How To Create a Social Media Strategy

April 02nd 2009

The hot assignment that everyone seems to be getting or looking for is to develop a social media strategy. Every day I hear about someone having to figure this out for their company and they don’t know where to start. So, today on Managing the Gray I thought I’d give my advice on how to approach this and succeed at it as well.

Links that I mentioned during the show include:

Robert Scoble discussing the need for humans on web sites
Using Social Media to Listen to Consumers article in Ad Age
The 2009 Digital Issue of Ad Age (not all online so find a print copy if you can)
Steve Coulson’s Mashable post on 5 Tips for Optimizing Your Brand’s Facebook Presence

At the end of the day I think every company from the smallest of corner shops, all the way up to the biggest global companies have got to figure out where social media enters into their mix. It should not be tacked on to each program, but integrated from the start into all your programs. There is so much to gain if you do this right.

I hope this show helps you and if you need further help please contact me.

Posted in Advice, New Media, Podcast | View Comments

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http://www.cc-chapman.com/2009/04/02/i-want-to-teach-you-to-fish/ I Want To Teach YOU To Fish

[...] recorded episode 75 of Managing the Gray today and on it I gave all the steps needed to start building a social media strategy. When I [...]
http://www.griffintechnology.com Dave Delaney

Thanks for the shout out C.C. It’s always a pleasure seeing you.

Cheers,
Dave
http://liveworld.com Chris Christensen

Hey CC,

I loved what you had to say about social media strategy. I am sure you share my frustration with newly minted social media experts spreading shallow ideas around. One of the things we like to do at LiveWorld before we start building something for a company is a consulting engagement with senior management about socializing their brand. It is sometimes a tough transition for people to get the idea that their brand lives not in their slogans but in the voices of their customers. But it could be worse, when we started 12 years ago we were a voice crying in the wilderness. Now at least they think they need some of that social media, web 2.0 voodoo.

Chris
http://www.edgec.co.uk Julie Williams

Excellent
http://www.newmediaphotographer.com Rosh – New media photographer

Great podcast. You stated a lot of what has been on my mind. But, I’ve come to terms with social media being “hot”. I realize soon it will be normal and just a standard part of marketing.

I’ve developed business through online social marketing since 1997, I’ve podcasted (audio over the internet since 1999). I’ve had my twiiter account since mid 2007 and I sometimes feel who are these people! …. But, what right do I have to feel that way?

last years business coach or SEO consultants are now the social media strategist teaching everyone how to set up a fan page and twitter account.

It’s just like in real estate. Not in my back yard or not wanting anyone else to build on the beautiful lake after your house is completed.

I’m not worried. Because next year, all the strategist will move on to something else.

It seems like many of the strategists don’t understand the difference between hard marketing and soft marketing. Social media is more soft marketing – like public relations. You have to have a plan, clear goals, and understanding how it effectively applies to your narrative networking strategy.

Thanks for sharing your insight CC. I gleaned a few ideas.

And most important…. Don’t switch to Nikon. Stick with Canon…..

Rosh
http://www.thedirectoryindex.net/ Mike

Thanks for the great article. You have made some very interesting points and detailed information about social media strategy. As always C.C it’s a please reading your articles. Great Job!!!
http://www.matchacollege.com/blog/2009/50-awesome-online-lectures-for-social-media-masters/ 50 Awesome Online Lectures for Social Media Masters | MatchACollege.com

[...] How to Create a Social Media Strategy: Here you’ll learn about developing a smart strategy for standing out online. [...]

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How To Create a Social Media Strategy