How a Small Business Can Become “Social”

Large businesses have it much easier than the smaller when it comes to trying to be considered a “social” company. Larger business owners have social media teams whose main focus is to become socially known, whereas a less significantly sized business owner has usually him/herself to make all marketing decisions. That’s not to say it is more fortunate to have a social media team; smaller business owners can mirror marketing strategies from larger businesses and apply them to their efforts. Despite the size of the company, there are some areas of business that should always be involved in social media activity: Marketing. All traffic should be tracked with all marketing media to ensure that all content is engaging and making a difference in profitability. New Hires. Social media is useful for recruitment. LinkedIn and Facebook is an optimistic way of searching for new hires in that anyone can see a new post that you are looking for new employees. You can view potential employee’s websites to get a look at their personal life first. Of course, this can lead to someone losing the opportunity to work for your company, but it is most beneficial to your company. New products. When you get your audience involved with product development, there tends to be a bigger hype about the release of the product. Get your customers involved by asking for opinions, or with help in creating and marketing your new product or service. Retail. Because of the economic downturn, online sales have made a huge impact in the store. The customer’s ability to “check in” at your store with a reward...

5 Ways to Improve Your Company’s Social Channels

Even if you aren’t the most social media- inclined, there are a few things you can do to make your social channels seem like you’re a social whiz! Keep your profile picture the same for all channels. Doing this alone has made it a million times easier for people to find you. Make sure that your picture is a head shot that can be viewed nicely in every format, including a small phone. You have to think of your picture as a logo for your business, so don’t change it every week either. For someone who is trying to track you down, they will get nowhere if the picture they are searching for is constantly changing. Have a bio for all social platforms. It can take you a while to do, but have one even if it’s 100 words. No matter what the sight, include what you like, dislike and your general life status. They can be detailed or short and sweet; however you like. At least you only have to write your bios once; of course, unless something major in your life changes. Having an updated bio helps people to identify you. Listen, respond and engage. If there are people you love to follow, let them know! Engagement is the key to a lot of business’ success on social sites. Commenting, liking, sharing and reposting is how we show our community that we care. So don’t let a customer’s comment go ignored, respond as soon as possible! Don’t post about the soda you just drank at your desk. We all have those friends on Facebook that post a status for every thought...

5 Ways to Improve Your Company’s LinkedIn Page

Does your business have a LinkedIn page? If so, have you started using the new looks and features of its pages? If your business is not using LinkedIn, it’s now or never! The new layout of this social media site makes it easier for users to engage in Community Pages. With the new design and features, now is the time to take advantage of what is offered for your Company Page. Images for you banner now bring your page some color and life! At the top of your Company Page, you can add any image that you want your fans to see. These banners are very similar to Facebook’s Cover picture except the size of the image is different. On your LinkedIn page, the banner space is used for your business’ branding and messaging. This banner image should be attention-grabbing for an opportunity of creating new followers. Your career and products can come out from hiding finally. On your business’ page, your products and services can now be viewed on the sidebar spaces of the Home tab. This makes it so much easier for fans to finds something they are looking for on your page. Get creative with this! Instead of always posting your products and services, showcase free downloads and special promotions. The whole goal of creating a LinkedIn Company Page is to get your followers interested in your business, so drive engagement by offering advice and free expert knowledge. Product recommendations are now a lot easier to access on the sidebar. Any visitor of your page can see who in their network is endorsing your products or...