In the modern world that we live in, social media has become a huge driving force for marketing campaigns and strategies and it’s only going to get bigger. If you’re not involved already now is the time.

So, whether you’re a novice or a social media pro, we’ve put together some of the basics to set you up for success in the social media world.

1. Choose your platform 

There’s a few out there so have a think about which one is best for you. LinkedIn is very business based if you’re looking for networking opportunities. Twitter is great for quick and regular updates. Where as Facebook is good for archiving photographs and longer term projects. Perhaps what you do is very visual in which case Instagram is a good place to start.  

2. Identifying your target audience 

Create a profile for the people you want to attract. Be specific, who are they? Where do they work and spend their free time? What music do they like? What are their favourite foods? All the small details are important as they give you topics to start your conversations.

3. Have a plan 

A plan will help set you up and avoid mistakes. You can decide on things such as, how often you’re going to post, what your tone of voice is going to be, what your goals are in future and how you can work towards them. 

4. Research, research, research 

Look at what other people are doing. Learn from them. What do people like to see and what’s being missed out that you can add. Also analyze your own results see what’s working and where you can improve.

5. Post helpful content that people will want to share 

Create posts that spread like wildfire and you’ll be talking to an extensive number of people outside of your network. It lets people know that you’re there and that you have something valuable to say. Plus sharing helpful information will make you like a great person!

6. Respond and talk 

Customer service is key to social media. You can find out so much about what you’re doing right or wrong from people’s feedback. Social media is also a great place to get in touch with people who you can benefit from. 

7. Regular updates and behind the scenes 

Posting updates on social media is a great way to create excitement and anticipation about your new offers, products or events. Further enhance the experience for your customers by giving people a personal insight into what you do. Let them know the faces behind the business. It’ll make you appear much more human. 

8. Link it to your website 

Social media is a great opportunity to connect people with your website. You can link to your blog if you have one or inspire a call to action such as a purchase or a sign up to your newsletter. 

9. Use visuals, pictures, videos 

Pictures and videos catch peoples eye and hold their attention for longer. The words you use are important but so equally are the images. Strive to use high quality images consistently. 

10. Timing 

As with most things in business, timing is essential. Strike when the iron is hot with news stories and events and join in on trending hashtags. One thing to consider is that likes and views on social media can vary depending on the day of the week or time of day that something’s posted. With scheduling services like Hootsuite you can test posts out at different times and see when you get the best response. 

Perhaps you’re already showing social media who’s boss and you’ve got some tips for us too? Let us know in the comments below. 

For those of you that are still unsure of where to start, we can help. We offer social media packages and plans to help get you off the ground running.