There is a misconception that B2B social media strategy is easy to develop and implement. While social media sites are simple to use – submission forms with less than a handful fields, one-click voting buttons, and updates written in 140 characters or less – simplicity in success cannot be further from the truth.
Ease of use also creates a low barrier to entry. Anyone with an email address can create an account. The ability to stand out amongst millions of social media participants requires regular participation, quality content and an active network in the community.
But complete immersion is not the only solution. Somewhere between those that barely get recognition and the most influential, there are effective social media contributors having an impact on the organizations they represent everyday.
A few weeks ago I overviewed 7 Essential Steps In Developing A B2B Social Media Strategy. While those steps are essential, there are a series of underrated elements B2B social media programs and marketers possess that contribute to success as well.
In order for B2B marketers to create an effective and sustainable social media strategy these 6 key elements also need to be considered.
Focus
Being able to contribute effectively in a social media community requires focus on objectives defined. It’s very easy to veer off course with the rapid influx of new information and discoveries on the web. Don’t get sidetracked with what limited time you have available.
Focus specifically on your primary objectives within the social media community, bookmarking interesting information for a more detailed investigation later in the day or during scheduled time during the work week.
Time
It’s very difficult to determine what the “right amount” of time really is for social media marketing. There are users who spend hours every day in communities like Reddit or participating in conversations on Twitter.
That doesn’t mean they are being effective.
If social media is truly meant to be part of broader B2B marketing strategy, start by spending 30 – 45 minutes each day in 15 minute intervals. And if you remain focused, you can get a lot done with a small window of opportunity.
Perception
Pay attention to the details of successful content marketing campaigns in social platforms and the habits and behaviors of influential users and targeted audiences. Note themes, tones, and perspectives of successful contributions.
When networking with other social media participants, take note of interests and topics they share and discuss as well. As you make these observations and tie them into your own contributions, the chance of more meaningful participation will increase as well.
Communication
At some point, you must network within the community. You must send @replies in Twitter or simple acknowledgements for those that follow your social media activity. It’s just as important to be willing to receive communication and carry out conversations with new people (this is “social” media) when appropriate.
Remember that if you would not say something in person, take a moment to consider whether it should be communicated online as well.
Creativity
Contribution requires creativity. There are millions of profiles in the most popular social media networks. The creativity of a profile design, content contribution, and communication style all go into account when building a network and gaining recognition.
Unfortunately, guidelines are subjective and you can find exceptions for almost every best practice. Work hard at creating your own unique voice in the community and in understanding what works (and doesn’t work) for your specific situation.
Commitment
It’s easy to stay committed to a strategy when there are positive results. It’s more challenging when other deadlines are pressuring you or the results don’t materialize immediately or even several months down the road.
Social media participation is not always convenient or directly beneficial. If you give your time and energy consistently over time, it is more likely you’ll get back the results desired. Understand that each action helps build toward long-term success.
Building A Lasting B2B Social Media Strategy
In most success stories, we only hear the results and not the work that goes into the process. In some cases, it’s difficult to accurately connect the dots that enabled success as well. While there may be shortcuts and short term results, those that build sustainable and effective social media channels for their business incorporate these six elements into their strategies on a regular basis.
What characteristics of successful B2B social media programs have you experienced?
This article was originally published at Komarketing.com, by author Derek Edmond.
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