10 Tips To Get You Started
by Bill Nolan
Now that the days are getting longer and the weather is becoming much nicer, everyone is beginning to feel rejuvenated from the brutal winter. So, what should we do with that new found energy? Let’s get Social! It’s time to take a look at your social media accounts, clean up some of the old and freshen things up with some new. Many people fall into a rut during the cold months and their content feels the negative impact. Spring is a great time to pump some new energy back into those accounts… so here we go!
I’ve compiled a list of the Top 10 Cleaning Tips to kickstart those lagging accounts…
1. It’s Time to Place New Header & Profile Images
Honestly, how long has it been since they’ve been changed? Of course they may have looked good 5 years ago when you started your account, but it’s time for something new. These images should really be changed more often than just in the spring, but this is a start. This is an excellent and premium marketing space lots of companies do not take advantage of.
2. Get More Involved
Have you been staying active on your accounts? If not, get out there and start interacting. FOLLOW, LIKE, SHARE and try COMMENTING on posts, and NO, I am not just talking about your own posts. You’ll be amazed at how well your engagement on other business’ posts will be received. This is extremely beneficial and will generate follows, likes, shares and comments on your own posts. Remember that it’s called social for a reason. We need to get the ball rolling on this one.
3. Security, Security, SECURITY.
Security has always been important but it’s even more crucial now. With all of the hacking going on lately, all over the news, it’s time to update those passwords and firm up security! This means using the word “password” as your password is not a good idea. And, if you have admins on your pages, make sure that they have the proper credentials… not just full admin rights. There is the reason social platforms like Facebook give you different levels of administrators. Oh, and delete that old employee as an admin. He hasn’t worked for your company in over a month. Know who your admins are and what level of damage they can do. And for goodness sake, change up your passwords.
4. It’s Campaign Time!
Considering that everyone is getting over their winter blues, and finally getting excited about life again… reach out and grab them. Take some time to create and implement a fun campaign for your business. Social media is about having fun with clients and potential customers. This is what attracts them to you. Do you have something new or even old you want to promote? Have a contest, questionnaire or regularly posted fun facts, for example, that promotes this ”thing.” If PLANNED RIGHT, you can have a lot of fun while promoting your business. And, don’t forget about your Call to Action!
5. Groups, The More the Merrier
You keep ignoring them, but it is time to try some group activities. Just about every social media platform gives you access to communities that cover just about everything under the sun and well beyond. Take advantage of this opportunity to start conversations, join in on conversation, educate, be educated, network and relate to new customers. It is so easy, and it is FREE! Find a community that you like and start a discussion! I know this may be scary, but trust me… you will be ok. Your business will thank you for it.
6. Write It, And They Will Come…
It’s a great time to start that blog you’ve been talking about doing for so many years. Whatever your business is, you apparently have a passion for it. Now is the time to start writing and spread your knowledge. Blogs communicate that you are the “go to” for this business. You don’t have to be a world renowned writer to have success. It is well known that most blog readers enjoy when the writing is down to earth and not overly technical. They want to feel like you believe and have passion for the topic. If they want a research paper, they can go back to school for this. Keep in mind, you may want your blog topics to relate to the type of business you are promoting in some way. Just saying…
7. Try A New Platform
It doesn’t matter what your best friend or girlfriend thinks of that social platform you’ve been wanting to try. This decision is about what is right for your business. Try Google+ for example. This beast is a sleeping giant about to awaken. Jump on board before you are running to catch up. It does not hurt to sample Foursquare or Pinterest for your organization’s marketing. Different businesses find their audiences in different locations. If you are a butcher you have a different audience than your banker. So why are you listening to him for advice on finding your social media audience? Get out there and use your instinct or a social media manager…
8. Give E-Newsletter A Chance
No, they are not dead. Neither is direct mail, but we won’t get into that here. E-Blasts and E-Newsletters, if done right, are a great way to increase your business’s exposure and get the results you have been looking for. Many people still underestimate the power of this tool, and those businesses are missing out. Don’t be one of them. Let customers know what is going on at your company. Educated them on industry news; let them know you really are the “go to” business for this service. Reach out to potential clients. Drive traffic to your website. And best of all, build SEO. Give e-news a chance.
9. Let’s Not Forget…
Get your glamour url in place and LINK SOCIAL ACCOUNTS TO YOUR WEBSITE PLEASE. This sounds silly to some of you, but these two items are easily overlooked. This little detail will obviously give your business a more professional look, and the linking is an obvious cross-marketing tool… that is if you have a website. Not to sound like a broken record, but social accounts should never be used as a substitute for websites. No, no, NO! If this is your case, then add “get a website” to this Social Spring Cleaning list.
10. Yes, A Website!
We went ahead and added it for you. What do you think the ultimate online marketing goal is for everything that you do? Besides buying your service, obviously, you want potential customers to visit your website. Speaking of which, have you even mentioned your website lately on your social media accounts? Have you even updated your website it lately? Ok, I may have to stop there for now.
Up next… Website Spring Cleaning!