Tips on Tuesday

So, we’ve all pretty much had that “back to school” feeling.

September is a great time to ensure your skills are up to date, you’re aware of any changes to the algorithms for your social media channels and you’re using the most current version.

It can also be a great time to think about developing your skills. If you feel like you would like to improve your skills, there are plenty of online courses (both free and otherwise!) that do just that.

Remember, back to school isn’t just the literal – it is a metaphor for getting back into the swing of things. Remember, even if you’re returning to the office after a holiday, it can take you a couple of days to settle. The end of Summer can sometimes feel a little poignant; but seeing the positive and the possibilities open to you is a great mindset!

Good luck to you all!

Tips on Tuesday

Today’s tip is really simple.

MAKE CONNECTIONS. And that is really it. In every part of our life we need connections to grow and succeed – and the advent of social media has really make it easy for us to grow our business connections.

If you’re more of a face to face networker then find your place to make those valuable connections.

Join us on Wednesday 27th September at the Bingley Business Expo to make some amazing local relationships.

Do not underestimate the power that can be gained by gaining a new contact.

Tips on Tuesday

The one size fits all approach never works!

Does your social media plan consider accessibility?

With no such thing as an “average user”, it is vital you ensure your social media strategy covers inclusive design methods.

What is inclusive design? Quite simply inclusive design accounts for diversity—including ability, language, gender, age, and other factors—and enables people to engage in a variety of ways.

Accessibility matters for social media, because without inclusive design you’re potentially missing out on a large audience.  Did you know 71% of excluded web visitors will simply leave rather than complain?  A survey by Facebook found that more than 30% of people report difficulty with at least one of the following: seeing, hearing, speaking, organizing thoughts, walking, or grasping with their hands.

Over the next few weeks, we’re going to help you make your social media inclusive and diverse.  After all what is better than creating great, accessible experiences for everyone in your audience?!

Tips on Tuesday

Have you got a new product or service about to launch?

Why not consider the power of a teaser trailer? Create a short campaign of images and even a video to create interest.

A sneak peek is great for creating interest in what you’re doing, and making your followers feel like they’re part of an exclusive club, after all they’re seeing your product first! 

Tips on Tuesday

“A small group of thoughtful people could change the world” ~ Margaret Mead

Have you thought about joining local Facebook groups? If you’re running the type of business that serves the local area, community groups can be a wonderful way of sharing news, offering your services, and just connecting with new people.

Remember the golden rules – give as much as you take; if you can’t help a potential customer but know someone who can why not give them a recommendation? And always, ALWAYS abide by the admin rules on advertising; there is nothing worse than a business being kicked out of a group because they’re spamming the members!

When times are difficult, being involved in the local community can really be effective!

Tips on Tuesday

We always emphasise the importance of regular social media content.

However, it is also really important to look after yourself and take a break! Whilst using scheduling software (either the channels’ own or a third-party programme) is a great option, it isn’t always easy to find the time and inspiration to create content for whilst you’re away.

Don’t beat yourself up if you don’t have a content plan for your holidays. Enjoy your time away and come back refreshed and ready to make your social media channels shine!

We’re putting our Out of Office on and we’ll see you in a fortnight!

Tips on Tuesday

Studies show that after 72 hours people only remember 10% of what the read, however with the use of a carefully chosen image, that figure can rise to a massive 65%!

A few times recently, we’ve seen people posting “image for attention” in their posts, and the image used has no relevance whatsoever to the post in question.

Make sure when you use an image, you make it pertinent to your content.  A funny picture is lovely, but if it has no meaning it won’t be long before your followers will get bored.  

There is a vast stock of royalty free images on the web – make sure you choose carefully and share away!

Tips on Tuesday

Have you got a goal?

With the Lionesses Down Under hoping to bring the World Cup trophy home, we’re thinking about other types of goal!  What is your social media goal?

I’m sure most people will want to use their social media to sell their product or service and that is fine, a great goal.

But you can’t do that unless people see what you post.  Your very first social media goal should simply be to stop the scroll!  Catch people’s attention so they don’t swipe passed your post.

Are your posts engaging with a good image? Spend a little time being adventurous and finding creative ways to catch people’s attention.  After all, if you stop the scroll, they may well purchase from you – achieving your other social goals!!

Tips on Tuesday

We can’t say this enough times but make your content eye-catching!

People don’t read their social media channels in full, they scan their timelines quickly and transiently, only stopping when something catches their interest.

Your unique challenge on social media is to stop the scroll!

The first port of call is a captivating image. Secondly make sure your copy isn’t overly verbose and really tells a story in a few words. Make any calls to action clear and efficient – win the battle by allowing your customers to shop, contact or book in with just a single click.

Don’t be afraid to stand out on social media, if you’re doing it for the right reasons then you’re engaging with people who will potentially become your customers!

Tips on Tuesday

It can be really tempting to feel that as a business you should have a presence on every available social media channel. After all, more channels mean more exposure, right? Not necessarily!

Rather than spreading yourself too thin and creating content for channels that aren’t relevant to your offering or customer, take some time to think where directing your social media strategy would be most successful.

Identify your audience, and then use that information to create social media accounts on the most relevant channels. For example, if your offering is mostly B2B, a LinkedIn account is a must, whereas if you’re selling directly to a younger audience think about newer platforms such as TikTok, if your products mean you need to target parents, Facebook is a must for you!

Start your social media journey by choosing the most relevant channels for you and make your content innovative and engaging, you can always expand to other channels in the future if your core offering evolves, or you see a gap in your strategy.