There are a lot of self-help books that tell you the best way to get what you want is to put the request out to the universe/whatever deity you believe in/your inner child…whatever you choose to believe in at that time. In researching this line of thinking, several years ago I came across four “simple” steps to getting what you want.

1) Ask

2) Believe

3) Receive

4) Be Grateful

Good simple advice for approaching most things in the life.

Interestingly, a direct correlation can be drawn between these steps for getting what we want from life and effectively using social media for marketing.  Sadly some social media campaigns, as also happens  in life, forget one or more of these steps or take them out of order.  Add all four of these, in this order, to creative content that educates, informs or entertains your audience and you have taken the first big steps to a successful social media campaign.  Note, I said FIRST big steps, no solid campaign will succeed on these alone, but it is very likely to fail without them.

1) Ask – What is it you want your audience / customer / potential customer to do?  You have to ask them.  They are not mind-readers.  Your calls to action (your “asks”) have to be clear and compelling.

• Do you want them to become aware of you and your product or service?
• Do you want them to sign up for something like an email list, a coupon or a contest?
• Do you want them to buy something?

2) Believe –

• In yourself and what you have to provide or sell and it has to show in how you talk about or display your product or service.
• That they are interested in what you are offering

This is where really knowing your customer or potential customer comes in.  You have to know enough about who they are and what they really need. You have to not just believe, but you have to know that you are offering them a solution to a problem.

3) Receive – Do you have a clear, easy to navigate process in place for someone who is interested in your product or service to actually contact you, get more information or buy from you?  We have all been in a situation, especially in the digital world, where we were interested in something but the process to get to it was too vague or overwhelming and we just abandon our efforts.

When was the last time you looked at your analytics and bounce rates? They can give you a good insight into whether or not you are making your instructions and process clear and easy enough.  Be ready to receive from your customers by making sure it is easy for them.

4) Be Grateful – Yes this is Grateful with a capital “G” because it is that important.  Something as simple as a Thank You goes a long way.  If you do not show your customers you are grateful for their interest and their business, they will find someone who appreciates them.

What are some other steps you use to get what you want?