Social Media
You've heard all about it, and you want to know if the hype is real.
It is.
Social media is the result of a combination of intersecting paths, from technology to communication, and it's only going to get bigger. Yet, because it's in its infancy, many businesses aren't sure how to design and implement a social media strategy for themselves. There are a multitude of social networks to understand. Every week, there's a new "must have" web site or application. And everyone claims to be an expert.
That's where Pivotal comes in. We help companies make sense of the landscape and figure out truth from hype so that they can put together a smart plan that brings a positive return on investment.
The Social Part of Social Media
Social media is a big commitment, but it can start with little steps. Being a part of the conversation that's going on around you means dedicating the time it takes to be an active and interested participant. It's important to think about the commitment level of the company towards social media. Pursuing a full social media strategy can be costly, and while the benefits are certainly there, it can only work if there's buy-in at all levels.
On the other hand, moving into the social media sphere can be done a little bit at a time. It can start simply and allow a company to test the waters to see whether it's willing to make a larger investment. A company can start with a simple set of accounts or interactive blog, and after seeing how that goes, it can decide to expand its presence.
The key in either case is to remember that social media is about being social. No one wants to talk to the anti-social person at the party, so if you're ready to commit, be sure to be engaged and involved.
Strategies that Work WITH (Not Against) Your Brand
There's no single social media strategy that works for everyone, and it's important to realize that there's no silver bullet. Business-to-consumer companies will have different requirements than business-to-business companies. Large corporations will have different limitations than small businesses. This is important to understand because the alternative is that a badly designed and executed social media strategy can do more harm than good.
It's also important to understand what a company wants to say about its brand. A company will need to use the appropriate social networks and implement a strategy that emphasizes the brand image and increases its value.
Pivotal can help you create a social media strategy that emphasizes everything that you want about your brand ... and nothing that you don't.
Measuring Performance and Returns
Knowing how a social media strategy is working will help a company understand whether it has reached its goals. Social media metrics are just as important as marketing, sales, and technology metrics, and they're used for the exact same reasons. Given the relative youth of social media, though, these metrics are often not well understood. In many cases, the wrong metrics are being considered, and faulty conclusions are affecting business decisions.
Pivotal can help you make sense of what metrics are available, what they mean to you, and how Key Performance Indicators (KPI) can help drive your business.
Contact us today to learn more about how to make social media work for you .
