How can my marketing strategy be social first?

Let’s build your brand's social first approach to marketing.

This phrase is thrown around all the damn time right now. “We use social first campaigns,” “oh, we have a very social first strategy,” “we’re unique because we share social first content.” Social first, social first, social first.

It’s like a Christmas party hangover. 

But my question to you, dear brands, do you REALLY know the definition of social-first, or do you just have an Instagram account? I hate to tell you, but those things don’t go hand-in-hand. In fact, having an Instagram account is just a very small stepping stone to becoming a social first brand. But it’s okay, I’m not here to tell you off (no, really!) I'm here to help.

Where did all this social first business come from anyway?

The power has switched in recent years from brands to consumers and this is all down to the influx of digital media. Zuckerberg’s clever algorithms (sarcasm, if you couldn’t tell) have monopolised our scrolling habits and consumers are starting to see through the traditional marketing messaging and are instead following brands that truly feed their souls and align with their values. 

To be “social first” your brand requires an authentically human, community and customer centric point of view to truly add value and engage with consumers on the platforms that are mutually beneficial in closing the gap of communication between brands and audiences. We’re not going in for the hard sell anymore. It’s not necessary and frankly, will ruin your credibility. 

A business that focuses on putting the customer first is always more successful, with a reported 80% outperforming companies who lead with customer experience over ones who don’t. It’s time to do a deep dive. Understand your consumer. Tap into parts of their life that don't even correlate with your brand. It’ll be beneficial. Trust me. 

Look beyond the focus of social media. Assess the bigger picture and what you can do to exhibit alliance to what your audience REALLY cares about. Realign your ‘social first strategy’ with the intention of conversing, building community and offering unique and exciting brand experiences. Add value for consumers and build brands, and the selling will sort itself out.

My top 3 social first brands: 

• Patagonia – Their CEO literally gave away the entire company to fight climate change. 

• Gymshark – Mannequins of all body types, disabilities and genders? GOAT

• Tala & Shreddy – Grace Beverly really topped the community game here.