How to Conduct Effective Social Media Marketing Plan?

When comes to do a cross border marketing, brands or corporates should first gain knowledge on target markets, including target market overview; such as consumers, competitors, target markets’ all media landscape; such as traditional media marketing and online marketing; as well as selecting a qualified local marketing company, for example, when a brand expect to enlarge their market share in China, they might need to get help from a Chinese marketing company.

When all the knowledge and preparation are ready, brands need a marketing plan first. When Firms that are successful in marketing invariably start with a marketing plan. Large companies have plans with hundreds of pages; small companies can get by with a half-dozen sheets. As we all know, a marketing plan is a comprehensive document or blueprint that outlines a company's advertising and marketing efforts for the coming year. It describes business activities involved in accomplishing specific marketing objectives within a set time frame.

Among all the marketing plan elements, media usage is one of the most important one. Whether using all media method, media portfolio or single media channel should be researched thoroughly. Currently, online marketing becomes increasingly popular. And among all the solutions of online marketing, social media marketing is drawing more attention. Then, how to conduct effective social media marketing plan? First, social media objectives and goals should be well established, having these objectives also allows you to quickly react when social media campaigns are not meeting your expectations. Secondly, conduct a social media audit, this requires figuring out who is currently connecting to you via social media, which social media sites your target market uses and how social media presence compares to your competitors’. Thirdly, create or improve social accounts, Once you’ve audited your accounts, it’s time to hone your online presence. Choose what networks best meet your social media goals. Fourthly, get social media inspiration from industry leaders, competitors and clients. Fifthly, create a content plan and editorial calendar. And lastly, test, evaluate and adjust your social media marketing plan.