Small businesses around the world know that social media is here to stay, but that doesn’t mean you’ve had the chance to put in the time or effort necessary to cultivate a proper presence on the right networks.
Even if you haven’t optimized your social media presence, there is still time, and the benefits will be well worth the effort. There are many advantages to cultivating your brand on social media: it can help you improve your customer service, allow you to communicate with customers and prospects on a new level, help you engage your audience and reach new audiences, help you build authority, and drive traffic to your website.
A solid social media strategy can drive growth for your business by fostering lasting and loyal relationships with customers and prospects.
Social media can seem like an ‘extra’ to an already busy working life, and it’s easy to decide it’s not worth it; but before you do, here are five ways to maintain a social media presence whilst juggling a busy day job, parenting, supporters, and career progression without feeling like I’m going to explode.
Struggling to decide which social media fits your business and need a helping hand?
click this link
1. Choose your platform wisely
Communicating across multiple social media platforms including LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram takes a high level of dedication.
Think about what your social media end goal is, then match it with the digital platforms.
2. Be prepared
Share content when social media is most active. Draft the post in advance and either save it in drafts or minimize the app ready for a quick open and post when you get a minute.
3. Flip your mindset
Make social media a part of your work. Use social media to make your job a little easier.
4. Learn from the experts and make it a habit
I don’t block out time in my day to use social media, instead when I’ve got a few moments I’ll check and post to keep things ticking. Social media is designed to be quick and you can easily engage and share within five minute. After doing this regularly you’ll find your social media moments increasing without thinking about it.
Use tools to your advantage:
Like and share notifications. If there’s a particular user you want to hear from you can change your settings and get notified every time they post! You don’t need to start from scratch. If I’m having a particularly busy day, I’ll search interesting content within my lists and retweet or reply. This is great because you’re engaging and being noticed, but also because you don’t need to think too hard about what to put out there.
- Comment on posts
- Start and participate in conversations
- Share relevant information
- Share user-generated content
- Post and answer questions
- Address complaints and criticisms
- Show appreciation for customers
5. Be mindful
As much as social media is helpful it’s important it doesn’t take over, which can be easily done. There are apps and built in software that can tell you how much screen time you’re having so you can keep a check on it. I turn my notifications off after-hours and I also make sure to take regular social media breaks during holidays, to detox. Having this approach means my online time is positive, I don’t feel constantly ‘switched on’, and I still have time to dedicate to home-life, reading, and anything else that isn’t work related.
“Linda has published sixteen books. She blogs about the publishing world, posts useful tips on the challenges a writer faces, including marketing and promoting your work, how to build your online platform, how to get reviews and how to self-publish. She has mentored many authors and edited their work.”