We know what you’re thinking. Social Media Marketing is overwhelming, time consuming, and you question if it’s really even worth getting elbow-deep into.

The answer: yes. It’s absolutely worth it. If you focus on a having a plan, you can have a successful experience with it! And if you don’t want to travel that road alone, it’s OK. That’s why  we’re here.

Here are three basic, yet essential tips when it comes to your social media marketing plan:

Find your target audience and listen to them.

Identifying your audience requires a little bit of research. You must determine your target’s age, average income, and common values.

Not only do you need to identify who your target audience is, but you need to ensure where they are in the world of social platforms. Your content will be driven by the who and the where.

Listening to your audience helps you identify their needs and what is trending for them. By doing so, you’re able to curate relatable campaigns.

Talk with your audience not at your audience.

Give your audience a little piece of you. A personal touch to your posts and engagement will really set you apart from the others. I think we can all agree that we’d rather talk to a human than a robot…so don’t be a robot. Be friends with your followers and you’ll start to get some real engagement.

There’s a huge difference between creating community and networking. Be the community creator. While this does take time, it’s an investment that is sure to pay off in the long run. Building fast relationships aren’t always the long-term solution to being successful.

Be a storyteller.

It’s not about what you sell. It’s why you sell it. When it comes down to it, your audience has to trust you before they decide they want your product or services. By presenting your story before your product, you’re not only being personal, you’re showing value in what you have to offer.

Consumers like to invest in a product with purpose. Ethical and strategic, it’s a way to humanize your brand and develop brand loyalty.

Once you get passed the research of who your audience is and where they “hang out” on social media, identify your “why”. Why you do what you do? Start pondering over why you developed your product in the first place and why do you stand out from the rest.

Connect with the people who  follow you and find common ground with their stories, too. These three  basic steps are a great start for your social media marketing.