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online marketing strategySometimes I am like a fluttering butterfly when it comes to working on my marketing campaigns, going from spot to spot with no real direction. Feels more like I am putting out fires than working from a plan. Or maybe it is just my OCD coming out. But out of this chaos came an idea this morning and now all things are calm again. I thought I would share some of those thoughts with you.

The steps below are mainly for those starting on a new strategy. It is good review for those that are fluttering around the marketing yard thinking all is well. See what you think.

Step One – Build the Foundation

Without a good foundation it is difficult to build a good strategy. The following list really depends on where you are on this journey. You need to get the sites built first before you create the strategy. The main thing to remember is to brand each channel with similar images, colors and fonts so that when someone lands on each channel they know it is you!

Do yourself a favor and learn the best practices for each profile. The basics include having a good headshot (yes of you, not the logo), a great description of the benefits your company offers, correct name, address and phone number that matches everywhere, and links to your other channels/websites.

  • Website
  • Facebook Pages
  • Twitter accounts
  • Pinterest
  • Google+
  • LinkedIn
  • Instagram

There are many others, but do your homework and find out where your potential customers are hanging out.

Step Two – Written Strategies for each channel

I often ask what a new customer is worth to you. Is it work sitting down once per month for 8 hours or so and creating an online marketing strategy? Of course it is! And it makes things so much easier and eludes procrastination.

Create a simple template in a spreadsheet for each channel. Down the side list the days of the week. Create the number of columns that match the number of times per day you will post. For example, you may need to post 5-8 times per day on Twitter, 2 times on Facebook, one time on your LinkedIn profile.

For me I find it easier to list out things that I can post about. Here is a starter list. If you are not sure, go through some of the trending pages and see what they post and what gets the most activity.

  • Links to your blog articles
  • Share industry news
  • Links to your lead generation offer
  • Links to your events
  • Tips and Tools
  • Video stories

Now that you have the basic list, plug it into the spreadsheet. For now it is just by type of post. Later you will add the actual content name.

Step Three – Write and gather content

Using your list of post, either write or find the content you want to share. This may include:

  • Writing blog articles – 4 for the month
  • Finding industry blogs to follow and identify those you can write an opinion piece.
  • Create video from a slideshow you presented recently
  • Identify PLR offers you can use as give-away content

This is probably the most time consuming but the most important. Plan your time accordingly. Some of this can be done by helpers if you are fortunate to have some.

Step Four – Find or Create Graphics

Now that you have the content, you need some graphics. Canva.com is great for creating graphics that are the right size for each channel. Be sure you know the rules for each channel. For example, Facebook ads can only have 20% text on them.

Don’t forget the call to action on anything you post. Should link to something on your blog or a landing page on your website. Take advantage of every space!

Anything you would like to ad? What is working for you? We would love to hear your stories.

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