Now more than ever, it is critical to establish a clear and precise social media marketing strategy. Without a specific plan or goal for your content, you will not be able to gauge results and may miss out on potential engagement. Continue reading as Playbook Public Relations goes over how to establish brand goals to reach your desired audience and outcome most effectively.

The best way to ensure that you are on point with your objectives strategy is to create S.M.A.R.T. goals: specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-based.

• Specific

To make a goal specific, clearly state what needs to be accomplished. Do not be vague or overarching. This part of the goal does not explain the “how” but does answer many of the “w” questions. For instance, who needs to be involved, what are you trying to accomplish, and why? What is the reason for your goal? Why are you doing it?

• Measurable

This part showcases how the action will be measured in quantitative and qualitative data collection. For instance, if your goal is to raise revenue by 50%, you can see an exact numerical amount by measuring the money you have made over a specific period. Or, if the data you are collecting is more qualitative, you can employ effective measures like client testimonials and surveys.

• Attainable

Of course, a goal is about reaching for something challenging and accomplishing it. However, it must still be realistic and attainable. Assess that you have the skills, tools, and resources needed to reach the goal. If you do not have what you need, it may be time to revise your plan or find a way to improve your position.

• Relevant

Confirm that your goal makes sense. Pay attention to what your competitors are doing, industry trends, and your brand’s overall goals and missions to know that it is relevant. For instance, if your competitors have more engagement on social media, your goal could be to increase traffic on your accounts through more video content, better photography, or another strategic decision.

• Time-Based 

Set a specific amount of time to achieve your goal. You will not likely find the motivation needed to complete your goals without a deadline to meet them. Establishing a deadline is also a great way to set a step-by-step timeline to accomplish your goal on time.

Following these goal-setting steps is valuable in setting a strategy instead of just winging it in social planning. You can hold your company accountable for its goals by being specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-based. B.E. S.M.A.R.T. to BE SOCIAL!