social

Choosing Your Name And Setting Up Your Profile – Twitter For Beginners Part 1

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The first thing to tackle when coming into the world of Twitter is choosing your username (twitter handle @xxxxxx) and setting up your profile.

Ideally your username will be the same as your business name. If the name you want has already been taken, consider a relevant variation. For example, if @janessalon is unavailable you could try @janesbeauty or @janeshair. Other examples to consider are any recognized ‘handles’ or straplines you have on your email or website; if your email is styleme@example.com, you could use @styleme as your Twitter username. Be careful though, don’t get too creative as your Twitter presence can influence your Search Engine Optimisation (SEO). A relevant keyword or your business name will have a positive impact, something completely random such as @jshab (Janes Salon Hair and Beauty) will only hinder!

A couple of other things to consider when choosing your Twitter name: Be sure to make it as short as possible. Twitter currently only uses 140 characters, so if you want others to respond and network with you, don’t take up half of their content space with your name; Be professional. Don’t choose rude, offensive or questionable names. They might seem clever at the time, but if you want others to interact with you, keep it clean!

Once you’ve got your name, you need to get the rest of your profile set up. Select the ‘Edit profile’ button on the right hand side – just below your header photo.

You’ll need to choose a profile picture and a header photo. Obviously, one is much smaller than the other, so we recommend using the profile photo space for your logo or other distinguishable brand image, and the header photo (much larger) to visually convey what your business does. For example, if you’re a restaurant you might consider using a good quality (visually appealing) image of your kitchen / counter / tables / patrons.

Next, on the left hand side, you will need to choose your name. You have 20 characters, so if your business name is less than this, great. If not, it’s time to get creative again. But remember, don’t make it too ‘clever’, otherwise you run the risk of not being found when others search for you.

Then, complete your bio – this is really important. You need to concisely show what your business does in 160 characters or less. Keep it simple, look at similar companies for inspiration and use hashtags (we’ll talk about these in a bit more detail in the next blog) for any key service or product offerings. Just below, you can also populate your location and your website address. Finally, don’t forget to choose a theme colour that links to your brand and business colours.

Now you’re ready to go! If you’d like any help, support or advice with getting started on Twitter, we’d love to hear from you. Email makeithappen@mbsmih.com or call us 01903 688789.

How To Create An Engaging And Valuable Social Media Schedule

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It’s Vital To Have A Strategy When It Comes To Posting Content

A Social Media Schedule is quite simply a plan that outlines the key content of your future posts across all of your Social Media platforms. It’s vital to have a strategy when it comes to posting content to ensure you stay consistent and make all the hard-work and effort of keeping up a regular presence pay off! A schedule also really helps to ensure your content is in line with your business’ goals and gives you the opportunity to think about the messages you’re sharing and link them into new product/service launches, events throughout the year, key achievements, milestones you want to share and much more.

When it comes to Social Media, the main goals are usually to increase followers, boost engagement, generate leads and to establish yourself and your business as a leader in your field. Creating a schedule really gives you the opportunity to do this. It takes you from being reactive to proactive – the key to any successful business strategy.

Identify The Reason You’re Using Social Media

So, first things first, you need to identify the reason you’re using Social Media in the first place and link your posts directly to your objectives. For example, if you’re using Social Media as a brand awareness tool, then make sure your posts truly reflect your desired business image. If it’s for customer service or research, then ensure your posts are interactive, open and welcoming. If it’s to increase custom and generate leads, then be sure your messages focus on what’s important to your customers and give them plenty of evidence to show why you’re the best choice for them.

Mix It Up And Keep Your Updates Interesting

Broadly speaking, the more active you are on Social Media the better, however there are exceptions to the rule. Constantly shouting about yourself, without quality ‘evidence’ – such as blogs, tips or useful advice – will turn people off. Remember what you’re trying to achieve and cleverly link your posts into your goals. There are a number of different post types to take advantage of: photos; videos; gifs; links; text; offers; quotes and of course, don’t forget your all-important #hashtags. Mix it up and keep your updates interesting. It’s also essential to know when your audience is online. Everyone is busy – your customers being no exception. Make it easy for them to see what you’re sharing by understanding the best times of day to reach them. Weekday lunchtimes might be a great time, but Friday evenings certainly won’t be!

It’s Also Important To Remember That These Are ‘Social’ Sites

To schedule our content we use Hootsuite, but there are lots of other great tools out there – (this might help http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/13-tools-to-simplify-your-social-media-marketing/). The best thing to do is take a look and see which one works best for you. Alternatively, if you’d rather not use an external software, a simple spreadsheet or even word document works just as well – the only downside is you can’t physically schedule the posts for future times/dates.

Whilst the main benefits of creating a Social Media Schedule are saving you time, planning ahead and maintaining your sanity! It’s also important to remember that these are ‘social’ sites. For your overall approach to work, you will still need to access your social platforms regularly to respond, like and interact with followers. The schedule is about focusing your time and targeting your messages, it’s not about taking yourself ‘out of the room’ and holding a one sided conversation.

Remember – every new channel is an opportunity to access new customers and stay in touch with existing ones. It’s vital to share well thought out valuable content, allowing your customers and prospects to validate you and give your brand credibility by being visible.

Would you follow your business?

If you have some ideas and want to chat them through, we’re always happy to help, give us a call 01903 688789 or send an email makeithappen@mbsmih.com.

Why Use Social Media For Business

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We’re often asked, ‘what’s the point in using Social Media for my business?’ So we thought we’d share with you our top reasons for why you’re missing out if you’re not using it.

As a business owner we know one of the top things you’re up against is getting your name out there. Chances are there’s at least one other business locally offering what you’re offering, so how do your customers know about you? Why should they come to you instead of your competitors? Brand Awareness is a vital part of growing your business. You need to be visible and make it as easy as possible for your future customers to find you. What better way to do this than through Free Marketing channels! Every new channel is an opportunity to access new customers and stay in touch with existing ones. You can share valuable content, allow your customers and prospects to validate you and give your brand credibility by being visible. What’s more, search engines are constantly looking for ways to ensure your brand is legitimate. Being active on social media helps to increase your Search Engine Optimisation and signals that your brand is credible, and trustworthy.

We all know that the best advocate is a happy customer. Giving your customers and prospects the opportunity to communicate with you in as many ways as possible not only increases Customer Satisfaction it allows you to share new and interesting information, offers and updates, and be on the front foot should customers have questions or enquiries. The best products and services are provided based on customer need. Social Media channels are a fantastic way to conduct valuable Research and allow you to better understand your consumers.

So what are you waiting for? Happy tweeting, posting, pinning, sharing, chatting and much more!