Like most small business owners, you know the power of social media marketing. It’s a low-cost marketing method that lets you reach a huge audience. Successful use of social media is dependent on strategic branding. Try these branding tips to get your target market to sit up and pay attention to your brand without having to buy expensive ads.

  1. Make your message is clear and concise. Social media posts are a fleeting as attention spans these days, and you only have a short period of time to catch – and keep – browser’s attention.
  2. Post consistently and cohesively. Setting a posting schedule and sticking to it is more effective than haphazard posting whenever it crosses your mind.
  3. Make your social media profiles cohesive. They don’t have to be exact replicas, but they should be easy enough to recognize so viewers know they’ve landed on the right profile. And…each profile should contain your logo.
  4. Create a balanced information-to-sales ratio in your social media marketing campaigns. When every post is pleading for sales, it can be a turn-off to customers. Instead, choose to make three out of ten posts sales-based. Use the other seven to share valuable tips, resources, and links.
  5. Use smart color choices that relay your brands look, tone, and feel. For instance, a children’s retailer might use primary colors while a luxury spa would use tranquil, soothing colors.
  6. Part of brand building is telling the story of your business. Social media marketing is a great way to give clients and potential clients a sneak peek at the behind-the-scenes goings-on in your business.
  7. Avoid flowery, effusive, affected language, industry jargon, and long-winded speech patterns. Instead, speak to readers in your own voice. They’ll appreciate the authenticity.
  8. Use photos and images to catch your visitor’s eye. Social media posts with images grab more attention than text-only posts.
  9. Include client testimonials in your social profiles.
  10. Don’t neglect all the social media outlets available to you. Consumer review sites and blogs are valuable online avenues where consumers might search for your brand. Make it a point to be there when they do. 

Include a call to action in your social media marketing campaigns, social profiles, and individual posts. Social media is a great way to bolster your online and offline business presence. Stand out in the social media crowd with effective branding and savvy marketing. Finally, don’t stretch yourself too thin by trying to be visible on every social media channel in exsistence. Instead, pick the three to five social stations where your target market hangs out and be highly visible there. Which three will you choose to grow your business?