7 crucial questions for formulating your social media PR plan

Start smart, considering everything from your objectives to your available resources

Public relations must include an online presence and, more specifically, social media. Consider these statistics:

Social media has become a powerful frontier for PR—one that is easier, faster and cheaper to permeate than traditional media.

That said, figuring out social media, getting involved, building and sustaining relationships sure can take up a lot of our time. Too much time, in fact, especially when we get into it without a strategy.

Here are seven questions I ask my PR students and clients to help them craft a workable and effective social media PR strategy:

1. What do you want to achieve?

Begin with the objective in mind. At the end of the day, what specific results and ultimate outcomes would you like to accomplish? Once you know your destination, then you can create your map.

2. Who is your audience, and where are they online?

Having a clear idea and understanding of your target audience is key to a successful marketing plan. Same thing with your social media PR plan. You won’t be able to reach every blog and social networking site. Knowing whom you’re trying to reach will help you set priorities and focus your efforts on those sites that will bring significant results.