4 strategies to help boost social media ROI

When it comes to social media, it might feel like you’re throwing stuff at the wall to see what sticks. Brands today are having a harder time getting visibility, engagement and conversions from social media than years prior. Luckily, there are strategies you can use to see more results with your social media efforts (and investment).

1. Use benchmarks.

Establishing benchmarks to measure growth is a great way to measure the success of your social media campaigns. You can set benchmarks based on competition (i.e. “Receive 550 engagements on similar content), or internal benchmarks (i.e. 10% growth in engagement, video views, etc.). This allows you to choose strategies and content targeted to help you meet those benchmarks—and provides easy-to-interpret data.

2. Pick the right social platforms.

Your brand doesn’t need to make use of every social media platform available—contrary to what you might hear. For example, there may be certain platforms that make more sense for your specific audience. Instagram and TikTok often work with a younger audience, while Facebook and LinkedIn appeal to a more professional or older audience.

After you’ve chosen the best social media channels, use that platform’s tools to determine important elements of your strategy. Which days of the week and which time of day your fans are most active? What content performs best? Use this information to post the right content at the right time.

3. Create engaging content. 

It’s been said before, but the value of engaging content can’t be underestimated. To make your social content more engaging, don’t be afraid to include calls to action (CTAs). Use brief, concise wording that makes sense for your goal and the CTA’s link. For example, don’t use “Contact us” if what you really want is for people to visit your blog or product page.

Other ways to encourage engagement? Answer questions in a timely manner. Encourage followers to share their experiences on social. Create branded hashtags for followers to use on their posts. Ask for reviews. Share user-generated content in your own posts or stories. 

4. Don’t set it and forget it.

When looking to boost social media ROI, you need to audit your efforts frequently. Look at which posts perform best with your audience (i.e. high engagement or positive comments) and then figure out why. Were the tone and imagery on-brand? Does that time of day seem to be ideal? Is the medium you used “novel” to your audience (a quote graphic, a video or a short text post)?

Also, check for a balance between engaging content and promotional content. No one likes a company that’s trying too hard to sell something. 

With the right strategies, you can see traction on social

Social media can be really frustrating for businesses. That’s why it’s so important to take some time to get clear on who you’re talking to, where they “live” online, and what the data is telling you. When you do that, and consistently show up with content your audience wants, you’ll see results.

Chuck Aikens is the founder of Volume Nine, a digital marketing agency, helping brands connect to the audience through creative content marketing strategies. The agency helps brands with SEO, social media, Google Analytics and a whole lot of other stuff as well.

Have some big ideas or thoughts to share related to the natural products industry? We’d love to hear and publish your opinions in the newhope.com IdeaXchange. Check out our submission guidelines.