Given the amount of time people spend on social networks, building connections and growing their networks, it’s surprising when their profiles aren’t given as much attention as they should be. If the aim is to increase your brand’s visibility, then having a strong, well thought out profile is the key. A profile that ranks highly in searches is important to improving online presence.
Here are four simple ways to strengthen your profiles:
1. Maintain your identity
With so many unique social media platforms in the market, it’s important to create and maintain a consistent identity or brand. Use the same tone throughout each profile, as this will ensure you deliver the same message throughout. If a potential client searches for you online through Facebook and LinkedIn, the profiles should say the same thing otherwise your message won’t be clear to them.
Something else to consider is your photo. Make sure the image you choose is consistent throughout all your profiles and enhances your credibility, rather than detract from it. This means you need an up-to-date, professional image, not one from a party last week.
2. Content is important
What you write about yourself is vital, so consider your profile a CV summary. Tell people about the services you offer and the skills your have. You need to sell yourself in a few short sentences, so be clear, brief and to the point. People need to be able to understand what you do immediately and the message needs to be the same throughout all profiles.
Although the aim is to be professional, it’s a good idea to allow your personality to come out so that people can gain some insight into your individuality.
3. Keywords
Keywords are important in your profile, as social media profiles are highly searchable and have good chance of being at the top end of search engine results.
It’s important to think about using keywords that best describe what you do. Ask yourself what keywords you would use to search for your business, and it may also be helpful to ask other people what keywords they would use when searching for you. Then, you’ll need to incorporate a mixture of words that are both specific and general, so you can optimise your ability to connect with your target audience.
4. Consistency
Google loves regularly updated content, consistency is key if you want your social media campaign to be successful. This means being active on your platforms and having a planned approach which sees you posting every day, or least every couple of days. This way you can engage with your fans, connections and followers and begin to build relationships.
Having multiple accounts can be very time consuming, so it might be better to have a profile on just a few platforms if you can’t regularly post on all of them. Choose the ones you believe it’ll be easiest to connect with your target market on, and start there. You can always increase the number of platforms you’re using once you find a structured approach that works for you.
Today, social media profiles are more important than ever, so try to remember that when you create a platform, you’re creating an identity for your business. Hopefully it’s one that people will want to connect with so the benefits flow.
