Social Media Plan

I am a mere 46 days away from graduation. When I am not scrambling to complete my work and school assignments, I am on the hunt for a job. Many of these positions require Social Media experience, which comes as no surprise. I have been surprised by the number of applications looking for individuals to create social media plans for their business.

I am well aware of social media, between personal experience, school and work requirements, I know how to handle myself on a variety of platforms. However, I have never made a true social media plan. Here is some information I found on socialmediatoday and thought would be helpful to others.

1.       Paint the big picture of the opportunities Social Media can provide

Suggestions include beginning your plan with startling statistics/quotes about social media and how many people are moving away from traditional media and towards social media.

2.       Define Social Media

Social media has so many meanings to people based on their knowledge and experience. Provide a specific yet all encompassing definition will provide a level platform to begin expressing ideas too. I really like the definition provided by socialmediatoday:

“Social media is user-generated content on the internet.  It’s created with free or inexpensive technology, is easy to update, and can reach a niche audience or millions.  It can be mere words in a blog, but also user-generated videos, photos, and audio.  It can be interactive with unfiltered comments from visitors.  And as user-generated content, it does away with controls associated with traditional media – and most of all, it removes the need for big media.”

3.       List tangible business goals

Upper management may not initially see the benefits of social media. This is the part of the plan where you should high light HOW social media will improve business. This can include building awareness, strengthen relationships, improve customer service, generate sales, etc.

4.       Plan a timeline of steps

This is your chance to plan the objectives. Have measureable/attainable goals set and when they will be accomplished by. This shows management you are working and not playing, while also giving you a timeline to accomplish things by.

5.       Set realistic Expectations

Make sure your management realizes that social media not guaranteed to do anything. Explain how it takes time to get a loyal following, some platforms may not pan out, etc.

6.       Ask for resources

Asking for training, help, a budget to get help make the best effort, etc. Unlimited access to the web via smart phone and laptop (if you don’t already have those)

7.       Decide who will be in charge of Social Media

Doing it internally, hiring a consultant group, etc. Lay out what you think the best options would be.

8.       End with an urgent call to action

End you plan with a call to action that shows the need to join social media.