10 steps to a successful social media marketing strategy

Step 1: Establish a clear and focused vision.

If your business doesn’t have a vision statement, it’s time to retire to the boardroom and give the whiteboard a workout. A vision statement is an inspirational sentence or two that will keep the company focused in uncertain or difficult times.

Nike isn’t one of the top sports apparel brands in the world because it has fuzzy thinking. Nike’s vision is short and inspirational:

To bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world. If you have a body, you are an athlete.

Focus, motivation and momentum come when you are clear about where you are going.

Step 2: Get support from management.

The CEO and management team need to believe in the social media marketing strategy. It’s harder to achieve success when the right people aren’t on board.

Here’s how to get the necessary people on your side:

1. Start with the profits and losses. Convince senior executives that social media will drive more inquiries, leads and sales. In other words, provide evidence that resonates with “show us the money!”