Social networks aren’t just a trend anymore. In recent years they have become a communication channel as well as a promotion and connection tool for both individuals and companies. Because of that, many enterprises start to create their accounts on social networks before really knowing how to develop their online presence or understanding digital dynamics. They find themselves in an unknown world that could harm their brand’s image or online reputation. Here are a few steps I recommend you take before starting your entrepreneurial online experience:
Work on your strategy
- Set your goals
Your presence on social networks must be justified. Whether you want to work on your enterprise’s notoriety, develop a community, redirect online traffic to your website or find new prospects, you must be clear on what you expect from your commercial strategy. That way all your actions and communications will send a clear and targeted message.
2. Develop your value proposition
You are not the only one offering products or services online. That’s why you have to work on arguments that will set you apart from the competition and support your communication:
- Identify how your customers express their needs and the conversations around your offer.
- Study your competition and their interactions with the community.
- Identify your enterprise’s strengths and those of your products and services.
- Identify the weaknesses of your competition.
- Look for keywords related to your offer.
- Use all this information to write your contents.
Choose your social networks
There is a great number of social networks but your enterprise doesn’t need to be on all of them. Take some time to look at the main social networks (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Google+, Instagram, and Pinterest) and start with 1 or 2. I suggest you consider these criteria to make your choice:
- Your brand, products or services characteristics.
- The favorite networks of your target audience.
- The subjects related to your activity or field.
- The resources available to create contents.
- The frequency of new contents publication.
- The contents to share (texts, graphs, articles, videos).
- The value your contents will bring to your subscribers.
Prepare your profile set up on social networks
- Figure out who you are
Describe your enterprise, products or services in a text of maximum 120 characters. Choose keywords your customers will use when they need your services. You should include this information in the description section of your profile.
2. Organize your graphic design
First of all, make sure you have a square version of your company’s logo so it’s easy to see in web-based and mobile platforms. Then find a background image that harmonizes with your logo.
3. Plan your contents
You already identified your target audience, your offer and how you wish to get closer to your customers. It is time to prepare your weekly publication calendar. Note that every community is different regarding their expectations on the number of publications, but you should consider publishing at least twice a day.
Manage your profile
By creating your account, you started a history that will never end. You opened a new communication channel for your customers and a door for the growth of your enterprise. So you must feed your activities at all times to reach the goals you have set when you decided to launch yourself in the world of social networks.
The Internet is watching you… think before acting!