Social Media Tips for Small Businesses

You want your small business to have a social media presence.  Your customers and potential customers are on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and so on, so it makes sense that your business should be on these social networks too.  It's a great, and inexpensive, way to reach your target market.

These social media tips are designed to help you set up and manage your social media presence as a small business. 

1.  Decide which social media network to join

Just because you read about certain social media networks having millions of users, doesn't mean you should necessarily be on that site.  Search the various social media sites, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest, to see if people are already talking about your business on these sites.  Look at your competitors on these sites too.  Yes....it's OK to do that!  See what type of presence your competitors have.  If your competitors are there, you might want to be there too.

2.  Set up profiles on social media sites

When you decide which social media networks you want to join, be clear and to the point about what your business is and why you're on the network.  Fill in all the descriptions about your business with clear, tight explanations about what you do.

3.  Keep your promises

On Facebook, in particular, do what you promised.  If you promised your fans a discount to "like" your page, you'd better deliver.  It's not enough for Facebook fans to "like" your business page.  You must engage with them.  One of the reasons that small businesses are so successful on Facebook over larger businesses is because small businesses behave more like a friend on Facebook.   When a fan comments on one of your postings, acknowledge them.  A simple reply of "thanks" can go a long way in nurturing a good relationship with your fans.

4.  Don't push your products

Of course you're using social media to increase your sales, but no one likes a pushy sales person.  Content on social media networks can include information about your products, but also share industry news, great customer stories and even profiles of your employees.   Post great pictures of your products, store, customers, and events.  When you share pictures or videos, be sure to add descriptions or captions.  You get the idea....keep it fresh and interesting.