Establishing a Consistent Social Media Practice

Tiffani StephensonSocial Media Communications Manager

UF/IFAS Communicationststeph220@ufl.edu

352-273-3569

About Tiffani

• B.S. in Recreation and Event Management, Univ. of Florida

• Pursuing M.A. in Mass Communications, Social Media, Univ. of Florida

• Establishing multimedia communications strategies using traditional and social mediums for branding and visibility

Today’s Agenda

• 4.5 Steps to Social Media Strategy

• Keep It Real!

• Tips and Tricks

4.5 Steps to Social Media Strategy

1. Define your goals – what are you trying to accomplish?• Thought Leadership

• Establish, Protect or Promote a Brand

• Build Community or Conduct Service

1a. Get to know your audience• Create a buyer persona to understand psychology and habits of ideal

consumer

Social Media Strategy (cont’d)

2. Define your metrics – how will you measure your success?• Are you broadening your reach?• Do you convert awareness to action?

3. Decide on Tactics – what actions will help accomplish your goals?• Will you use Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, or another outlet?

4. Execute your Strategy! • Allocate your resources and budget; assign roles• Set 3-month goals to review progress and impact

Keep it Real!

• “Above all else – People!” • Listen to your customers, competitors, and referral partners

• Relax and interact like a real person

• Run your posts through the BFF checker (as appropriate)

• Don’t coddle the complainers

• Make engagement the goal; let your fans shine!

• Use your community to learn

Tips and Tricks of the Trade

• Create a Content Calendar for subject matter• Find a sweet spot for post frequency • Keep posts short!

• Follow 50+ accounts of similar space• Industry leaders/experts, influencers and competitors

• Branch out from graphics – use video and audio where appropriate

• Proofread each post

Tips and Tricks (cont’d)

• Posting Dead Zones• Twitter 8pm-8am• Facebook 12am-8am• LinkedIn 9am-5pm• Instagram 12am-8am• Tumblr 12am-12pm• Pinterest 1-7am, 5-7pm• Google+ 6pm-8am

• Days of the Week for Engagement Varies

• Follow 5-3-2 plan• 5 industry related • 3 company related • 2 personal in nature

• Don’t be afraid to share out-of-county material

Tips and Tricks (cont’d)

• Look for cross-platform promotional opportunities

• Ask your audience what they are struggling with

• Build relationships beyond your specific need

• Separate quantity from quality

QUESTIONS?

Follow Us!

• @UF_IFAS on Twitter

• UF IFAS Solutions on Facebook or

• https://www.facebook.com/UFIFASNews

• Email: tsteph220@ufl.edu

• Phone: 352-273-3569