Social Media Tips-Before You Buy Your Domain
Sean Hyde • July 5, 2014
Social Media Strategy and Integrated Marketing can be challenging, and seeing a return on your investment, even if it’s just your time, can be even more challenging. With ever changing rules and algorithms across so many different social media sites, there is an overwhelming amount of information to keep up with on your own. If you are brave enough to attempt to manage your social media marketing on your own, you need to start with an effective website, and coincidentally enough, this is where we see most people and businesses make their biggest mistakes.
Without a doubt, the number one problem we see when helping business owners with their social media strategy is that they failed to do some important planning and research before getting started.
And we mean before doing anything, don’t even buy your domain or URL before this stage, even if you think it’s obvious what it should be. Now, you might have thought your website developer had you covered, but this is a lot like hiring a graphic designer to manage your entire ad campaign. Six months down the road you have these beautiful ads, but nobody is seeing them, because he is a graphic designer, not a specialist in ad placement or getting press exposure, or optimizing your keywords.
If you are planning a new website for your business, or already have one, but are starting to wonder why you paid a lot of money for no visible results, read on. Starting from the beginning, let’s start with how to plan the content and location of your website, the step that most people miss when beginning their integrated marketing plan or social media strategy.
- Know your keywords: This is by far the #1 most frequently skipped step in small business social media strategy. The main benefit of your website should be that people can find it, and you, when they don’t know they are looking for you. If I already know that you own Mike’s Autobody or Joe’s Family Restaurant, and I like you enough to do business with you, I’m probably not searching generic terms like Autobody, or restaurants near me, I’m just going right to your page, or better yet just showing up at your door. The way you benefit from your website most, however, is getting it out in front of the people that don’t know you are there, and just want to know what restaurants are near them, or who can fix the ding they just put in their wife’s car at poker night before she finds out. For example, we recently analyzed a local gym chain that didn’t show up in the local search results for a gym until every other gym showed up three times, guess who is losing all of their potential new members to the competition?
The first step in any social media campaign should be finding the appropriate keywords for your business, finding out which ones get the most traffic or searches, and creating a plan to place yourself in front of the people looking for what you are offering.
Finding your keywords should be part of your strategy for planning everything from your URL to your website content and your profiles and content across other social media platforms as well. If 5000 people are searching for Paint Job a month in your area, but you never use those terms on your website because you prefer auto-body, you are missing 5000 potential customers who are looking for your product. The same goes for Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, etc. because search engines are using all social media platforms for content and ranking now.
2. Make sure your long-term content strategy also includes using those keywords regularly. If your blog never mentions those words, and neither do any of your other social media pages, you will eventually lose ranking to someone else who does, so do a little research and planning up front, and you will reap big rewards over the long term.
Now that you’ve figured out what your customers are actually looking for, use your URL, website content and other social media pages to get out in front of those search terms and actually bring some customers through the door.
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In today’s digital marketing landscape, establishing a powerful online presence is more than just a checkbox—it’s a strategic investment. For companies in Charleston, West Virginia, leveraging social media marketing is essential to build brand awareness, reach your target audience, and stay competitive in a shifting online economy. With the right marketing strategy, your business can experience a measurable return on investment—and it doesn’t take months to start seeing results. In fact, with expert help, your brand can begin transforming its digital presence in as little as fiv e days. This comprehensive guide explores how Charleston-area businesses can harness professional social media management to increase visibility, improve customer experience, and generate qualified leads. Boost Your Brand Visibility Through Strategic Social Media For Charleston businesses navigating today’s complex online marketing landscape, cutting through the noise requires a combination of content creation, search engine optimization, and visually compelling web design. Whether you’re a local boutique or a growing multimedia company, aligning your social media content with your brand identity builds credibility and strengthens customer loyalty. Define Your Target Audience With Analytics-Driven Insights Successful businesses don’t guess—they analyze. Through robust data analysis and keyword research , Charleston organizations can better understand their target audience : Demographics: Age, income, and employment data provide targeting clarity. Psychographics: Understand customer behavior, values, and lifestyle preferences. Digital Behavior: Use analytics and tools like Google Search Engine insights to track how your audience engages with content. For example, a local insurance agency might find that their email marketing campaigns resonate most with residents ages 35–60 who engage with health-related content on Facebook. Design a Content Calendar With ROI in Mind Content without strategy leads to wasted budget. A well-designed content marketing plan includes: Platform-specific timing for optimal visibility Integration with local events like Bridge Day or Capitol Market pop-ups A blend of branded posts, educational materials, and community highlights Strategic use of email newsletters and search engine marketing (SEM) Each post becomes part of a larger ecosystem aimed at lead generation, engagement, and conversion. Use Engaging Visuals to Strengthen Brand Recognition From logo design to video production, investing in high-quality visuals enhances brand awareness and increases user retention across platforms: Showcase local pride using Charleston landmarks and the Appalachian landscape Keep your visuals consistent with your website’s user interface and mobile app design Incorporate copywriting that reflects your values and tone A downtown coffee shop might use weekly visuals that combine their drinks with shots of the New River Gorge, creating emotional and geographic resonance with their audience. Optimize Engagement Through Content Strategy Digital success isn’t just about reach—it’s about relationships. Building meaningful connections through storytelling and behavior-based targeting keeps your brand top-of-mind: Share the journey of your company, including partnerships with West Virginia University or local nonprofits Incorporate user-generated content to build community trust Leverage tools like SocialBee or Hootsuite for content scheduling and project management These efforts improve your reputation, foster loyalty, and reduce advertising waste by focusing on content that performs. Analyze Performance Data and Adapt Quickly Without metrics, you're just guessing. Use analytics platforms like Google Analytics, Facebook Insights, and CRM-integrated dashboards to track: Click-through rates and conversion from search engine traffic Performance by device (mobile vs. desktop) How different content types perform in terms of engagement, visibility, and shares If your online advertising on Instagram is outperforming Facebook in South Charleston, shift resources accordingly. The goal is consistent optimization and higher marketing efficiency. Tap Into Influencer Marketing for Local Reach I nfluencer partnerships offer massive potential for growing brands: Work with Charleston-based creators who align with your company culture and audience Promote exclusive local experiences or flexible spending account perks Build long-term partnerships instead of one-off promos Influencer collaborations should be measured through UTM-tracked links, data dashboards, and attribution models to understand their role in your sales funnel. Monitor and Improve Your Online Reputation Reputation management isn't optional—it's essential: Use automated software to track reviews across platforms Respond quickly with brand-aligned messaging Share positive reviews via your website , email marketing , and social posts Embed real-time customer feedback into your strategic planning A local health insurance provider, for instance, could post weekly testimonials and real-time claim resolution stories to strengthen community trust. Maximize Platform Features for Charleston Market Each platform offers unique tools: Facebook Shops for retail Instagram Reels for mobile marketing LinkedIn Articles for B2B insights Pinterest Boards for wedding or home services TikTok for trending, creative visibility Don’t just post—leverage each platform’s ad ecosystem, retargeting features, and audience segmentation for deeper impact. Five-Day Social Media Kickstart Plan for Charleston Businesses Day 1 – Strategic Planning & Audit Evaluate current content, brand voice , and audience data Align efforts with broader marketing communications goals Day 2 – Design & Profile Optimization Refresh graphics, website design , and bios for brand consistency Connect profiles to mobile apps or loyalty programs Day 3 – Content Development Build templates for recurring campaigns Create Charleston-specific visuals and branded short-form videos Day 4 – Community Building Partner with local influencers , engage in Charleston-based Facebook Groups Set up brand tracking and social listening tools Day 5 – Analytics Setup Identify KPIs, reporting structure, and CRM integration Begin A/B testing content and advertising campaigns Ready to See Real ROI From Social Media? Whether you’re a retail shop in downtown Charleston or a software development startup in Kanawha City, your audience is online—and they’re looking for businesses just like yours. Our expert team helps businesses in West Virginia develop custom digital marketing strategies that merge creativity , research , and proven frameworks for real impact. We specialize in website optimization , reputation management , and influencer marketing , all tailored to your budget and business goals. Schedule a free consultation to see how we can elevate your online presence in just five days—and turn social media into your best-performing sales and engagement tool. Would you like a shortened version or meta description next?
In today’s digital marketing landscape, establishing a powerful online presence is more than just a checkbox—it’s a strategic investment. For companies in Charleston, West Virginia, leveraging social media marketing is essential to build brand awareness, reach your target audience, and stay competitive in a shifting online economy. With the right marketing strategy, your business can experience a measurable return on investment—and it doesn’t take months to start seeing results. In fact, with expert help, your brand can begin transforming its digital presence in as little as fiv e days. This comprehensive guide explores how Charleston-area businesses can harness professional social media management to increase visibility, improve customer experience, and generate qualified leads. Boost Your Brand Visibility Through Strategic Social Media For Charleston businesses navigating today’s complex online marketing landscape, cutting through the noise requires a combination of content creation, search engine optimization, and visually compelling web design. Whether you’re a local boutique or a growing multimedia company, aligning your social media content with your brand identity builds credibility and strengthens customer loyalty. Define Your Target Audience With Analytics-Driven Insights Successful businesses don’t guess—they analyze. Through robust data analysis and keyword research , Charleston organizations can better understand their target audience : Demographics: Age, income, and employment data provide targeting clarity. Psychographics: Understand customer behavior, values, and lifestyle preferences. Digital Behavior: Use analytics and tools like Google Search Engine insights to track how your audience engages with content. For example, a local insurance agency might find that their email marketing campaigns resonate most with residents ages 35–60 who engage with health-related content on Facebook. Design a Content Calendar With ROI in Mind Content without strategy leads to wasted budget. A well-designed content marketing plan includes: Platform-specific timing for optimal visibility Integration with local events like Bridge Day or Capitol Market pop-ups A blend of branded posts, educational materials, and community highlights Strategic use of email newsletters and search engine marketing (SEM) Each post becomes part of a larger ecosystem aimed at lead generation, engagement, and conversion. Use Engaging Visuals to Strengthen Brand Recognition From logo design to video production, investing in high-quality visuals enhances brand awareness and increases user retention across platforms: Showcase local pride using Charleston landmarks and the Appalachian landscape Keep your visuals consistent with your website’s user interface and mobile app design Incorporate copywriting that reflects your values and tone A downtown coffee shop might use weekly visuals that combine their drinks with shots of the New River Gorge, creating emotional and geographic resonance with their audience. Optimize Engagement Through Content Strategy Digital success isn’t just about reach—it’s about relationships. Building meaningful connections through storytelling and behavior-based targeting keeps your brand top-of-mind: Share the journey of your company, including partnerships with West Virginia University or local nonprofits Incorporate user-generated content to build community trust Leverage tools like SocialBee or Hootsuite for content scheduling and project management These efforts improve your reputation, foster loyalty, and reduce advertising waste by focusing on content that performs. Analyze Performance Data and Adapt Quickly Without metrics, you're just guessing. Use analytics platforms like Google Analytics, Facebook Insights, and CRM-integrated dashboards to track: Click-through rates and conversion from search engine traffic Performance by device (mobile vs. desktop) How different content types perform in terms of engagement, visibility, and shares If your online advertising on Instagram is outperforming Facebook in South Charleston, shift resources accordingly. The goal is consistent optimization and higher marketing efficiency. Tap Into Influencer Marketing for Local Reach I nfluencer partnerships offer massive potential for growing brands: Work with Charleston-based creators who align with your company culture and audience Promote exclusive local experiences or flexible spending account perks Build long-term partnerships instead of one-off promos Influencer collaborations should be measured through UTM-tracked links, data dashboards, and attribution models to understand their role in your sales funnel. Monitor and Improve Your Online Reputation Reputation management isn't optional—it's essential: Use automated software to track reviews across platforms Respond quickly with brand-aligned messaging Share positive reviews via your website , email marketing , and social posts Embed real-time customer feedback into your strategic planning A local health insurance provider, for instance, could post weekly testimonials and real-time claim resolution stories to strengthen community trust. Maximize Platform Features for Charleston Market Each platform offers unique tools: Facebook Shops for retail Instagram Reels for mobile marketing LinkedIn Articles for B2B insights Pinterest Boards for wedding or home services TikTok for trending, creative visibility Don’t just post—leverage each platform’s ad ecosystem, retargeting features, and audience segmentation for deeper impact. Five-Day Social Media Kickstart Plan for Charleston Businesses Day 1 – Strategic Planning & Audit Evaluate current content, brand voice , and audience data Align efforts with broader marketing communications goals Day 2 – Design & Profile Optimization Refresh graphics, website design , and bios for brand consistency Connect profiles to mobile apps or loyalty programs Day 3 – Content Development Build templates for recurring campaigns Create Charleston-specific visuals and branded short-form videos Day 4 – Community Building Partner with local influencers , engage in Charleston-based Facebook Groups Set up brand tracking and social listening tools Day 5 – Analytics Setup Identify KPIs, reporting structure, and CRM integration Begin A/B testing content and advertising campaigns Ready to See Real ROI From Social Media? Whether you’re a retail shop in downtown Charleston or a software development startup in Kanawha City, your audience is online—and they’re looking for businesses just like yours. Our expert team helps businesses in West Virginia develop custom digital marketing strategies that merge creativity , research , and proven frameworks for real impact. We specialize in website optimization , reputation management , and influencer marketing , all tailored to your budget and business goals. Schedule a free consultation to see how we can elevate your online presence in just five days—and turn social media into your best-performing sales and engagement tool. Would you like a shortened version or meta description next?
