Social Media is becoming more and more popular with the general public. Many people are almost forced to have a Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn page because most of their friends do.

So it’s imperative that business has a presence there too. But it’s important to have the right presence. Here are some tips to help you get the most from your social media pages.

Content is King
If I’m invited to like your Facebook business page what will I find there? Is every post some sort of ad or promotion? If I’m in the market for your products or services that’s great but if I’m not what’s the incentive for me to visit your page on any kind of a regular basis?

At least 70 percent of your content should be of benefit to the people who visit your page. Only 30 percent should be promotional. Post links to information that will make your visitors more informed about your industry and show the value of having your products or services.

Make sure you have content that people might share with their friends.

Timings of Your Posts
You find great content at 10 PM should you post it then? Some visitors to your page will see it eventually but Facebook has a setting for the most recent posts. This alert directs people to your information at the best time of day when traffic is highest.

The question is how do you know when the best time of day is?

I use a program called Hoot Suite. (http://www.hootsuite.com) this program automatically picks the best time to post my information to my Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn friends. Or, I can send the information manually as well.

Use Pictures and Video
Almost every phone sold today has video or photo capability. Use pictures in your posts to enhance readership. Keep videos short. No more than 2-3 minutes.

You can demonstrate products or show off your place of business. Always make photos or video beneficial to the customer not just blowing your own horn or patting yourself on the back.

Imagine a place where you can get a TV ad for free. YouTube is such a place. You can create a 60 second ad yourself and direct all your followers to it — for FREE.  The viewer of your posts is always thinking, “What’s in it for ME?”



Make It Viewable
Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn are all optimized for smart phones and tablets. What about your web site? Is it mobile friendly? I am noticing more and more of my web site traffic is coming from hand held devices than ever before.

People are searching for you while they are on the go. Make it easy for them to find you and even easier to review your content.

Ask For Help
If you feel like your business absolutely needs to be more social but aren’t sure how to get started or do it most effectively, ask for help. Look for a local Facebook page that has great content and a lot of interaction and reach out to them. Download a marketing podcast and listen for social media tips, or go to the library and check out the most recent business or marketing book. There are many resources that can help you get started, or just be more successful with your social media outreach.

Some Final Thoughts
Whether you’re with us or not we are moving into a technological age. What you are seeing now is just the tip of the iceberg. You can either get on the boat or be left at the dock.

Social Media is a largely untapped source by many businesses. Look at all the stores you enter that have that familiar sign on their doors, “Follow us on Facebook.” Will they be following and finding you?