background image
20.
December 2013
Four steps to social media success: Part II
Running a program that doesn't overwhelm your business
By Petro Tsarehradsky
I
n the November issue, this article
started on the premise that although
launching and maintaining a social
media program seems overwhelming,
the risks of not participating in the social
media world can be dangerous for your
credit union.
In the four steps to social media suc-
cess, the first two discussed were:
1. Review sources
2. Characterize members
If you missed Part I, you can access it,
when you
Contemplate content.
There are many types of content from
which to choose. It's important to know
your members so you know what will
most effectively connect with them. In
general, we recommend that you begin
with content that:
Educates or informs; avoid talking
too much about your products
Is relevant to your members; not
purely self-serving
Positions you as a good citizen in the
social media space; doesn't conflict
with your brand persona
Is appropriately frequent at hits at
the right time of day; doesn't be-
come an annoyance
As your social media program evolves,
you can use this step to talk about ways
to make your social media posts more
viral and reach more potential members.
For example, you could:
Create a game or contest
Ask for opinions on a new product,
idea, or design
Share a photo or YouTube video
Take a poll
Give back (e.g. "anyone who goes
through our drive-through this week
gets a free 100 Grand® candy bar.)
Create something inspiring or funny,
such as a meme, which is like a vis-
ual postcard that can be passed
around. (Don't forget to add subtle
branding!)
Rejoice and readjust.
The first time you reach this step, pat
yourself on the back. You're on the brink
of launching a social media program!
But before you post your first status or
tweet your first tweet, take time to plan
for future visits to this important step.
Set quantitative and qualitative goals
that will help you evaluate your perform-
ance; then decide how you will measure
them. Many social media sites have ana-
lytics built in. If you need additional in-
sights, many companies also combine
Continued next page