5 Tips For Success On Social Media

Consumer attention and marketing have moved online, specifically to social media. No matter what industry you are in, what product you sell or what service you offer, social media can help you grow your business. Navigating the intricacies of what works when it comes to generating more business and growing your brand on social media takes knowledge. It is not enough to just be on social media going through the motions in confident hopes that it will generate business and build a brand. Just as an attorney isn't likely to be the ideal candidate to create an amazing Michelin-star-quality meal, it is not realistic for every business owner, entrepreneur and brand to have a blueprint for success on social media.

After several years of trial and error and output, I’ve compiled a list of the five things any business owner, entrepreneur or brand can do on social media to generate business and grow their brand.

1. Post With Purpose And Provide Value

To succeed on social media, you cannot just post for the sake of posting. Make sure you have a specific purpose. Before publishing any piece of content on any social media platform, ask yourself, “What is the purpose of this post?”

Every post you publish should have a purpose that will help you generate more business or build your brand. Your purpose can be:

• Adding value through educating people, explaining past experiences and sharing stories.

• Creating brand awareness by telling people why you started your business and why you’re different.

• Getting feedback on what you’re offering.

• Generating leads.

2. Provide Unique Content

Consumers are continually consuming content all day, every day. I've noticed that businesses, entrepreneurs and brands often publish boring, unengaging content such as graphics, flyers, reposts and screenshots. You need to create to separate.

The foundation of any brand on social media is content — ideally, quality branded content in both video and photo form. The content you put out should be new and refreshing; it should provide value to your audience and provide insight into you, your business, your story and your team. If you do not want to be like everyone else, then your content should not be like everyone else’s. Content has become so crucial to success on social media; if you are not taking this aspect seriously, do not expect success.

3. Engage Others

Most businesses, brands and entrepreneurs want more engagement on social media. Engagement does not just happen overnight. You can encourage more engagement on social media by engaging others. The more you do that, the more engagement you will get. Social media platforms reward activity, so the more active you are in liking, commenting and messaging people, the more of that you will probably receive.

4. Show Some Personality

Yes, you should touch on different things that you or your business offers; however, it is important to add personality into what you put out on social media. People buy from people and businesses that they like, but if they don’t know you, they won’t be able to make the decision to like you. Let people get to know things about you and your business, such as why you got started, what your goals are, things you like, what your company culture is like and more.

5. Be Consistent

The previous four tips are important for succeeding on social media; however, if you do all of the above inconsistently, then your efforts will be in vain. Consistency on social media is what will generate business and build your brand. Consistency on social media will keep you front and center for your audience and let them see how committed you are, which will translate into them understanding the dedication you will have to delivering the best product or service to your customers. Consistency on social media also can help separate you from your competitors.

Social media can help you take your business and brand to the next level. Implementing the tips above can help ensure your success.