Why to Treat Social Media like a First Date

Make a Strong First impression

Creating a profile that is visually enticing and hooks your date isn’t as simple as haphazardly throwing on your trusty little black dress. Social media applications, like Instagram, rely on not only dynamic individual imagery, but a cohesive collage that guides your date on a moorish journey. Just as coordinating your outfit is essential, so is strategically planning the overall layout and style of your social media feed. It takes a bit of forward planning and creative vision but using free apps like planoly or UNUM, you can develop a mock up of your feed’s design and curate an account that is elegantly devised. Embrace photo-editing apps such as VSCO and develop a signature style using repetition of filters and graphics. A little bit of planning and flair can elevate your iPhone pics from average to Instaworthy.

Make it a two-way conversation

Live by 70/30 rule, listen 70% and talk 30% of the time. While it’s tempting to showcase why your brand is amazing, avoid bombarding your tribe with hard-sell posts. Your date is more likely to engage with your business when they are made to feel valued and their feedback is being heard. Break the ice with a healthy mix of content. Share inspiring images, post captivating blogs and get the conversation flowing by engaging with their comments. Don’t be the bad date that spends the night talking about their sure-fire, moneymaking pyramid scheme. Just like great conversation, keep the content flowing with relevant and engaging purpose that evokes a reaction in your followers. Check out our blog “How to Show Love to your Social Media Tribe”.

Be on time

Don’t stand up your date or leave them twiddling their thumbs while they wait for you to join the party. Creating a strategic content plan for your social media feed ensures your account followers won’t see tumbleweeds rolling by. You should establish a monthly schedule outlining what you’re going to post and when. Aim to be consistent. There’s no secret formula to the perfect first date, each platform is different and your audience varies. Aim to post hard-hitting content 2-3 times per week. Utilising scheduling systems such as Buffer, you can plan out your content and automate send-out. Stay aware of any events or important dates coming up that will excite your audience. Get insight into high traffic times on your sites and time your significant announcements strategically. Balance your vault of pre-planned posts with spontaneity to keep your date excited. Stay relevant – if there is an event or happening that speaks to your audience (and most importantly, aligns with your brand), then capitalise on the opportunity by responding in the moment.

Do your homework

A quick stalk of your date’s Facebook can supply you with an archive of conversation starters and avoid that dreaded awkward silence. The same goes for your social media followers. Analytics are a valuable way to get the low-down on your tribe. Who are they and where are they from? What time are they most active? Which posts we’re fully lit and which fizzled? Your social media statistics are an insightful way to anticipate success of new content and gauge the effectiveness of your previous efforts. Get to know your target market and tailor your conversation to suit them. Be fluid and constantly learn and adapt to what your tribe wants.

Go for the kiss

You’ve had a great time, the chemistry is simmering so now, show the love! It’s all about giving back and acknowledging that the success of your brand grows from every like, follow and subscription. There are so many ways to thank your tribe. Promote discounts, exclusive offers and giveaways. A simple personal reply to a comment can bridge the bond between brand and client.

Don’t rush a good thing, plan ahead for your date and take things slow. Through strategic planning of your social media activity and the development of an intimate and vibrant feed you’ll entice your audience into a second date. Sometimes you just need to phone a friend for a pep talk and advice before you make the next move. Wild and Free Media boast a team of marketing gurus and savvy brand specialists who can help you make your first date count. Holla at hey@wildandfree.com.au to get the fireworks bursting.