This past week I spoke at Texas Music Charts, “Texas Music Seminar: I made a Record…Now What?” The topic of my presentation was using Social Media strategically to accomplish productivity goals and the focus was for a musician or music industry professional.

I have found for most of my clients the hardest part about using Social Media consistently is determining what and more importantly, when to post.

If you are a casual, ‘just having fun’ Social Media user than disregard this post….however if you are using Social Media to achieve business or personal goals here are a couple take home ideas.

The way I consult clients is not one-size-fits-all process and on paper it probably looks like a tree where each answer forms the branch of the next questions. There really is no right was to use Social Media but I have found some great questions that get to the strategic way YOU can accomplish YOUR productivity goals!

SO…what are you trying to accomplish…in other words what are your goals? I help clients clarify and target their goals. ie what they are trying to do with their efforts? Usually this should mirror marketing goals. Are you trying to generate web traffic, interactions,  sales or maybe you just want to entertain, educate or brand?

When you determine goals, you manage your own expectations and the focus of how you will use Social Media.

Now that we know why, the next question is who?
Who are you trying to reach? Local, industry, interest? Men, Women, tweens? 18-35, 25-54, 35-60?
Targeting your audience should mirror your overall marketing plan/goals. If you are a local business that only serves local customers and have no interest in website traffic than you will want to concentrate on building relationships that are geographically specific.

Know your audience and know your game plan…this will help you decide what to post about.

If you have figured out ‘who and why’ now think about when are the people you are trying to reach using Social Media and remember you want to be there when they are there!