When small businesses first began to open social media accounts, it wasn’t exactly a universal success. Many of these accounts could have been used as examples in a webinar called “How Not To Grow Your Business With Facebook.” Posting a few pictures of the company picnic in July and then ignoring the account until the office Christmas party doesn’t work.
Even today, many businesses have found the reality of using and managing social media accounts far more challenging than they expected. Fortunately, it’s entirely possible to master social media and generate new business if you use self-discipline, creativity and some management skills.
What NOT To Do on Social Media
Let’s get these out of the way first. You should not:
- Jump in without a plan
- Lie or be misleading
- Ignore people who post or tweet on your account
- Share too much personal information (there’s a fine line between being personable and creepy)
- Be rude and obnoxious, even if the other person is
- Cross the line of healthy self-promotion
How to Use Social Media to Grow Your Business
1. Strong Social Profiles are Essential
Your social media profiles and pages are far too important to your future success to just sit down and wing it. Doing it right takes a bit of time and thought. The requirements vary from one platform to the next, so give them what they’re asking for. It could be as simple as a short 160-character bio, your location and your website link on Twitter. Facebook would like more info, including a longer bio, your phone number and address, website, and sometimes even a list of your services. Make each profile as complete as possible.
2. Kick Off Your Social Media Accounts With a Few Posts
Make up to a dozen posts on a new social media account when it’s first opened. Post quality content that will encourage people to follow and share. Make it clear what you’re all about. After you get started, create a content calendar so you can keep track of what you’re posting and when. Think critically about what you’re posting. Ask yourself “would I care about this if another brand shared it?” Give people a reason to care.
3. Make it Easy for Website Visitors to Link to Your Social Media Accounts
Add social media icons on your website header, footer or sidebar. Experiment to find the best location for you. The icons can be found on each social media site or on Depositphotos and other stock image websites.
4. Include Links to Your Most Productive Social Accounts Under Your Email Signatures
You wouldn’t want to add the links to all of your social accounts under your email signature if you had many accounts, but add the links to your top few. If you’re worried about not appearing professional, services such as WiseStamp can help you maintain a professional image.
5. Network, Network, Network
Don’t pass up an opportunity to link from one of your social accounts to another. If you have a Pinterest account, you can link to your Facebook and Twitter accounts.
When you have a large number of followers on one account, ask them to follow you on another account. A simple tweet or post asking them to join you on a different social account is all it takes.
6. Use the Same Handle, Logo and Brand Pictures on All Your Social Accounts
Your social media handles are part of your brand. Be as consistent as possible with all your usernames and brand-related images.
7. Run Ads if You Can
If you have a little budget—and it doesn’t take much—run some brand awareness ads on Facebook or Instagram to get some eyeballs on your page. Don’t use this to hit people over the head with a sales pitch. You just want them to know you exist at this early stage, and set the tone for how your business interacts with its customers and prospects.
Social media is far too important to ignore or misuse, but managing it all can become too much to handle. BXP Creative knows how to manage social media accounts, letting you do what you do best.
Our white label marketing services give you everything you need from your creative department without the hassle and expense. Request a consultation today.
