Stop, Look and Listen

Do you remember the green cross code?  A chap on the telly (David Prowse), dressed as a superhero, taught children the key points of road safety using the message ‘Stop, Look and Listen’.  He went on to play Darth Vader in Star Wars* and I continue to cross roads safely by remembering his message.

Wait. What on earth has that got to do with Social Media? Well, I think the green cross code is a great inspiration for the ‘Social Media Marketing code’.

If you want to get your business noticed, social media is the perfect way to market your product. Whilst it’s relatively easy to set up all the platforms, getting them right takes a little thought, planning and time.  Half finished profiles and erratic posting is probably not the look you were hoping for.

STOP

This is a good moment to stop, or at least pause, to have a think about what you want, what your business needs and what you can actually do.

LOOK

Have a good honest look at the capacity you have within your business to promote yourself on social media. Do you have the time it takes? Do you have the skills to do it? Do you have the desire to do it or to learn how to?  

If tweeting just isn’t your thing or Pinterest pains you, this might be the point where you look for a team member or consultant to do it. If you feel you have the time and team to invest in your social media channels, then you’re ready for the next step.

LISTEN

Spend some time on your chosen social media channels and listen-in to what your competitors are doing.  What kind of people follow them, what else are they interested in?  If you have an existing community or target audience listen to the things that they like on social.  You might be surprised at what you find, and you will definitely find some new influencers and content for your business.

If you think about the social media code then you’ll be in a great position to plan your strategy. You’ll know the best platforms for your business, you’ll know some good influencers and you’ll have some great insights into what has worked (and not worked) for your competitors.

 

Nicky Hobbs is a Freelance Social Media Manager and Co-Founder of South London Social. If you want to build an effective social media community, get in touch by email hello@southlondonsocial.com

 

*David Prowse embodied Darth Vader, but the voice was provided by James Earl Jones