Social Media and Business

It is no secret that the business world now is heavily reliant on the use of web outlets and social media. These sites are being created and updated daily, making it important for you to keep your business pages updated, too. However, social media does not end with Facebook, and it is often hard to know how to use other channels on a professional level. Once you get in the habit of using these other major social networks, promoting your business can be easy and fun.
 1. Google+:
Since its launch in 2009, Google+ has been fairly slow in the take-off process. However, its organized use of circles and sharing make it an ideal candidate for a business network. Google+ makes it easy to build an audience through the use of sharing resources, news, and connections within circles. Having a designated business page or even a personal account on this site will allow you to branch out and connect with other businesses and individuals.
2. LinkedIn:
Any current or aspiring business professional knows the significance of having a LinkedIn account, making it no surprise that it appears on this list. However, fewer people are fully aware of how to utilize this site to receive the highest benefits. Participating in the use of a LinkedIn Company page can help you discuss news among your industry with as many as three groups per page. This is yet another great way for you to interact through the use of questions and shared interests among others in your area of business.
 3. Instagram:
Though commonly written off as a site for sharing photos of food, Instagram can be beneficial for any scope of business. The sharing feature allows any photo to be released on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, FourSquare, Flickr, and even email, making Instagram a great outlet for any relevant photos you may want your potential clients or target audience to see. Why not post photos of featured products, employees, meetings, special projects, etc., to expand your network and show off your company’s personality? With the right followers and the use of hashtags(#), you can easily engage your audience and make them feel included in what your organization is doing.
 4. Twitter:
A little tweet goes a long way, and reaching out to your audience in 140 characters or less can actually be a good thing. While Facebook is easily the main networking site in today’s society, its freedom of posts can often allow for a little too much information. Twitter’s character limit can sometimes be an advantage, as it forces you to keep your posts short and sweet! Let your followers know the important stuff–upcoming events, what kind of deals you have going on, how a project is going, or a quick shout out to recent clients can all help you gain positive attention for your business.
 5. Vine:
With Instagram’s latest 15-second video feature, this app was seemingly done for. However, while letting your followers know what’s going on in six seconds or less can be a challenge, it is often better to keep videos to the point-especially from a business perspective. Showcase your work on a project through some before and after shots, give a short tour of your business space, introduce happy clients, advertise a contest or a sneak peek of an upcoming product, or demonstrate an advantage you have over a competitor through stop-motion comparisons. Vine is a site that can be very fun and effective if used properly!
The important part is to be active on the channels you choose to have for your company. Start with one or two social networks, once you feel comfortable, tackle the next. If you have a limited time and need to focus on other aspects of your business, hire a company that has experience with social media and communications to help.
Make sure to follow us online and contact us. We can help layout a social media strategy for your business that will drive results!