Social media is playing an increasingly important role for many small businesses. But it’s a confusing world out there! Web specialist CHLOE WILSON via Barnett & Turner offers five top tips for making the most of the new technology. Many companies plunge into the world of social media because they know it’s something they should be doing. But how many of them stop to reflect and plan? By observing these five simple rules, you can make sure that your online presence is stronger and more visible than ever before:
- ESTABLISH GOALS
Ask yourself what each of your social media accounts is actually for. If you’re on, say, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn, what are your objectives for each individual platform? You may intend to drive traffic to your website, for instance, or network with others in your industry. So what does your content actually say? And are you saying it to the right people?
- THINK VISUALLY
Always add images to your posts, as the more visual your content, the more engagement you’ll get. As people scroll through their feeds, you’ll get noticed rather than ignored. If you’re not a dab hand with a camera, there are various apps available than can help you make your pictures look sharper and more professional.
- BE TOPICAL
Being current and having something to say on topical issues actually involves planning ahead! If you struggle for what to post on Twitter, why not pick out key dates such as Valentine’s, International Women’s Day and so on as an opportunity to engage with your target audience? Of course, you may want to choose dates or events that are very particular to your industry or market segment.
- INCLUDE A CLEAR CALL TO ACTION
With important posts, a clear call to action is vital. Don’t waste the opportunity for engagement. Make it clear what you hope your reader will do as a result of your post or tweet. You might choose to use imperatives, for instance, such as ‘watch this video’ or ‘click here’. If you don’t give people directions, there’s a danger they’ll keep scrolling past.
- ENGAGE WITH YOUR FOLLOWERS
Treat your friends and followers as peers. Sometimes we seem to forget that this is social media. Try to interact within your community – sharing ideas, thoughts and opinions. Even if you only spend a few minutes a day over a cup of tea, it shows respect and encouragement for the people who have taken the time to engage with you.
If you would like to discuss anything related to this article please do not hesitate to call Barnett & Turner on 01623 659659 or email Jonathan at jwilson@barnettandturner.co.uk