#ContentWritingChat Recap: Mastering Social Media Marketing
Express Writers

#ContentWritingChat Recap: Mastering Social Media Marketing in 2022 with Andrew C. Belton

by | Mar 4, 2022 | ContentWritingChat

Content Writing Chat recap

There’s no denying that social media is a powerful way to establish your authority online and make connections with new people from around the world.

However, the road to becoming a social media pro isn’t always an easy one. There are so many platforms to consider, algorithms to deal with, and then you have to create content!

Luckily, in this #ContentWritingChat recap, we’re sharing some social media marketing tips that you can implement throughout the year ahead. We discuss the top tools to check out, training options to enhance your skills, and more.

#ContentWritingChat Recap: Mastering Social Media Marketing in 2022 with Andrew C. Belton

Our guest host for this month’s chat was Andrew C. Belton. Andrew is a Social Media Marketing Strategist, as well as the founder of Symmetrical Media Marketing. He joined #ContentWritingChat to share his expertise and help you take your social media presence to the next level. So, let’s dive into the tips!

Q1: Which platforms are you focusing on building for your brand or company?

For Andrew, his primary focus when it comes to social media marketing has been LinkedIn. It’s a great platform for making professional connections, as well as for publishing content. Andrew’s company is also giving extra attention to Twitter and Facebook.

The same platforms are on Asangi’s radar as well. Personally, she’s focused on LinkedIn and Twitter, but is incorporating Facebook for company use.

Q2: Which tools do you use to help manage social media marketing?

Hootsuite is a favorite for Andew and it’s the tool he frequently recommends to clients. He also likes using IFTTT for automation, as well as Canva for designing graphics.

Here at Express Writers, MeetEdgar has long been a go-to for our team. We like that it allows us to create a schedule focused around certain types of content. Plus, you can build a library of content that repeats forever for platforms like Facebook.

We have another Hootsuite recommendation! SproutSocial is also a tool worth checking out. But as Asangi knows, you can’t go wrong with a trusty Excel workbook. Sometimes all you need is a good spreadsheet.

Dana keeps it simple with a pen, paper, and Post-Its. After all, it’s really about using the tools and methods that work best for YOU. And if you’re a team of one, you don’t necessarily need digital tools for planning.

Q3: What kind of training have you pursued or is offered by your company for social media marketing?

Andrew recommends checking out programs from both Hootsuite and HubSpot Academy. Each offer some robust programs that will help you take your social media marketing skills to the next level.

Thomas has previously tried the Facebook Blueprint certifications, but found it wasn’t the right fit for his needs. That’s why it’s important to research and see what these various programs offer so you can be sure you’re making a smart investment. Instead, his team hosts internal conferences where everyone can recommend webinars and they can have training time together.

There’s nothing quite like getting hands-on experience! Sometimes the best way to learn is to just dive in and do the job. Over time, you’ll learn a thing or two yourself. However, there’s nothing wrong with turning to online courses or Googling when you need extra help, as Asangi knows.

Dana has no problem using Google when she needs to find information on a certain topic. She also loves joining Twitter chats, as they’re a fantastic way to learn from others and to expand your knowledge.

Q4: What recent trends have you noticed in social media marketing?

As Andrew pointed out, short-form videos are all the rage these days, particularly with platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels. If you know your audience is interested in this kind of content, it would be worth experimenting to see how it performs for you.

Dana has also noticed video content has become an even bigger trend, but so has audio. As she mentioned, Twitter Spaces has really taken off and has become a powerful way for creators on the platform to provide value and make new connections.

Thomas is noticing a shift away from paid ads and seeing brands invest more in influencer marketing instead. Considering people are often inclined to take advice and recommendations from their favorite influencers, it’s no wonder they’re prioritizing these types of collaborations.

Q5: What resources do you use when reviewing your social media strategy and data?

Built-in analytics from platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook can offer some powerful data that will shape your social media marketing strategy. However, Andrew also likes to use Hootsuite’s analytics and Google Analytics as well.

Thomas has tons of tools he relies on, including Google Trends and SEMrush. You also can’t forget the feedback you receive from your own clients.

Q6: What are some tips that you would provide for small businesses regarding social media management?

As Andrew knows, it always starts with knowing your goals. This will help shape the plan you create for your social media presence, assist you in choosing relevant resources, and more.

Dana’s advice is to figure out where your audience is because those are the platforms you want to invest your time and energy into. This way, you stand a better chance at getting your content in front of the right people. From there, you can create and repurpose content that will resonate with them.

Asangi suggests narrowing down your social media channels to the ones that best fit your business and its needs. You don’t need to be everywhere online.

It helps to batch your content creation, so try blocking off time to create as many social media posts as you can. Then, you can start scheduling them through your favorite third-party tool. This is great for boosting your consistency and you’ll never have to worry about your accounts going inactive.

Q7: How have you adapted your content to perform optimally on social media?

It’s important to familiarize yourself with what works best for each platform in terms of content because each one is different. Then, as Andrew said, you can tailor your posts accordingly.

Know who your target audience is! Dana realizes this step is crucial not just in choosing the platforms you use, but also in shaping the content you’re publishing.

Q8: What are some tips that you have for someone looking to start a career in digital marketing?

If you’re in college, Andrew’s advice is to pursue an internship is possible. This can be a great way to get hands-on experience that will also make it easier to land jobs in the future. He also suggests taking online courses, like the ones from Hootsuite and HubSpot.

Make sure you’re open to learning new things. While you may think you know it all, there’s always room for improvement, so don’t be afraid to invest in resources that will help you grow.

Dana suggests looking for mentors that you can connect with and learn from. Those who are doing what you’d like to do have so much to offer.

Want to hang out during our next #ContentWritingChat? Mark your calendars for the first Tuesday of every month at 10 AM Central. Then, be sure to follow @ExpWriters to stay updated!

Tags: social media marketing