Social media can provide a wealth of exposure – and if done right, a wealth of free advertising. But you have to know how to do it right.
Jay Pring, the managing director of Obviam – Creative Social Media, offers these 10 top tips to help brokers succeed with their digital and social media activity.
• Engage in two-way conversation
If re-posting something interesting, add your own
opinion or question; that way people can interact with you and spark discussion.
• Don’t brag
You might love your recent successes, but most social media audiences won’t care. Add context to your success stories to ensure you have meaning and relevance to your posts.
• Give a proper response
Don’t just say thanks if someone’s posted a comment. Add a personalized response.
• Post different content on each platform
No one wants to read the same message from you on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc. It shows a lack of creativity and fails to consider the unique benefits of the various platforms you employ.
• Be consistent with your topics
If a certain post gained a lot of attention it means that people want to hear or see more. Make a second post asking your fans for their
opinion.
• Don’t act like the authority
If you’re well-informed about a topic, that doesn’t give you the right to act as an authority figure on it in your posts.
Don’t talk down to your fans. This could come off as intimidating or unappealing.
• Use LinkedIn at least once a day
LinkedIn is a great place to connect with old colleagues, classmates, or customers. It’s a great way to promote your professional services.
• Add a little humor
Who wants a bland brand? Spice up your posts with some gentle, thought-provoking humour. But avoid sexism, racism or religion so as not to offend.
• Ask and you won’t receive
Asking people to’ like’ and ‘follow’ you isn’t very effective. Give them compelling content and a reason to follow you and share your posts.
• Do not use tragedy for promotion
Brands have burned and suffered by using a tragedy to promote themselves. It’s not only incredibly disrespectful, but it shines a terrible light on your brand and your personality. No apology can fix this type of disaster.
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