Be interactive

You can think of social media as if you’re attending a party; it doesn’t matter how long you’ve been there, if you don’t talk to anyone then you’ll still be without any new friends by the end of the party.  Use social media to connect with others who have interests similar to you!  Search for topics and join discussions.  Post images, messages, ask questions and be sure to use hashtags to allow others to join in on your conversations!

Have fun

No matter what page you’re running, whether it’s personal or for business, be sure to make it fun!  No one wants to follow someone who is consistently advertising and doesn’t produce anything worth reading. Be silly every once in a while, post a joke or something that’s going to captivate your audience… have fun! Your followers will pick up on the positive attitude you’re promoting, and they’ll be sure to respond.

Produce quality content

This somewhat ties into the paragraph above, you must make sure that you’re giving your audience something worth viewing.  The messages that you’re sending out don’t need to be spur-of-the-moment thoughts; take the time to sit down and plan out what you’re going to be saying at specific times.  Many people make the mistake of tweeting the first idea that pops into their head.  This can work if you’re witty, clever and are always grammatically correct, but at least take the time to proof-read your work and ask yourself, “would I enjoy reading this?”

#Do #Not #Over #Use #HASHTAGS

See how annoying that was?  No one cares to read something that is littered with hashtags.  Besides, if you’re hashtagging everything, then you’re missing out on the real benefits of hashtaggins.  You use hashtags to join in on conversations.  Do you really want to join in on a conversation about the word “the”?  Hashtag only once or twice in a message that promotes the central theme of your message; for instance, “Does anyone know how to send an email on an #iPhone?”.  This will allow people to join in on the iPhone conversation and they will be able to respond to your problem.

Follow back

If someone takes the time to appreciate your content by following you, show them gratitude by following them back.  Unless you’re extremely good at social media, or you are Justin Bieber, people won’t be anxious to follow you unless you follow them back.

Make your page look good

That doesn’t mean you need to hire a graphic designer to make a professional background on your page, but make sure to organize your content in a way that is aesthetically appealing to your audience. Use colours that catch the eye, plenty of images and other media, like video, and try add a bit of flair to everything you post. If you’re bored or unimpressed while looking at your profile(s), your customers will be too.

Show a picture of yourself

We’ve come a long way in making virtual connections in the internet world, and the only way people will want to connect with you is if they see who it is that they’re talking to.  It’s very difficult for someone to connect with an unknown brand or logo.  Use a personal photo at least to get yourself established in the beginning, people will feel more comfortable connecting with you.

Take care of your account

Treat your account as if you were taking care of your lawn; you water it, mow it, and fertilize it.  In the case of your social media profiles, make sure that they are up to date with all your most recent information.  Respond to comments and questions, post frequently, add relevant content. Just like with your lawn, if you neglect you social media effects, everyone will notice.

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