Digital Marketing Research |
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Google and social media platforms are a good place to start the social media research process. Think about researching Google like this; if you were a customer looking for a product or service, what would you put in the Google Search Box? Keep plugging in different search statements and keep track of what you are finding.
There are also search tools on social media platforms. You can use these search boxes the same way as Google. Start with Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. The search box is at the top of the home page on these platforms.
Essential keywords and topics to search:
There are also search tools on social media platforms. You can use these search boxes the same way as Google. Start with Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. The search box is at the top of the home page on these platforms.
Essential keywords and topics to search:
- Your brand name and handles
- Industry buzzwords, search terms
- Your product name(s), including common misspellings
- Your competitors brand names, product names
To further develop keywords for research and content, use a tool like SEM Rush. Or, the following free tools;
What Should YOU Keep Track of in Your Research?
Content
Keep track of the content you are finding that is popular or trending. Save links to sources and titles, so you do not lose track of the ideas you are coming across in your research. Who else is creating content for your industry? What type of content is getting the most engagement – videos, images, diagrams, processes?
Pages/Groups
Find groups that are relevant to your industry and keep track of what you are finding and topics of interest. What are people talking about and what are they responding to? Groups are a great to join and start engaging with an audience.
Influencers
Influencers are people or businesses that have thousands of followers, and their followers are actively engaging with their content. Keep track of any influencers you come across. They will become an important resource in your social media marketing.
Hashtags
A hashtag or the “#” symbol has become an integral part of social media. Anyone sharing content on a relevant topic can add the hashtag label to their message. Others searching for that topic can use the same hashtag to find other messages on that same topic. Keep track of hashtags you are seeing. If you do not know much about hashtags watch this video.
Keywords
Keywords will come in handy as you develop content for social media. Using keywords achieves higher search results on social media platforms and google. Keep track of words or phrases you see repeated.
KEEP RESEARCHING. This is part of social media marketing for a small business. The more you know, the more you will understand what an audience needs. This process will help you define your audience and understand what information and problems an audience has. Your social media marketing strategy should be about providing this information and solving these problems for your customers.
Content
Keep track of the content you are finding that is popular or trending. Save links to sources and titles, so you do not lose track of the ideas you are coming across in your research. Who else is creating content for your industry? What type of content is getting the most engagement – videos, images, diagrams, processes?
Pages/Groups
Find groups that are relevant to your industry and keep track of what you are finding and topics of interest. What are people talking about and what are they responding to? Groups are a great to join and start engaging with an audience.
Influencers
Influencers are people or businesses that have thousands of followers, and their followers are actively engaging with their content. Keep track of any influencers you come across. They will become an important resource in your social media marketing.
Hashtags
A hashtag or the “#” symbol has become an integral part of social media. Anyone sharing content on a relevant topic can add the hashtag label to their message. Others searching for that topic can use the same hashtag to find other messages on that same topic. Keep track of hashtags you are seeing. If you do not know much about hashtags watch this video.
Keywords
Keywords will come in handy as you develop content for social media. Using keywords achieves higher search results on social media platforms and google. Keep track of words or phrases you see repeated.
KEEP RESEARCHING. This is part of social media marketing for a small business. The more you know, the more you will understand what an audience needs. This process will help you define your audience and understand what information and problems an audience has. Your social media marketing strategy should be about providing this information and solving these problems for your customers.
Still not sure where to start your research? Start with Facebook. There are so many people on Facebook if Facebook were a country, it would be the largest country in the world. Start by creating a Facebook profile or use your current personal profile. If you have never created a Facebook account, you will find instructions HERE.
Once you have a profile set up you can start researching. On your profile you will see a search box next to the Facebook logo at the top of the page. You can use this search box similar to how you would use google. Search for your industry, customers, topics or anything that can help you learn about what potential customers are talking about. Facebook is the best place to start social media marketing for a small business.
Once you have a profile set up you can start researching. On your profile you will see a search box next to the Facebook logo at the top of the page. You can use this search box similar to how you would use google. Search for your industry, customers, topics or anything that can help you learn about what potential customers are talking about. Facebook is the best place to start social media marketing for a small business.
Search on Instagram
Twitter Search
Get to know the top social media platforms by getting to know who and why people use each platform. Then choose 1-2 and optimize those platforms for your business.
Understanding Facebook
Understanding Instagram
Understanding LinkedIn
Understanding Twitter
Understanding Facebook
Understanding Instagram
Understanding LinkedIn
Understanding Twitter