{"id":6070,"date":"2017-07-31T09:44:37","date_gmt":"2017-07-31T13:44:37","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/digitalmainstreet.ca\/?p=6070"},"modified":"2017-10-30T14:12:31","modified_gmt":"2017-10-30T18:12:31","slug":"turn-heads-using-social-media","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/digitalmainstreet.ca\/fr\/turn-heads-using-social-media\/","title":{"rendered":"How to turn heads using social media"},"content":{"rendered":"

This post was first shared on the ModernBiz Blog. To read the original blog, click\u00a0sur ce site<\/a>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

First, we\u2019ll go over some of the most popular social networks where you can set up profiles for your business, often for free. After, we\u2019ll touch on some of the activities that work well on these networks.<\/p>\n

LinkedIn<\/h3>\n

First of all, let\u2019s start with LinkedIn, Canada\u2019s most popular business network. Every small business should\u00a0publish a LinkedIn company page<\/a>, complete with a logo, profile, etc. This basic digital presence allows potential employees, recruiters, vendors, and others to find you.<\/p>\n

Then, encourage your team to share news and updates, such as job opportunities, through their LinkedIn accounts. To\u00a0build your reputation<\/a>\u00a0(and your networks), you and your team can publish original articles, tips, and reviews on subject matter pertinent to your audiences.<\/p>\n

Popular social networks<\/h3>\n

Explore popular Canadian social media channels, especially if you need to reach consumers. You may already use Facebook, but have you checked out platforms like Pinterest, YouTube, Snapchat, Twitter, and Instagram? These social channels give businesses that create original visual assets\u2014like photos, videos, and messages\u2014powerful ways to share them.<\/p>\n

When you use social media for business, focus on the social networks your customers and prospects seem to use the most.<\/p>\n

Visual storytelling<\/h3>\n

Visual storytelling works wonders in social media. Great visuals help you get attention. So, show pride in your business! Take original photos designed to show off your product, design, concept, or service. You can use those assets to wow your audiences, earn likes, and attract followers.<\/p>\n

Coordinate your efforts<\/h3>\n

Businesses increasingly hire social media coordinators or community managers to manage their social media efforts for them. With someone assigned to coordinate and execute your social networking efforts, you can get multiple channels going at once.<\/p>\n

Digital advertising<\/h3>\n

Of course, you can always pay to get noticed. As a business, you can buy digital ad space on pretty much all the social networks we mentioned. Those ads can help you generate leads and raise brand awareness, which ultimately translates into more sales.<\/p>\n

Social listening<\/h3>\n

Social listening (or monitoring) tools can help you measure and improve your networking efforts. They can give you a sense of what your customers and competitors are saying. Furthermore, they can help you stay on top of news, spot trends, and identify opportunities.<\/p>\n

Keep it real<\/h3>\n

Don\u2019t be afraid! Businesses that express themselves authentically and welcome criticism do well in social networks. It\u2019s almost always OK to enter a conversation, even if it doesn\u2019t initially involve you. Treat social media as an opportunity to represent yourself honestly, and to support and build relationships with people, especially customers.<\/p>\n

Try to enjoy it<\/h3>\n

The more you view social meeting as \u201cvirtual networking,\u201d the easier you may find it. If, at the end of the day, you can\u2019t stand any of this social media stuff, try hiring a young professional to help you win friends and influence people online.<\/p>\n

Of course, youth is no substitute for competence. Therefore, if you do hire a community manager, onboard them properly. Brief them on your corporate history, vision, and values. And give them specific protocols and direction to follow on your brand\u2019s tone and manner.<\/p>\n

Summary<\/h3>\n

Finally, let\u2019s\u00a0bring all of our thoughts and tips together:<\/p>\n