Social media is often seen as a hub of creativity, fun trends and a source of community. It’s enabled brands and individuals alike to engage with others who share similar interests. However, building a loyal audience takes more than just posting a few times a week. Instead, growing a following and an engaged community requires careful planning. Data is the fuel that drives effective strategies, allowing users to reach and exceed their targets. Through testing and adapting, anyone can create a plan which serves their own specific needs and objectives.

Use metrics specific to the platform

It can be easy to get swept up in numbers and target metrics, but ask yourself “Have I tailored these for each platform?” The reason this matters is that different platforms may be used to drive different actions, and the style of content may require a tailored approach. For example, target metrics for video content on YouTube may revolve around the number of views, whereas target metrics for a LinkedIn poll may center engagement as the KPI. Consider the channel and audience, and adjust depending on the ideal action.

Analyze engagement rates frequently

Touching on a similar concept – ignoring engagement rates is a big no-no, particularly when you’re looking to foster a community or an active audience. Social media is a conversation, so focus on achieving more than just vanity metrics. 

Adapt based on data

Once you’ve got your tracking and measuring under control, utilize the data. Adapt your campaigns, alter your posting schedules, and plan according to what works and what doesn’t. Data can be thought of as a peek from behind the curtain at your audience. Once you’ve been able to gauge reaction, improving your content can help you to achieve and exceed your targets.

Know the difference between reach and impressions

These two metrics may appear similar, and are often confused with one another. Neither is ‘better’ than the other, but it’s crucial to know the difference. Reach refers to the number of unique users who have viewed your content, whereas impressions refer to the number of times your content has been shown or viewed (which includes the same person viewing your content more than once). Understanding the differences will allow you to figure out your engagement rates, and what keeps your audience coming back.

Identify trends and patterns in your data

When looking at data, look to spot regular similarities. Patterns will help you to determine what’s working well and what needs to be changed. By understanding what your audience likes and what they don’t, you can begin to make small changes for maximum impact.

A/B test: experiment to learn what works

Split testing your content is one of the most straightforward ways of finding out what kind of content appeals to your target audience. Test out images, captions and CTAs to determine what the most effective options are. Use the results to channel your efforts in the right direction. Continue to A/B test throughout your campaigns to build on your learnings and to understand what works for different audiences.

Keep an eye on your competitors for inspiration: what’s working for them?

Market research is what will give you a competitive advantage. This also applies to content creators. Understanding what others in your industry or niche are doing, and how their content and campaigns are performing, gives you further insight into your target audience. The better you know your target market, the easier it is to speak to them through your social media channels.

Use unique stats from surveys to benchmark performance

Run surveys to get to know your target market. These unique stats will give you an exclusive view into your followers which you can use to influence your social media efforts. This provides additional information you can’t find elsewhere about why your audience follows you and what they look to gain from your content.

Know when metrics and for vanity vs. value

Depending on your goals, this looks different for everyone. Vanity metrics are metrics that look impressive superficially, but do not serve your brand goals. For example, an Instagram follower count may be considered as a vanity metric, if this is not contributing to a specific goal. Instead, a more effective KPI might be engagement rate, as this gives a greater indication of how interested your audience really is in your content.

Create reports to refer back to

Reports: you either love them or you hate them, but there’s no denying that they can be exceptionally useful. By regularly compiling results and insights, there is a clear way to track progress and measure outcomes compared to previous weeks and months. These can also be used to refer back to when strategizing for future quarters.

Data can be tricky to get your head around, but learning and utilizing the basics can have a sizable impact on your key metrics. Testing, monitoring and adjusting in line with your data can help you to build a strategy that drives your content in the direction of your goals. Take the tips that you see the most value in and apply them to your social media plans to start seeing results. Don’t ignore the numbers – make them your best friends and advisors, guiding you to form your tailored strategy.

 

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