In today’s world, social media is about as essential to daily life as eating and sleeping. There are over 4.55 billion active social media users in 2021, which means over half of the globe’s population is on a social media platform of some kind. In order to stand out as a professional in comparison to the everyday user, there are certain tricks you need to rely on.
Here are ten of the top ways to make your profiles and content look like they were created by top-notch media and marketing professionals. Even if you only have access to basic photo editing and design software, you can make your profile stand out with these tried-and-true methods.
1. Make Sure Your Graphics Translate Well on Every Platform
You might design a beautiful infographic for your website, but that doesn’t mean it looks good on every social media platform. Make sure that when you share anything, the graphics maintain their quality and clarity – no matter where you share them.
Keep in mind:
- For Facebook feed post images, the best size is around 940 x 788 pixels.
- Pins on Pinterest need a width of at least 238 pixels.
- Instagram’s optimal size is 1080 x 1080 pixels.
Because the suggested sizes vary by platform, you may need to create several versions of your graphics in order to share across multiple profiles.
2. Plan High-Quality Photo Shoots
Smartphone cameras may have come a long way, but there’s still no substitute for using a real camera with a professional photographer (at least not yet). If you’re trying to highlight a product or service on your social media, schedule a photo shoot and save the images to post over the next few months. This will help you create high-quality marketing moments while also increasing the professionalism of your page.
While the cost may seem steep, investing in high quality images is well worth it! The major social media platforms take this into account when they rank posts.
3. Include a Call-to-Action in Every Post
When you post something on social media, you need to encourage your viewers to take the next step in supporting your business. That’s where calls-to-action (CTAs) come into play. Ask them to visit your website, order a product, or share something on their own social media profile.
Try to personalize your CTA for each and every social post. After analyzing more than 330,000 CTAs, HubSpot researchers found that personalized calls-to-actions convert 202 percent better than basic CTAs. Don’t be afraid to switch things up depending on what social media platform you’re using and what kind of content you’re sharing.
4. Create a Chatbot to Interact With Users
Consumers love interacting with their favorite brands on social media. That means you need to prepare to respond to their compliments, questions, and criticism in a timely manner.
The easiest way to do that?
Program a chatbot that can respond to different social media messaging systems. Live chat is expected to grow by as much as 87 percent in the next year or so – now is the perfect time to look into software like Chatfule and Botisfy.
5. Always Direct People to Your Website
Think of your social media profiles as an extension of your website. Your bios and various post descriptions should all funnel back to the home source of your brand’s information.
Direct people back to your website by telling them what it has to offer, whether it be a deeper look at your product, informative articles, or a unique shopping experience. Even letting someone know that you offer free shipping or support a certain cause can help get them to your website.
6. Place an Emphasis on Aesthetic Appeal
In recent years, many big social media influencers have pursued a specific “aesthetic” on their profiles. This concept may sound a bit vague, but essentially, it refers to the process of making all of your images fit your brand.
The majority of influencers on Instagram (60 percent) now use the same filter across all of their images so that their feed looks cohesive and aesthetically appealing.
You don’t necessarily have to pick one filter or color scheme to stick to on your social media profiles, but you should try to maintain some level of consistency across all of your posts. How can people immediately identify your posts and what makes them indicative of your brand’s personality?
7. Use the Same Profile Picture on Every Account
Although your business might use several different social media profiles at once, each should share certain aspects with the rest so that you present a cohesive image to the public. One of the biggest aspects of maintaining a solid online image is using the same profile picture on every account. This makes it much easier for consumers to identify which account is linked to your company.
8. Respond to Inappropriate or Negative Comments
Although you might be tempted to simply delete bad comments on your social media posts, the best tactic is to address the situation professionally and respectfully. Respond quickly in a polite manner that puts an end to the stream of negativity and makes your company look better.
For instance, take a look at how Southwest Airlines addressed this issue with a customer. They responded within 15 minutes and made sure to express their concern and handle the situation. The comment was even signed by a customer service assistant.
9. Be Concise in Your Bio
Most social media platforms are heavily image-oriented, which can make it difficult to share important links and information. That’s why it’s so important that you utilize your profile’s bio. You’ll notice that professional, big companies include more than just one word or two in their “About Me” section. Most will try to convey a message about their brand, its products, and who they are.
10. Use Your Own Filters
Whether you’re creating an infographic to share, posting a photo, or making an Instagram story, it needs to look both professional and authentic. Don’t use the generic filters that are provided by social media platforms. Instead, take the time to use real editing software to give your creations a unique, memorable appearance. You don’t need to be a Photoshop expert – even using the free version of Lightroom on your iPhone can class things up.
To Sum It All Up
Social media has completely changed how most people and companies highlight their products and services. Marketing has continued to evolve as the various platforms do, and that means your strategies need to continuously grow, as well.
By following the ten tips above, you can stay up-to-date with important trends and present your brand professionally. As a result, your social media campaigns will become more effective and profitable.
