How much thought did you put into setting up a profile on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram for business? Do you have such channels for the sake of it, or are you strategically implementing a plan that reverberates with a broader audience? The latter aspect is what social media optimization (SMO) is all about, and that is cultivating an online presence by leveraging networking platforms. That said, let the following pointers help you brush up on your SMO techniques:
1. Keep social media posts short and sweet
Pages around the interwebs are often bombarded with the meme “too long, didn’t read” on expansive posts that seem like they keep going on and on without end. Avoid falling victim of that by delving straight to the point. Alternatively, opt for video content which is more convenient. With netizens developing a preference for videos over text, you’ll best be served by videos, which are growing more popular by the day. Be sure also to keep videos concise with the general rule of thumb being between one and two minutes. Anything over three minutes becomes tedious and unappealing.
2. Put more detail into your profile
The basic social media profile structure encompasses a profile picture, a bio of some sort, and a background image. Whatever photos you elect to go with, it’s paramount that they are a genuine reflection of you and your brand. A logo therein can leave a lasting impression on prospective clients, so have lots of those wherever your profile requires an image. Additionally, having contact information on your bio can lead to conversions from people who would otherwise not click through to your website. Incomplete profile information, on the other hand, won’t do you any favors on search engines, especially Google, so fill out every gap.
3. Prioritize keyword alignment
The role of keywords in social media profile exposure is vital. Many present-age businesses rarely integrate SEO with social media marketing while there is strong evidence to suggest the two make a potent combination. Don’t be that kind of company. Be the one who employs target phrases, and keywords into your posts, and profile as well. However, steer clear of keyword stuffing, which Google frowns upon as a black hat (dishonest) SEO technique. Conversely, throw in links naturally, and only where applicable for better ranking in SERPs (Search Engine Result Pages).
4. Be active on social media
This tip is in the name really as social media is, well, all about socializing. Consistency is critical for maximum exposure, and three or four posts a day can go a long way as opposed to posting once or twice a week. Constant engagement is the key to building relationships, and it doesn’t have to be all work talk. Let your humor, and easy-going side come to the fore every so often. Also, regularly replying to feedback- both positive and negative- can endear you more to your fan base as well.
5. Seek the backing of niche influencers
Starting a social media campaign from oblivion can be an uphill struggle, especially if your brand is making its baby steps into the market. With social media influencers lending you a hand though, you’re bound to scale up the ladder of recognition faster than you would on your own. You could offer discounts, coupons, or other monetary incentives to fuel campaigns as it is unlikely that they’ll help you only out of the kindness of their hearts. When choosing an influencer, be sure to prioritize one in your niche, so that you’re reaching out to an audience with strong purchasing intent or interest.
6. Feature competitive campaigns
Everybody likes freebies, and you can use that to your advantage. You can put in place social media campaigns where the most number of shares, likes, etc. on a brand picture earns some considerable reward. You’ll create a buzz on the interwebs, and also gain new brand ambassadors in the form of rewarded customers. They will undoubtedly be inclined to share the story across their networks and create a cascading chain of attention.
7. Online Reputation Management
Your online reputation is very important. Ensure you have positive reviews all over your social media accounts. Nowadays customers will most likely search for a product online before deciding on the purchase, and few negative reviews can ruin the purchase process. Make sure to reply to customers reviews especially the negative ones, explain what went wrong and how you prevent it from happening again plus if you can offer them something special to make up for the bad experience they might have had.
Social media profile optimization for maximum exposure is simple if you know what buttons to press or with the help of a professional digital pr agency. Hopefully, these essential pointers will set you on your way to social media dominance and, more importantly, business success. All the best!
