Social Media Essentials: How to Start Promoting Your Business

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Social media has become an essential tool for businesses to connect with their customers and promote their products or services. Just take a look at the Google Survey data gathered here, social media has become part of the consumer experience. If you're just starting out with social media for your business, it can seem overwhelming. Here are some tips to get you started.

 

First, identify your goals. What do you want to achieve with social media? Do you want to increase brand awareness, drive traffic to your website, use the platform for selling, or generate leads? Once you've identified your goals, you can tailor your social media strategy. Some platforms will even allow you to tailor your paid ads to a specific strategy.

 

Next, choose the right platforms. Your time is valuable, not all social media platforms are created equal, and you don't need to be on all of them. Consider your target audience and which platforms they are most likely to use. For example, if you want to reach a younger audience, you may want to focus on Instagram and Snapchat, while if you're targeting professionals, LinkedIn may be the way to go. Here’s an article that breaks down different platforms – Top Social Media Sites to Consider.

 

Now you’ll need to create a content plan. Consistency is key with social media, so create a content plan that outlines what you'll post and when. This can include a mix of promotional posts, educational content, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into your business. Use a social media scheduling tool to make it easier to stick to your plan. Here’s a fairly exhaustive list – Social Media Posting Tools. Remember, people are often using your social media to evaluate your business/organization before they ever reach the store, donate, or call for an appointment, so use this as an opportunity to put your best foot forward.

 

Engage with your audience. Social media is about building relationships, so make sure you're responding to comments and messages in a timely manner. It’s easy to lose human connection in an online setting. Encourage user-generated content by asking your followers to share photos or stories related to your brand. This allows active participation and interaction between your business and your audience (potential customers).

 

Finally, track your results. Social media is a tool to help you stay on top of an ever-changing market, so use social media analytics to track your progress toward your goals and see what is and what isn’t working. This will help you refine your strategy over time, and alert you to any significant changes in your audience.

 

We hope these tips will help you start your social media strategy for your business. Remember, an audience doesn’t build up overnight, it requires consistency and time. And there’s no time like the present, so get going and get started.

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