25 SOCIAL MEDIA TIPS FOR BUSINESSES
Jul 03, 2015
IF YOU ARE READING THIS, YOU PROBABLY KNOW THAT SOCIAL MEDIA IS BENEFICIAL FOR YOUR BUSINESS. THE DIFFICULT PART, HOWEVER, IS KNOWING HOW TO USE IT EFFECTIVELY.
If you need some inspiration for Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, or Google+, these 25 tips should set you on the right track!
1. Set objectives
Your social media presence should fit in with your company’s branding and unique selling points. Before you begin, write a list of objectives you want to achieve from social media, and keep these objectives in mind when you are posting.
2. Be realistic
Social media is an ongoing commitment, so you should be realistic from the outset about how many platforms you can manage, and how much you post. You also should not expect to see your following spring up overnight – these things take time!
3. Share the load
Instead of leaving one person in charge of everything, if you work with a team there is nothing wrong with sharing the load, especially if someone in your office is an avid Instagram user, for example.
4. Plan ahead
Some days, social media ideas will be flying to you like seagulls to a sandwich. Note these ideas down ahead of time so that you can remember them when you are feeling un-inspired!
5. Try Hootesuite
Hootesuite allows you to schedule your social media posts in advance on a calendar. This means that you can spend an hour at the start of your week on social media, and not worry too much the rest of the week!
6. Link to your website
Most social media sites allow you to add a link in your bio – this is a wonderful opportunity to mention your website.
7. Acknowledge the social media rule of thirds
Experts suggest that a successful business’ social media presence should be equally weighted with self-promotion, shares from your industry, and personal posts to build your brand. This gives you a balance of professionalism, expertise, and fun!
8. Celebrate holidays
Whether it’s Christmas, Father’s Day, or your project manager’s birthday, celebrating special events on social media is something that your audience will instantly connect with. You can also use these events to promote a special offer or competition you are running.
9. Offer an opinion
What is the current news affecting your industry? Add your thoughts on the subject, even if it is different to the popular opinion. This displays your knowledge of current trends, and could also strike up a conversation with some of your followers.
10. Ask questions
There is no better way to encourage conversation than asking a question. It could be as simple as “What’s the weather like where you are today?” or “What do you think of our new office?”
11. Answer questions, too!
Perhaps you are a carpenter, and you see someone ask a question about a DIY project. Answering their question with some advice shows them that you care about your customer base, and that you are also an expert in your industry.
12. Link to your blog
One of the greatest benefits of social media is that you can share content from your website, particularly your blog if you have one. This will encourage more traffic to your website, which may even boost your ranking in Google.
13. Jump on trends
Keep an eye on the trending topics appearing on Twitter and Facebook, and don’t just observe – join in! This is a good way to gain new followers as people searching for these topics will notice you on their travels.
14. Follow the right people
While following Beyoncé, The Pope and Grumpy Cat has its obvious benefits, it is also important to follow small businesses and individuals who you think might be interested in your products or services.
15. Acknowledge people
Try to treat social media like you would a networking event. How weird would it be nobody spoke to each other the whole time, not mention pointless? Say hello to your new followers, ask them how they are, and reply to them if they talk to you!
16. Be friendly
Even if someone you have never met is tearing you down, always reply in kindness, because hundreds or even thousands of people are watching you. Use social media to build your reputation, not jeopardise it.
17. Use targeted advertising
Consider boosting a few of your Facebook posts in order to reach a wider audience. Just like Google Adwords, you pay as much as you can afford, and shows your business off to whoever you choose.
18. Be appropriate for each platform
Spend some time getting to know the platforms you are posting on, so that you can tailor your posts to suit your audience.
19. Use images
Images should not be limited to Pinterest and Instagram. With photos currently make up more than 93% of the most engaging posts on Facebook, visual content is essential across all platforms.
20. Know your audience
In the same way that you design your website to suit your audience, you should also be aware of what your audience will appreciate on social media.
21. Hold competitions
Everyone loves a competition, whether the prize is a mug, or a holiday! Just make sure you make the entry requirements appropriate for the prize you are giving away. You have to make it worth it!
22. Use hashtags
Hashtags, especially on Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest, are a guaranteed method for gaining more views on your posts. You can also search for hashtags to find new followers and content ideas.
23. Take people behind the scenes
How are your products made? Where do you spend your working week? What does your office look like on a Friday? It may seem mundane to you, but people will love finding out a little bit more about how your business works.
24. Learn from viral content
There is always something you can learn from a viral post, even if it has nothing to do with your industry. Take this Kleenex advert which has been shared 698,052 times of Facebook. People want to share it because it makes them feel a little bit better about the world.
25. Have fun!
If there is anything we have learned from using social media, it’s that fun posts are usually the most popular. If you are all giggling at a cat meme in the office, share it. The goal here is to show people that you are approachable and real.
We hope you have enjoyed reading these tips, and feel empowered to take on the digital world!
If you would like any more information about using social media for your business, please just get in touch with us.