Social media is indispensable to any business that wants to elevate its standing and attract more customers. So, how do you get started?
Firstly, it’s crucial to decide on which social media platforms you’d like to feature your company and its products. Do the research to find out where your potential customers consume media. If you’re a design company, a visual-led platform such as Instagram might be ideal. Targeting older audiences? Facebook’s the way to go (according to research firm Statista, 41% of Facebook users are 65+ years old). Want to reach other businesses? LinkedIn’s a great option. You don’t have to be on all social media, just the ones from which your company would benefit most.
Once you’ve chosen your platforms, set up your profiles in a consistent, on-brand message. Your bio should say what you do, link to your website or number, and display the same logo across the board. Make sure the information is current and that it’s easy to contact you.
Look at what your competitors are doing. You want to stand out by posting content that sets you apart. Crucially, though, your posts should reflect your brand’s ethos. A food-delivery service might have beautiful pictures of delectable meals, while a architecture firm would favour interesting buildings the company has designed.
Remember, quality is better than quantity. You want to provide your audience with value. Self-promotion is key, but should be used sparingly as consumers can quickly grow fatigued.
Once your social media is up and running, analysis is important. Are your audience numbers growing or stagnant? If the latter, you could be posting too often; at incorrect times of the day when people aren’t online (in the morning, lunchtime and early evening are best); or your updates could be off-brand. Are you running into issues with algorithms limiting your reach because you post too often or break platform rules? Think quickly and reinvent your social media if it’s necessary.
Lastly, have fun. Consumers respond to brands that are confident, intelligent marketers offering them real value among a cacophony of posts.
