These days, it’s easy for businesses to create a presence on social media.
But the truth is that social media marketing is more than just uploading regular content. The real question is whether users are engaging or even seeing these posts.
Optimization refers to specific actions taken by online businesses to ensure that a social post or profile is visible, engaging, and effective in driving customer actions.
9 Effective Social Media Optimization Tips
This article aims to guide marketers and brand owners in optimizing their social content to achieve social media success.
1. Creating Your Social Profile
Creating a profile on a social media platform isn’t as simple as it looks. Sure, all one needs to do is fill out forms and hit Submit. But there are many more ways to make a profile compelling to customers.
- Create a winning bio. Ensure it directly tells the reader what the business is about. Of course, include relevant information, such as contact numbers, operating hours, location, and website.
- Upload a quality photo. It should represent the brand well, which is often a photo of the company logo or store.
- Include keywords. Social networking sites also act as search engines, so include some keywords that customers often search for in the bio.
2. Exploring Social Media and Search Advertising
Social media marketing is most effective when combined with advertising, especially for brands new to social media. Posting Google ads gives them a head start in getting their brand out there, whether for brand awareness or product promotion. If they don’t know where to start, it’s best to get a Google ads agency to do the work for them.
3. Using Hashtags
If search engine optimization (SEO) runs on keywords, social media runs on hashtags. Adding a relevant hashtag to bios and captions increases its chances of exposure to the right audience.
One thing to note, though, is that hashtags don’t work the same on all social platforms. For instance, adding just one to two hashtags on Twitter posts generates the most engagement. Meanwhile, Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags per caption.
4. Posting at the Right Time
Consistency is key to social media success. That is, posting content regularly keeps a brand relevant online. But it’s also important to consider the timing of publishing these posts to ensure the most audience engagement.
There are no definite answers as to when is the perfect time to post on social media. However, experts have come up with the most ideal times:
- Overall – 10 AM on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays
- Facebook – 8 AM – 12 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays
- Instagram – 11 AM every Wednesday
- TikTok – 7 PM every Thursday
- Twitter – 8 AM on Mondays and Thursdays
Those building social media presence can follow these timelines and adjust strategy as they get to know the audience.
5. Video Marketing
Consumers are watching videos more than ever before, making videos crucial to any marketer’s strategy.
But before creating any video to post on social media, here are a few tips and tricks to ensure it reels viewers in:
- Set video marketing goals. What does a business want to achieve through this video?
- Decide on the platform. Audiences on specific platforms, such as Instagram and Facebook, prefer watching videos to users of other networks.
- Mind the video formats. Each social media site has its own video specifications.
- Create a content plan. Brands may need to write a script, storyboard the video, and plan for optimal filming to ensure the video is perfect.
6. Creating Interactive Content
Content that is engaging and interactive is more likely to create a buzz among followers. Examples of interactive content include the following:
- Polls and quizzes
- Personality tests (such as “What Kind of a Leader are You?”)
- Contests and promos based on shares and likes
- Photo captioning contests
- Live interviews and Q&As
7. Humanizing the Brand
It’s hard to stand out with so many brands around. But one effective way to do so is to be authentic. Social media users don’t want to be bombarded with branded content. They want to see real stories from real people, which is one of the reasons industry giants like Nike, Apple, and Dove have continued to gain loyal customers over the years.
Brands shouldn’t hesitate to add humor to their social media posts. Even sharing a funny meme can make them feel more human and even get more likes.
8. Gathering User-Generated Content (UGC)
UGC is content created by individuals about a certain brand or product. It may be from a follower or customer sharing their thoughts on a product through an image, video, or comment.
Consumers are more inclined to read and are influenced by UGC posts since they aren’t branded. This is a chance for businesses to promote their products and services without creating content.
9. Responding to Customers
In the age of social media, users expect rapid responses from a brand 24/7. Otherwise, they are more likely to turn to the competition or rant their frustrations on a social platform. It poses a challenge for businesses to enhance their customer service response rates, not only on the phone but also across their social media accounts.
The Takeaway
Social media optimization is a process, but starting with the right steps gives businesses success. The above tips are just a few ways to create engaging posts and drive social followers. Yet it all boils down to constantly getting to know their audience better and creating their strategy around that.
Additionals:
- How Your Small Businesses Can Expand Its Social Media Presence Fast And Effectively
- 10 Easy Ways to Improve Your Social Media Content for Higher Engagement
- 6 Reasons To Use Social Media Templates For Your Posts
- 5 Best Apps to Track Social Media
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