By CharTec Guest Blog 1

Eating right, balance, constancy, and mixing up your intake; all keys to a healthy diet. Mix in exercise and you have a winning combination for a healthy body. Social media is very similar in many ways. You need to be balanced, be constant, mix it up occasionally, and make sure you’re using the right platforms in the right ways in order to effectively implement your social media strategy. Exercise engagement frequently and you have the perfect plan for social media success!

Building Blocks: This is your essential foundation of your social media pyramid (see full image here). These are non-negotiable platforms you and your business should use for 5-7 servings per week. Keep in mind that each serving size is worth 10 minutes. You should make sure to spend the most time on Twitter and Facebook.  Don’t have a Facebook fan page? Get one. Not on Twitter, sign up. You will get the most engagement from Facebook and Twitter.

Round Out Your Social Media Diet: Now that you have the staples down in your social media diet, you can take that next step to truly reach out to your specialty audience. This level of the pyramid is where you really start to fine tune and tailor your messaging to your audience, using things like LinkedIn and blogging. These are such powerful tools to expand your social presence and community. You’re going to want to get between 3-5 servings of these per week.

Now, Time to Add Some Flavor: Now, it’s time to add a dash of spice to your social media plan. Images are very, VERY valuable to helping boost your engagement. Images of not only products, but of partners, clients, and employees. This makes you seem more human. Remember, this helps to add personality to your brand at 1-3 servings a week.

Use Sparingly: Now, video is even more important than images… by far! However, a good video takes planning, production, editing, and many other steps you may not be ready for. If you have time to make video truly effective, this is a way to not only make people aware but is one of the fastest ways to go viral. Make sure to stay up on current events, and be ready for a fun parody on the latest YouTube Hit! Do this 1-2 times a month if you’re able to, but understand the time that needs to be devoted, as well.

Supplements: Now your diet is filling, well balanced, and planned out. Now it’s time to work on the extra stuff that makes the difference in your diet. Supplements are a good way to round out your pyramid. Supplements can either be your industry social media specific platforms or something more local.

Want more? Check out the full Social Media Pyramid Whitepaper here.

Gabe Ulloa is interactive media and marketing event coordinator at CharTec, which offers HaaS, BDR and training services to MSPs. Monthly guest blogs such as this one are part of MSPmentor’s annual platinum sponsorship.