Ten tips for social media – get the basics right

Whether you have a  Linked In profile, a facebook fan page or are a regular tweeter these tips apply. In my view they are basic requirements as a starting point for success in social media. Get these things right, and you’re off to a good start!

Making the most of facebook business pages

A facebook business page can be a very useful marketing tool. Here are some top tips for setting one up and using it.

Last year, facebook changed the terminology around business pages – insteading of becoming a “fan”, people can now “like” your page instead. This is a step in the right direction, and makes people less reticent to join your page. After all, you are a fan of a football team or a movie star, not a business! Here are some ideas to help you maximise your business page.

How can small businesses use LinkedIn as part of their marketing activity?

Whether or not a small business should use LinkedIn for marketing depends on what their objective is. It also depends on what type of business they run.

One of the benefits of LinkedIn is that it can showcase an individual’s career background and experience. Generally speaking, if you want to get on in the world, it’s worth having an easy to view summary of your skills, your career history and a couple of good testimonials … and LinkedIn does that job very nicely. 

Mind your online manners

Social networking is a bit like visiting a foreign country – each site seems to have its own language and culture.  Here are some general guidelines to make sure you don’t get off on the wrong foot.

1.  Introduce yourself properly. Rather than just sending the standard request to ask someone to be your friend or to join your network, add a personal note. If you know them this will be easy. If not, explain why you would like to connect with them or who you know that is a mutual connection.