on subtle hints – tell your audience in your loud “outdoor voice” exactly what you have to offer.
Stay Sane and Use the Facebook Scheduling Feature
Instead of sitting down every day to write your posts, become friends with the scheduling feature that’s now available on Facebook Business Pages. Now you can block off some time and schedule a week’s worth of posts by simply choosing what day and time they should magically appear. There’s still work involved with the writing and finding a photo to accompany your posts, but by dedicating a block of time each week and referencing your calendar for themed ideas, social media posting will become much more enjoyable.
If you want to cross promote your business across multiple platforms, try using third-party scheduling software such as HootSuite or Meet Edgar. You can manage all your social profiles in one place as well as schedule all your posts. To avoid being labeled a “spammer,” switch up the words in each post while keeping the same overall theme. Think about how much more enjoyable your vacations will be when you can schedule social media posts before you even leave your home!
Experience has shown me you can schedule out a full month’s work of posts in an afternoon.
Free Up More Time: Hire a Social Media Manager
I know it’s hard to give up control of business tasks but if you really want to grow your social following, it’s time to hire a social media manager. The benefits are plentiful: you eliminate stress by delegating to an expert. Social media managers can offer posting strategies for growing your audience, allowing you to focus on money-making tasks. Not only will social media managers strategize with you, they can take over the actual content creation as well as engage with your followers.
Of course, you personally need to also interact with your audience but your manager can help while you’re working on your book or preparing your next presentation.
If your budget right now doesn’t allow outsourcing, don’t fret about it. Plan your posts, schedule them according to plan, and remember to engage with anyone who comments or asks questions.
Photo by Roman Bozhko
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