Social Media Takes Commitment

Mitch Joel talks sense about the commitment it takes to make social media work for businesses.

Commitment isn’t just about providing adequate resources, support and encouragement. It can also be about putting strategies in place that make sure you deliver.

One of the strategies I’ve found that works when getting companies to stick with a business blog, for example, is to introduce a number of regular theme posts during a that act as a guideline. For example, make every Wednesday “Pic of the Week”. Taking and showing a picture that shows just what the company has been doing can be a great way of connecting with customers and showing the faces behind the product.

Regular theme posts also help generate reader loyalty because if your regular post is something they always check out – like a picture of the week or a regular weekly interview slot – people will return for more.

Of course, it’s important you don’t spoil the fun by forgetting to follow your schedule. You’ll be amazed how quickly people drift away if you don’t stick to what you started.

Spread Your Efforts

Because not everyone reads your blog, it’s also a good strategy to include regular posts on your Facebook Fan Page or Twitter stream. In this way the commitment you made to your blog can also help nurture the other social media channels you’re using.