Social media has become a great tool for businesses. Using social platforms the right way can get you more exposure and connect you with potential customers. If you're not using these networks, you can be seriously missing out. Starting out with a plan is always a good idea. When it comes to social media, it's no different. These networks have become very user friendly, and taking the time to establish a strategy will be worth it. Here is an outline of steps to take while developing your plan:

• Define your goals - Decide what your purpose for using social media is and what you hope to gain from this type of marketing. Set short and long-term goals to help you monitor your progress.
• Research your competition - You never want to copy what others are doing, but it's important to be aware of what your competition is up to and what your target audience is already receptive to. This research could really help shorten your learning curve.
• Decide what social platforms to use - It's never a good idea to assume where your target audience is spending their time online. Do some research on what networks your target demographic is using. Different social channels can help you reach different audiences, so keep that in mind.
• Decide how often & what you want to post - Evaluate how often you should post on your platforms to be effective. Different networks will require more attention than others. To decide the kind of content you should be posting, make sure you know your consumers and what resonates with them. Post eye-catching photos and graphics, with the right calls-to-action, and stay engaged with consumers!
• Be consistent - This is one of the most important tips. You have to stay consistent. Consistent with how often you're posting on socials, with the content and tone of voice you are using, and with your response time to customers online.
• Re-evaluate & update - It's essential to continually evaluate your social media. Keeping track of what's working for you and what's not can help you learn how to engage a larger audience. Make small changes to your strategy to increase your success over time.

Don't miss out on an audience that's already out there looking for you and willing to connect. Using social networks can be a huge force that can increase your brand awareness, but only when used effectively and efficiently. Taking the time to develop a strategy will be worth it, so use these steps to your advantage!