5 social media marketing lessons from Taylor Swift

Remember, you are fighting for attention against more than 232 million users on Twitter and millions more on other social media platforms. Your followers need a reason to follow you. Mix in some tweets about whatever is going on in your community. Try interacting with followers if they post something you find funny or informative.

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4. Partner with other powerful companies. 

If you've been following Taylor Swift since day one, you know the only place to buy her CDs is at Target. Every album she sells at Target has bonus tracks that can only be heard on Target-editions of the CD. Her partnership with Target gives her fans something else to be excited about. It can also make them feel special. 

She was also recently named New York City's global welcome ambassador. The city put up billboards and signs with the lyrics of her song "Welcome to New York." She also partners with Keds and Diet Coke, among others. 

What this means to you: 

Although you may not be able to partner with the big names Swift does, who you partner with (and when) is important. One easy and effective way of partnering is by supporting a cause. According to a Cone study, 93 percent of consumers have a more positive image of a company when they support a cause. Take it from Swift, when you partner with another company, it can result in free advertising, a new audience and more.

5. Stick to your brand's image. 

Last fall, Swift removed all of her music from Spotify. She claimed the company did not pay its artists enough for their work. In interviews, she sticks by what she believes and her social media accounts also reflect her brand.

When Apple recently announced its new music streaming service and decided not to pay its artists for the three-month free trial, Swift announced she would not allow her music on the system and explained why she felt that was necessary and important to her. She sticks by her brand, but she also explains her decisions. 

What this means to you: 

Swift knows who she is as a person and reflects that in her business. She stands up for what she believes in and provides her fans with exactly what they expect from her. There are really no big scandalous surprises. Your company should reflect the same ideals. This can be especially important for younger clients and followers. A SDL study found that 60 percent of millennials expect a consistent brand across all platforms. Know what your company stands for, and your community will follow. 

Taylor Swift has steadfastly maintained her brand over the course of her career, and it's paying off. She is the youngest female to make Forbes; "The World's Most Powerful Women" list. Take note of her strategies, and your company could increase its successes, too.

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