Recently, I came across an excellent post about strategies for successful social campaigns. Using research that analyzed the social efforts of more than 400 companies over the course of three years, the author explained nine strategies that repeatedly led to thriving social campaigns, increased social sales, expanded brand networks and so on.

Social media is a living, breathing business strategy that depends on successful relationship-building. Defining your own goals is important, but understanding the needs of your audience is essential.

Here’s a summary of the nine most effective strategies employed in successful social campaigns:

• 69% of businesses recognized that not all needs, goals, timelines and budgets are the same, so obsessing over the competition isn’t worth it
• 79% embraced public criticism by responding proactively and earning respect
• 80% understood that usability is more important than design
• 80% determined which direct campaign results could be measured repeatedly and built customized, reliable toolsets accordingly
• 90% prepared by defining both their goals and how much leeway they were willing to give to achieving those goals
• 90% made frequent micro-adjustments to stay on course and transition smoothly
• 95% respected their social members by listening, responding and acting on worthy suggestions
• 98% opened up to Q&A sessions to encourage feedback and demonstrate audience appreciation
• 99% involved their whole company, creating a sense of community by making thought leadership accessible and personable

Bottom line: if you aren’t employing these practices, chances are your social campaign could be doing much better.

Want to know more? Read the original article by Joseph Carrabis: 9 ways to Guarantee a Winning Social Campaign