How To Create Successful Social Media Campaigns

Social media is an amazing platform that gives a voice to anyone willing to engage. That being said it is also important for startup companies and small businesses to use this platform in the right way to gain maximum benefits. There are multiple layers involved in building a media strategy that will bring the desired result. One of these strategies is a social media campaign.

Social Media Campaigns have seen a lot of traction in recent years. Lately, every brand has tried to run a social media campaign. PaperBoat’s Hum Honge Kamiyab celebrates startups, Biba’s Change is Good campaign spoke of the changing times and MTV’s Dunk That Junk tried to bring social awareness by raising issues of cleanliness.

How exactly can you create a social media campaign that will generate a big and wide positive buzz?

1. Objective and goal
Decide why you want to create a social media campaign. Social media campaigns don’t last a long time but can get your company a lot of recognition. It’s very important to know what you want to achieve in that small period of time and how you plan on reaching the end goal. Half thought out plans tend to flunk and sink. So if you do decide on creating a social media campaign take your time to ponder why exactly do you need one and what do you wish to achieve out of it.

2. Strategize to make it worth their while
Social media campaigns are not your regular 30-60 second advertisements. They need to be able to capture the attention of the audience till the whole campaign is played out and generate interest for them to get involved in the campaign. Strategize how the campaign will play out, decide on the tentpole events, show it to a focus group to get feedback and finally reveal it to the bigger audience. A poorly constructed social media campaign can get you undue negative attention.

3. Spread the word and engage your customers
A social media campaign will be a waste of money if it does not reach the desired audience. Design your campaign in such a way that it not only promotes your product, service and company but also the campaign itself. The best example of a good social media campaign is the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. This strategically constructed campaign not only spread the word about the disease but also was successful in raising funds for research. It is also equally important to make sure you reply to people interacting with your campaign on the various social media platforms. Don’t let your audience feel neglected.

4. Measure and analyze the results from the start
Consistently follow the growth of your campaign from the very beginning. This will allow you to make necessary changes in the promotions and strategy as and when necessary. It is important to know how your campaign is performing to not be blindsided by any kind of backlash. Measure the number of people your campaign is reaching, analyze where and how you can improve the reach and make the required changes.

5. Wait for the right time
A major part of launching a successful campaign is to time it just right. Social conditions, the political situation of your country or state, the kind of issues prevalent in the community at that time contribute to your campaign’s success. Never forget the Pepsi and Kendall Jenner campaign launched during the Back Lives Matter Movement which Pepsi had to ultimately withdraw. Always be completely aware of your surroundings.

If your startup has launched a successful social media campaign let us know in the comments below. You can also write us your success story at info@startupstories.in.