By a Social Media Agency in Stockport with a Thing for Puns and Performance
Let’s face it—running a business without a social media marketing strategy these days is a bit like trying to make tea without boiling the kettle. Technically doable, but you’ll end up with something lukewarm and disappointing.
Whether you’re a startup trying to make a splash or a seasoned business tired of posting and praying, creating a solid strategy is what separates the social media pros from the meme-loving amateurs. And if you’re looking for a Social Media Agency in Stockport (we hear they’re rather good), you’re already on the right path.
Here’s a witty yet wise walkthrough to building a strategy that doesn’t just exist—but works.
Marketing Strategy Goals & Objectives
First, let’s put the “why” before the “wow.”
Before you post a single picture of your morning coffee or your team dog (as adorable as they are), you need to ask yourself: What am I trying to achieve?
- Brand awareness? Great, but let’s not stop at people knowing your name—let’s make them remember it.
- Lead generation? Perfect. That means creating content that gets people to stop scrolling and start clicking.
- Customer loyalty? Then you’ll need to focus on engagement and consistency like a social-savvy swan—serene on the surface, paddling like mad underneath.
The golden rule? Set SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Saying “I want more followers” is vague. “I want to grow Instagram followers by 25% in 3 months” is boss-level goal-setting.
Understand Your Target Audience
Marketing without knowing your audience is like throwing darts with a blindfold on. In the dark. After a glass of wine.
Start by getting clear on who you’re talking to. Ask yourself:
- What do they care about?
- Where do they hang out online?
- What language do they use—formal, cheeky, meme-speak?
Tools like Google Analytics, Meta Audience Insights, and good old-fashioned surveys can help. Or, if you want to sound fancy, build some buyer personas. Give them names. “Mumpreneur Mandy” and “Techie Tom” will feel real to you and help guide tone, style, and platform choices.
Remember: people don’t follow brands—they follow voices that get them.
Social Media Platforms
Every platform has its quirks. Like guests at a dinner party.
Not every business needs to be on every social media platform. Choose wisely:
- Instagram: Visually-driven, ideal for lifestyle, fashion, food, and showing off your office dog (again).
- Facebook: Great for community-building and local businesses. (And yes, people do still use it.)
- LinkedIn: B2B heaven. Think thought leadership, case studies, and the occasional humblebrag.
- TikTok: For the brave. Short-form, creative, and home to Gen Z’s attention span.
- X (Twitter, for those still adjusting): Fast-paced, opinionated, and great for trends or real-time updates.
Don’t spread yourself too thin. It’s better to rock one platform than bore people on four.
Analyse Competitors
Keep your friends close, and your competitors in a nicely-organised spreadsheet.
Take a peek at what others in your niche are doing—especially those who are smashing it. Look at:
- What kind of content they post
- How often they post
- Which posts get the most likes, comments, shares
- How they engage with their audience
You’re not copying—you’re spotting gaps. If all your competitors are posting polished product photos, maybe there’s room for a behind-the-scenes, scrappy-but-sassy vibe.
And if you really want the edge? Use tools like SEMrush, BuzzSumo, or simply follow their socials and pay attention. Let them test the waters, then you cannonball in with a better splash.
Create a Content Strategy
The meat and potatoes. Or tofu and quinoa, depending on your dietary preferences.
This is where strategy becomes action. Your content plan should be:
- Consistent: Decide on frequency and stick to it. A quiet brand looks inactive.
- Varied: Mix formats—videos, infographics, memes, carousels, blogs, testimonials.
- Branded: Keep your voice and visuals recognisable. Your posts should scream you even without a logo slapped on.
- Value-led: Offer something. That could be education, entertainment, inspiration, or exclusive discounts.
A helpful tip: Use the 80/20 rule—80% value-driven content, 20% promotion. Because nobody likes the friend who only talks about themselves.
And of course, don’t forget to schedule! Tools like Buffer, Hootsuite, and Later are your best mates here.
Conclusion
If social media feels overwhelming, that’s because it is—when done without a plan. But once you get your strategy in place, it becomes less about shouting into the void and more about meaningful conversations, loyal customers, and measurable results.
And if this all still sounds like a bit much? Why not partner with a Social Media Agency in Stockport that speaks fluent hashtags and knows how to turn scrolls into sales?
Because while anyone can post, it takes a strategy to make an impact. And you, dear reader, are clearly here to make one.
