On platforms such as Snapchat, Facebook, and Twitter, content can rise and fall rapidly, driven by the constant flow of new content that keeps users returning. However, with such rapid consumption, how can you develop an effective social media content strategy? This article offers a comprehensive nine-step guide to crafting a social media content strategy, complete with actionable tips to enhance your approach.Explore our page for a detailed nine-step template to build your social media content strategy, along with expert advice to optimize your content strategy.Remember, for professional support, WebFX boasts a team of over 500 social media specialists. Reach out or call 888-601-5359 for assistance!A well-defined social media content strategy shapes all aspects of your business’s social media presence, from content posted to the use of social media advertising. By establishing a content strategy, you set a clear direction and goals for your social media activities.Discover how to create a social media content strategy that:
Sparks engagement
Acquires followers
Enhances brand recognition and more
Here’s your social media content strategy template:Below, we delve into each component in detail.1. Define Goals for Your Social Media Content StrategyGoal-setting is a cornerstone of your social media content strategy, making it a priority on our list. Your goals will determine the type of content you post, the frequency, and the key performance indicators (KPIs) for your campaign. Additionally, your goals will guide your choice of platforms. Consider these potential goals for your social campaign:
Increased website traffic
Revenue growth
Enhanced brand visibility and awareness
Reputation management
Competitive parity
Each goal will necessitate a unique content approach. For instance:
Increased website traffic requires content that includes website links, promotional offers, and about page links.
Revenue growth calls for sponsored ad content.
Enhanced brand visibility and awareness demands culture-focused content, videos, and posts that showcase your brand’s personality.
Reputation management involves sharing reviews and testimonials.
Competitive parity requires content similar to your competitors’.
Your goals will also inform your platform selection, which we will discuss further.2. Conduct Audience ResearchUnderstanding your audience is crucial for crafting content that resonates with them. As a business owner, you likely have a good understanding of your audience from previous marketing efforts. If not, it’s an easy process. You can gain insights by:
Considering your target customer base
Analyzing who purchases your products or services
Observing the followers of your competitors on social media
Understanding your audience will enable you to create a social media content strategy that truly connects with them and boosts engagement.3. Competitor AnalysisCompetitor analysis can provide valuable insights into your social media content strategy. While it’s important not to copy content directly, noting your competitors’ social media presence can be beneficial. Since they have a similar audience, what resonates with them is likely to appeal to yours. Look at factors such as:
Post frequency: Note the posting schedule and engagement rates of your competitors.
Content type: Observe the types of content they post and how their audience interacts with it.
User interaction: Note how they engage with their audience.
Tone and style: Consider their unique voice and approach.
Competitor research can improve your customer engagement.4. Select Your Social Media PlatformsBefore posting content across all platforms, it’s wise to focus on those where your target audience is most active. By researching your audience’s preferred platforms and eliminating others, you can optimize your efforts. A great starting point is to observe which platforms your competitors use. Common platforms include:
YouTube
Snapchat
Each platform has unique advantages, so thorough research is key before choosing the right ones for your business.5. Develop Your ContentWith the information gathered from the previous steps, you’re ready to create your content. You have a range of formats to choose from, including:
Links
Written content
Videos
Infographics
GIFs
Photos
However, not all platforms support every content type. Read on to learn which types of content are best for each platform.Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn: These platforms are similar in that they support various content types:
Links
Written content
Videos
Infographics
GIFs
Photos
Instagram: Instagram, owned by Facebook, is image-centric. When crafting your content strategy for Instagram, focus on photos and videos, as written content is secondary. Instagram supports:
Videos
Infographics
GIFs
Photos
YouTube: YouTube is primarily a video platform, with users spending an average of 24 minutes daily on the platform. Videos are highly engaging and shareable, making them a valuable addition to your social media content strategy.Pinterest: Pinterest is image-based, similar to Instagram. Your content will primarily be Pins, which can include:
Images
Written content
Links
Snapchat: Snapchat allows for image and video sharing, with content disappearing after a set time, except for Stories, which are available for 24 hours. Snapchat requires a unique content strategy and is a different beast in the social media landscape.For those overwhelmed by the content creation process, WebFX offers social media marketing services to assist in crafting compelling content for your chosen platforms.6. Develop a Social Media Content CalendarOnce you’ve decided on the content types for each platform, it’s time to create a social media content calendar. This tool is essential for tracking your strategy and maintaining consistency. Regular posting is crucial on social media, as algorithms prioritize active accounts. Different platforms have varying optimal posting times, so it’s important to research these to maximize your reach.7. Distribute Content Across Appropriate PlatformsWith your content calendar in place, it’s time to schedule your posts across platforms. Utilize social media scheduling tools to automate this process and ensure consistent posting times.8. Analyze Content PerformanceMeasuring the success of your content is vital. Use the analytics tools available on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn to track performance metrics. Analyzing these metrics will help you understand what content resonates with your audience and when to post for optimal engagement.9. Reevaluate and Adjust Your StrategyRegularly assess your content strategy to identify areas for improvement. Ask yourself questions like:
Are there inefficiencies in the current process?
Are certain content formats underperforming?
Are the chosen platforms delivering results?
Are tools functioning correctly?
Is the posting frequency appropriate?
These insights will help refine your strategy and improve your social media performance over time.For further guidance on implementing our social media content strategy template, our team of over 500 social media marketers is ready to assist. We offer social media marketing and advertising services across various platforms:
Snapchat
YouTube
Start your campaign today by contacting us online or calling 888-601-5359 for a free quote!
