How to set social media goals for 2024

Greetings everyone, and a Happy New Year to you all! I took a delightful two-week hiatus from our newsletter to savor precious moments with family during the holidays, and I hope you had the opportunity to do the same. As we step into 2024, it's time for reflection on the wins and losses of the past year—especially in the realm of social media.

While I'm not one for New Year's resolutions, I do believe in setting intentions and goals. For social media marketing, this approach offers a measurable and trackable way to gauge progress throughout the year. In this week's newsletter, we'll delve into the art of establishing achievable social media goals and discuss which objectives should be left in the rearview mirror of 2023. Let's navigate the path to success together!

Now that we've established the trends for 2024, let's delve into the framework for setting effective social media marketing goals. There are various approaches, and one popular method is the SMART goal framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound). While I won't delve into the intricacies here, a quick online search can connect you with detailed explanations.

Another effective method involves creating actionable steps aligned with your overarching business goals. For instance, if your aim is to increase sales by 30%, you need to identify specific actions to realize that goal. One actionable step could be to boost leads generated through social channels. However, it's crucial to determine the quantity of leads needed and how you plan to achieve this. Analyze the current percentage of sales originating from social leads and the average spending associated with these leads.

If this analysis feels overwhelming, you can simplify by setting a goal to increase social leads by a comfortable number. Once you've established your target, consider strategies to achieve it. For example, running targeted social media ads encouraging immediate purchases or inquiries, sharing user-generated reviews, or implementing follow-up emails for items in customers' carts can all contribute to lead generation.

These are merely examples, and the key lies in tailoring strategies to your unique business and customer base. You possess invaluable insights into your business dynamics and customer preferences, making you the best judge of what will resonate and drive success for your brand.