Social media is one of the best tools to grow your business or organization. Various social media platforms can aid in building brand awareness and a larger following. Although there’s a multitude of social media platforms, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok will be featured as we believe they have the most potential for our own WOL Bosses.
1. Post on the Right Platforms
Having a social media presence for your business is easier once you know your target audience. Your target audience is another term for who is most interested in purchasing your business/organization’s products or services. Researching the platforms your target audience utilize most will aid in your reach and growth. Additionally, each platform has their own benefit to content creation for your target audience. Facebook and Instagram are similar in that you can create a business page and post pictures, videos, stories, and livestreams. Additionally, both are the top two used social media platforms as well. TikTok, on the other hand, only allows for short video clips for content creation yet has shown the most potential in building a large following for small businesses and brands. It may be tempting to use each platform, but it’s not necessary in expanding your business/organization.
2. Know the Algorithm
Each social media platform has their own unique algorithm to prioritize content. Algorithms are used to simplify users’ feeds so that posts are shown by relevance rather than chronologically. Essentially, posts with more engagement are more likely to appear on users’ feeds than others with less engagement. Although likes and comments are helpful, saves and reposts of content are favored by each platform’s algorithm. There are numerous ways to “outsmart” the algorithm but utilizing hashtags and being consistent are among the easiest.
3. Use Hashtags
Hashtags are used to find posts and content that are related to the word that’s used. For example, searching #shoes on Instagram or TikTok will suggest posts and content that are related to shoes. Therefore, using a hashtag specific to your business can help users find your business/organization and the products or services you offer. Creating a hashtag unique to your business, such as the name, can aid in growing your following in that other users can use in regards to your products and services. The Explore page on Instagram and the For You page on TikTok are another way to gain exposure as both spotlight various posts and content, so try using #explorepage and #fyp (for you page) for a chance to be featured and seen. As a business/organization, you should also search hashtags related to your brand to stay up-to-date on trends and possible network opportunities with other businesses similar to your own. While hashtags aren’t as popular on Facebook, it’s still encouraged to utilize them to increase your exposure on the platform.
4. Be Consistent
One of the key factors in finding success in gaining a following for your business is consistency. Posting content on a regular basis ensures your business/organization has more opportunity to reach other users. Moreover, you want to be sure your posts are consistent with your brand and brand image so that consumers can differentiate your brand from others. Having inconsistencies in the timing and/or types of content you post will most likely not leave a lasting impression in the minds of your followers. Each platform provides analytics on the number of likes, comments, shares, etc. on each post, so you can see the best times to post and the type of content users prefer. Over time, you’ll see an increase in your following and reach with posting consistently.
Whether you are launching a brand or aiming to grow your social media presence, these tips are essential in navigating social media as a business/organization.
Major Gem💎: Brands do not have to start out on all the platforms for social media success, choose based on audience.