Social media is a powerful tool for engaging with prospects, colleagues, tire-kickers, employees and potential investors. What began many years ago as a way for family and friends to stay connected has certainly turned marketing on its head. But, folks are still confused about the best way to use social media for brand engagement. This post is designed to help guide you in the social endeavors of your small business.
Here are the top 10 social media best practices.
Know your audience
Um, hello! Are you talking to moms, engineers, grandparents? Once you grasp who your audience is (by analyzing the metrics, of course), you can craft your messaging to appeal to them. Otherwise, you’re just adding to the noise.
Click to Tweet this tip: Social Media Best Practices: Know Your Audience
Be ‘Real’
Bland posts will get you no where – unless of course you’re audience finds those posts appealing – see #1. Show personality and be transparent. Folks love behind-the-scenes looks into a company’s culture. Don’t be afraid to show it.
Click to Tweet this tip: Social Media Best Practices: Be Real
Create engaging content
Engagement, engagement, engagement. That’s the key, right? Well, that can sometimes be tricky. After you figure out your audience and show a little personality, dig a little deeper and post content that’s bigger, better and more in-depth than any of your competitors. Then find an angle that will have an emotional appeal. You can do it.
Click to Tweet this Tip: Social Media Best Practice: Create Engaging Content
Encourage conversation
Oftentimes, the magic happens after the conversation begins (Ok, most of the time that’s when it happens), so encourage conversation on your channels! Not only do you have something in common with your followers, but they likely have things in common with each other. Be a facilitator.
Click to Tweet this Tip: Social Media Best Practice: Encourage Conversation
Set your goals & measure
What do you want from social media engagement? If it’s a ‘be there or be square’ thing, then you’re wasting valuable time and resources. Determine your GOALS and measure monthly.
Click to Tweet this Tip: Social Media Best Practice: Set Goals & Measure
Keep posts short
KISS: Keep it simple, stupid. Works with short, too 🙂 Need I say more?
Click to Tweet this Tip: Social Media Best Practice: Keep posts short.
Use multiple forms of media
The Internets are ablaze with content creation choices: YouTube, Vine, Instagram, SlideShare…. tap into the various options and see how your audience responds.
Click to Tweet this Tip: Social Media Best Practice: Use multiple forms of media
Be consistent
It’s not going to do you ANY good to power post one week, then drop off the planet the next week. Either do it or not, but at least be consistent!
Click to Tweet this Tip: Social Media Best Practice: Be Consistent
Reward your fans
Studies show the number one reason consumers follow brands is for perks. Reward your peeps! It doesn’t have to be anything big or fancy, sometimes even a quick shoutout will work.
Click to Tweet this Tip: Social Media Best Practice: Reward Your Fans
Have fun!
Okay, this is where it gets real. Social media is just that … ‘social.’ Don’t forget to have fun with your fans.
What social media tips and best practices can you share? I’d love to hear your thoughts below!
