Social media isn’t just for teens, celebrities, and mommy-bloggers—it’s important for businesses as well. It’s a great place to establish connections, reach out to others, and extend your company’s online influence and reputation.

There are a plethora of social media platforms to choose from. Facebook and Instagram remain the most popular and effective for marketing to today’s generation of homeowners.

Choose one or two social platforms (at the most three) and stick with those.

Cultivate your reputation of customer interaction and share good information to help your online connections in their daily lives. By being a valuable resource in their life, you will strengthen your online reputation and set yourself up as a trustworthy business in the eyes of your potential clients.

Here are four powerful tips to help you build a social media audience of engaged, active followers.

1. Complete Your Profile

Set up your profile on every platform completely. Upload a profile image; fill out the description of who you are and what you do. Provide links to where social media users can find you on the internet. Include your phone number, business address, etc.

Filling out every slot on your profile is one of the most important keys to strengthening your social media presence.

Here is a quick checklist for Facebook and Instagram profiles. Make sure you have all of these items properly optimized.

Facebook

• Profile Picture
• Header Image
• Phone Number
• Address (helps you with localized internet searches)
• Website
• Hours of Operation
• Contact Info
• Consistent Content

Instagram

• Profile Picture (So important!)
• Location
• Link to Website
• Compelling Images
• Consistent Posting
• Hashtags
• Engagement

2. Make Connections

The whole purpose of social media is connecting with people. When you join social media, first find people that you already know and connect with them.

Then, look past your immediate circles to find more people sharing the same values and interests.

Your followers and following should share your interests but be diverse enough that your profile is viewed by many different groups of people, increasing your reach. Connect with these people by “following,” “friending,” or “liking” their profiles.

3. Share Valuable Content

The biggest threat to your success on social media is blatant self-promotion. Instead of constantly peddling your products and services, use social media to be a giver. Here are a few ways to do that:

• Share images, and stories that build others up. People love to be inspired.
• Share content from your own work, and outside your business if it relates to the values and interests of your followers.
• Share tips and tricks. If you have a skill, share it through DIY videos or helpful slideshows on your social media account.

Post often, but ensure that each post is valuable to the people who see it. Each photo/video/status should cause them to think, laugh, learn, or take action in some way. The more you’re active on social media and the more likes, followers, and shares you attract—the greater increase in your brand awareness.

4. Engage With Others

Social media was designed to promote two-way conversation. Engage with other social media users by ‘liking’ their content. It’s so easy to do, and it means a lot to the giver when you like their post. It’s the online equivalent of a smile or head nod, an acknowledgment of having “heard” what they just said.

After liking a post, go a bit deeper and leave a comment. Even just a three-word response to someone’s post can be enough. If someone leaves a comment on your post, respond to them—even if it’s just a thumbs-up emoji. Let them know that you acknowledge and appreciate their words. Social engagement takes off powerfully when conversations are started and continued.

Social Media Keys to Success

The keys to a successful social media presence hang on a complete profile, interaction with relevant connections, and providing value upon value upon value to your prospective customers.

Put your personality into your online presence; make it fun; allow people to view you as a real person with genuine feelings!

Availability and friendly interaction on social media will improve your business’ reputation and provide you with more customer leads.

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Thank you for joining me today. If you have any further questions or comments, please join the conversation in the comments below.

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