How to Grow on Social Media: Strategy vs. Management

Have you ever wondered why your meticulously curated Instagram feed isn't gaining the traction you hoped for? While you may have heard that “consistency is key,” posting consistently without a solid strategy won’t get you very far.

But don’t worry! Whether you’re looking to master your own social media or to better serve your clients, I’m here to help you understand the differences between social media strategy and management and how to make them work for you.

The Power of Strategy: Your Magic Map ⚡📍

Think of strategy as your personalized map, guiding you to your destination. It's all about determining your destination (setting your goals) and figuring out the best path to get there. Here are the basics for building out your own strategy:

1. Define Your Goals: Start with clear, achievable goals. Are you aiming to boost brand awareness or drive sales? Knowing your end game helps you craft a focused approach.

2. Choose the Right Platforms: You don’t have to (and really shouldn’t) be everywhere. Identify where your target audience spends their time. Instagram might be perfect for a lifestyle brand, while LinkedIn could be better for a B2B company.

3. Craft Your Unique Voice: Your brand voice is the special something that makes your audience say, "I need this!" Whether it's witty, professional, or inspirational, using your brand voice helps your audience recognize and connect with you.  

Mastering Management: The Day-to-Day Grind 💪🏻

Management is putting your strategy into action through daily tasks like posting and engaging. Here's how to manage your social media like a pro:

1. Schedule Killer Content: Use tools like Metricool to schedule your posts in advance. This ensures that you’re always reaching your ideal audience at the best times.

2. Consistency is Crucial: Find a posting cadence that is sustainable for you, aiming for at least three posts per week. Best practices vary by platform so check out my Social Media for Business series for more guidance. 

3. Engage with Your Community: Social media is a two-way street. Respond to comments, participate in conversations, and show your followers that you value them. Building a loyal following takes time and effort, but the time is going to pass regardless so let’s nurture our community along the way.

4. Track Performance: Use analytics to keep an eye on what’s working and what’s not. Platforms like Instagram Insights, Google Analytics, and your scheduling tools (again, I recommend Metricool) provide valuable data that can help you refine your approach.

Strategy vs. Management: The Perfect Balance

To sum it up, strategy is the “why” and management is the “how.” Both are essential ingredients in your secret sauce to social media success. Without a solid strategy, your efforts might lack direction. Without effective management, even the best strategy can't reach its full potential.

What Now?

By mastering both strategy and management, you'll build a brand that resonates with your audience and achieves your business goals. 

If you’re looking for more direction building and implementing social media strategy and management, The Social Media Business Academy is an online course and community that can help. TAP HERE to learn more.