The most prevalent mistake when it comes to a social media marketing strategy is the failure to have a solid plan. The really sad part is that not only are organizations missing out on the fastest and most affordable means of generating new business but they are setting themselves up to be overtaken by their competitors a lot sooner than they realize.

It is no longer a case of the need for businesses to be on social networks, there is now a crucial need to have an effective social media marketing strategy that will allow you to capture prospects and stand out as the organization in your industry to do business with.

You have no doubt already heard time and time again that spamming is not a good social media marketing strategy, though on the other hand failing to inspire action won’t get you very far, very fast. Offering free content is good if it is valuable but do you have a real funnel that will turn visitors into real prospects and ultimately dollars?

An effective social media marketing strategy calls for a proactive approach for gaining new fans and followers, moving them through the process and expanding your methods of contacting them so that you are always at the forefront of your prospect’s minds. Obviously the best and ideal outcome is that visitors will instantly become customers. This of course doesn’t always happen, so what does happen to the rest, are they lost?

Don’t overlook the second best case scenario. Locking them in as subscribers so that you can continue to market to them and get through to their social networks. How is your social media marketing strategy set up to compel consumers to follow you, want to learn more or desire to actually contact or interact with you? What does your social media presence say about you and your position? How easy is it for them to contact you?