1. Always fill out your profiles completely and accurately.  Make sure to include proper contact info, your website link, and any relevant marketing copy into your business description.  Make it complete, but not too lengthy. Get a little clever/creative if it fits your marketing message. Also, remember to check in on this at least every few months to make sure all is current and up to date.

2. Use visuals as much as possible. We can’t say it enough: A picture speaks a thousand words, and it’s oh-so-true in social media. Include an appropriate photo or custom graphic with your social media posts whenever possible. Either size it appropriately (1200×628 pixels)  to use for a Facebook link, or use one on its own. If you’re not familiar with social media image size guidelines, defaulting to a square image is your easiest and best option.

3. Keep it short and simple. Yes, use the KISS method. Keep the copy (text) of your posts as short as possible. According to Fast Company, the ideal length of a Facebook post is 40 characters, of a Tweet is 100 characters, and of a Google headline is 60 characters or less.  That’s not much!  To be short, you need to be clever – so think before you post.  (P.S. “ideal” is measuring those post lengths that receive the most engagement – or interest – among users.)

4. Don’t make it all about you. The key to making social media work for your business is to be of value to your fans/followers. This typically means a mix of: offering valuable content (whether information, humor, tips, etc.), providing support, and enticing with rewards (think: sales or deals).  If you only push “content” that is about how great your product/business is, you will quickly turn fans (and potential customers) away; but rather, by building up your brand through your content, you can gain business/brand-loyalists in the long run.  Tip: A good content ratio is 70-80% relevant content and 20-30% self-promotion.  This varies by industry (for example, a restaurant might get away with more self-promotion, because users more eagerly seek dining deals/information).

5. Have a Plan.  Don’t just wing it. Your social media  can – and should – fit into your overall marketing strategy. Whatever your big marketing goals are, make sure that your social media strategy supports it.  If your goal is to tap into X audience, then make sure you tailor a social media strategy that will best reach and market to X audience.

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