Since 2010 the Mints have been working on some of South Africa’s (and the world, for that matter) biggest brands, many due to our relationship with the Habari Group’s newly consolidated agency, Machine.
For the last 18 months we have been working with Domino – Machine’s digital arm. As their expert content-led social media strategy partner, together we’ve taken all kinds of industries, from insurance to retail, cars to cell phones, beauty to education and liquor onto social media!
Content is key for social media strategy
We’ve been developing content-based strategies for effective and sustainable brand pages on Facebook and Twitter accounts – as well as considering other social channels. Operations Manager at Domino, Alice Jakins explains why they work with us: “We see content strategy as an integral part of a brand’s success in social media; working together with Peppermint Source allows us to bring this specialist skill set to our client.”
Corny as it may sound, it’s been so rewarding to see clients thrilled by their fans’ and followers’ feedback after our recommended approach has been implemented. Some of the accounts we’ve worked on with Domino/Machine are Southern Comfort, Damelin, STA Travel, iBurst, Sanlam Reality, Berco, Heart FM and Williams Hunt.
We’re the thinking brand’s consultants
Our process involves research, analysis, a workshop and then a lot of thinking time to come up with the best approach for a brand. We work hard to cut straight to the heart of the communication objective and find that unique message each brand wants to put across to their customers.
We don’t just do the strategy stuff – we’re often asked to help with implementation too. Content development and channel moderation have also kept us busy. It’s been interesting and challenging (could you write 45 wall posts on a hair removal product?) and has given us a lot of insight into what people really want to talk about in the social space.
All this means we have a really solid, all-round understanding of how brands can use social media. This has led to us doing some training – showing agency social media managers how to use Twitter and Facebook effectively, and why a content strategy is so important.
The verdict from our clients
One client told us that our guidance has ‘helped us describe our brand and focus our thoughts on our goals for social media. They challenged our existing ideas and gave us honest, practical advice to apply to our business.’
Another described their workshop session as ‘a great learning opportunity that will really add value to any brand.’
We’re looking forward to working with Machine, other agencies and clients in 2012, and of course, to a full, fabulous year of fresh strategic thinking.
If this sounds like something your brand, or your clients’ brands, could benefit from, just give us a call – we’d love to help. And do note that from 1 March 2012, Facebook is dramatically changing how brands can advertise on the platform. This is going to mean even more need for brands to have a page strategy. Give us a call if you’d like to know more.
