Build the Business Social Media Platform of Your Dreams With Our 9-Step How-To Guide
Your business must have a social media presence.
In the modern age where everything exists online it is essential for your business to have an online presence.
Having a social media platform for your business gives you and your customers a place where you can connect with one another, helping you to build a loyal following and allowing your business to grow.
Social media is also the perfect place to upload new and up-to-date content with a personal touch, ensuring that your business remains a talking point. But whilst social media is undeniably a modern business must-have, there's a catch. Navigating social media is by no means an easy task and for the less digitally equipped social media can be straight up anxiety-inducing.
If this sounds like you then you'll be glad to know that you don't have to face this task alone as in this article we will guide you through the absolute must haves for your social media business profile.
1. Select your username
This may seem like an obvious step but it's one you should consider carefully as often once your username is chosen it cannot be changed.
We recommend that you use your company name for your username, although it’s important to remember that there may be instances where this isn't the best option. For example, if you are the face of your business and you run a small and personal operation then it might be more suited for you to have your own name as your username.
We also advise that you keep your profile username the same throughout all of your social media profiles, to ensure consistency and brand continuity.
2. Choose a secure password
Choose a password that isn't easy to guess to keep your profile secure and safe from hackers.
3. Enable two-factor authentication
Two-factor authentication helps to keep your profile even more safe from getting hacked. This feature requires a one-time pin to be entered after your password to ensure safe access to your profile. This pin is often texted and has a 5-10 minute expiry time.
4. Upload a professional profile picture
You want your profile picture to represent your business in an accurate and positive way so choose a high-quality profile picture. If possible we recommend paying for some professional photos.
Whether you should choose a headshot or company picture depends on your unique business. Consider using headshots if you run a personal brand and you are the face of the company. Alternatively, another option is to use your company logo as this can be a quick way for viewers to recognise your profile.
Try to resist using generic stock images, illustrations or overly personal images for your profile picture.
Similarly to your profile usernames, try to use similar, if not the same, profile picture across your business's different social media platforms.
5. Upload a cover photo
The cover photo is the landscape photo that sits behind your profile picture and is only visible once someone clicks to view your profile.
Your cover photo is a great opportunity to express a bit more about your brand and add some depth to your profile so consider using a company photo or a text image with your company slogan.
Remember, don’t choose a cover photo that will overshadow your profile picture or one that’s distracting. Your cover photo should complement your profile picture.
6. Write your 'About' section
Now you have an opportunity to really showcase your business so make it count!
The 'about' section on your business profile is where page visitors can gain an understanding of your business, what it does, what it hopes to achieve and what it prides itself on.
It also adds a nice personal touch to mention a brief bit of history about your business, including how it all started and what gap/issues in the market it set out to address.
Depending on what platform you're using you'll have different word limits, regardless try to use this section to its fullest.
7. Enter your contact details
Be sure to include your business's contact details so that any potential or repeat customers have a way to contact you if needed.
As a general rule include your business email and phone number, your business’s address and links to your website and any business profiles you have on other platforms.
8. Adjust your privacy settings
Now your profile is nearly complete and all your information is uploaded it’s time to adjust your profile’s settings.
On some social media platforms the default setting for profiles is private, meaning only befriended, connected or followed people can see your profile. Make sure to change this setting to ‘public’ so that anyone can view your profile and posts.
Failure to do this will massively hinder your business’s online growth!
9. Keep active
Last but not least, now that your profile is ready to be up and running it’s important to maintain a good level of fresh content.
This is a never ending task and one that needs regular upkeep. We recommend uploading content on a weekly basis.
Of course every post should be as interesting and engaging as possible but if you ever find yourself scratching your head for content, consider asking your followers questions or re-sharing others’ posts.
Posts are a great opportunity to create positive interactions around your business and be sure to check your comment sections as here you can directly respond to others’ thoughts and opinions.
Your social media page may be the first time someone comes across your business and first impressions count! With a good social media page your business can grow exponentially so it’s an important thing to get right.
Following our advice will set you up to create a great business profile, that you can be proud of and that truly represents your business.
Ready to get started? Get in touch with our team today to see how we can help you elevate your social media platforms.
Licorne Agency was founded with one goal in mind:
To offer fully managed web and branding solutions that let SMEs focus on what they do best—running their business.
If you want us to look after your website or branding, please get in touch.
