A good social media profile can help you get more exposure online, connect with your customers or fans, and improve your online reputation.
Unless you have a site that is associated with your name, your social media profiles will be the first results Google displays when someone searches for your name. This is also often true for business names.
Consider each social media profile as a landing Page for your personal brand.
Your social media profiles may be the first contact someone has with your brand. You want that first impression of you to make them interested in learning more about you.
Here are 10 elements that make a social media profile successful.
Element #1 – Your Social Media Profile Display Name
This seems quite simple. Your name should only be displayed on your social media profile.
Usually, that’s correct. Sometimes, however, this doesn’t make sense.
A pseudonym may make more sense on platforms like Twitter where you don’t have to use your real name. On Facebook, your business will be a “business page” managed by your personal account.
Element #2 – Your Social Media Username & URL
Your username appears in most social networks. It’s often different than your display name. You can’t usually change your username, so make sure you choose carefully.
It’s best to stick with your own name if possible. Sometimes, if your company is the face of the company, it might be a better idea to use the company name.
While it may not always be possible keep your username consistent across platforms.
It can be confusing when this isn’t the case. For example, Instagram is @yourname while Twitter is @yourcompany or @yourmiddlename.
Element #3 – Your Social Media Profile Picture
Do you prefer a logo or a personal photo?
If it’s for a personal account you should almost always include a headshot.
What about for a business? It’s not an easy decision, but it all depends on your goals. Include a headshot of yourself if you are the face of your company or run a smaller business. This is often most appropriate for coaches and consultants since your personal service is the product.
The logo is best if you have a well-known brand or the product is not primarily your own effort.
It is a good idea to keep the same (or at minimum a similar) picture across all social networks. This will make it easier to recognize you on different platforms.
Element #4 – Your Social Media Profile Link
This will vary from one social media platform to another, but you should always look for opportunities to get your link onto the main page of your profile.
You can, for example, add a link to your profile on LinkedIn and Twitter.
So that people can easily find your link , make sure it is prominently displayed.
Another great idea for your links is to create a social network-specific landing page so you can track the profiles that bring you the most traffic.
These pages can be used to offer a discount to people who found you on Twitter, or to share information that is specific for a network like blog posts you have recently written about Facebook.
Element #5 – Your Social Media Profile Bio
Your main social media profile bio should include a few sentences about you or your business. It is a great place to include keywords and your elevator pitch.
What would you say about your company in a few words? It’s a good idea also to make your bio as useful as possible. Twitter does not allow you to write a detailed description, so be brief.
Your “about” section on a platform such as LinkedIn can contain up to 2,000 characters. This section is a great way to make a first impression and explain your values.
You should include more than a description of your past projects and achievements in order for this to work. Consider also telling a story and including a call to action.
You can, for example, tell us how you got started in the industry you work in. What attracted you to it and what motivates you to keep learning?
You can end your bio by adding a simple call-to-action . This could be a link to a report, an offer to call you, or a mission statement with an invitation to join you.
Element #6 – Your Social Media Profile Interests
You can add additional information to some profiles, such as favorite books, TV shows, movies, etc.
Many people skip this, but that is a mistake, especially for business profiles.
These fields can be viewed as an additional source of great value and connections with readers of your profile.
There is no niche that doesn’t have at most one or two books published.
Find books, documentaries, profiles, and profiles of influential people within your industry, and add them to your library (assuming you enjoy them).
This increases your credibility and creates a new level in connection with people who are just starting to learn about you.
Element #7 – Your Social Media Profile Background/Cover Image
Different platforms have different requirements but most social media networks have a way to add a larger picture behind your main profile page.
Some users, especially on Twitter or LinkedIn, prefer to use the default background picture. However, that is not optimal.
A personalized background allows you to share additional information about yourself and your brand.
It shouldn’t be distracting or more important that your profile picture, but a great cover photo can help personalize your social media page.
Element #8 – Your Social Media Profile Privacy Settings
Once you have completed your profile and uploaded your pictures, you can now look at your privacy settings.
These can vary from one network to another, but you want to ensure that the information you wish to make public is available.
If this is a business profile, chances are that you will want everything to be publicly available. You may choose to hide certain things if your profile is more personal.
Element #9 – Your Social Media Activity
Once you have completed your profile setup, your ongoing task will be to keep your profile active on all your social networks.
It is not enough to just leave your profile empty. It’s not enough to just leave a profile blank. You have to make connections and contribute to the platform. That’s why they exist in the first place.
The basic guidelines are the same regardless of which social network you use. You will want to keep in touch with your friends and followers by asking them questions and responding to their comments.
Share your ideas or other relevant information and participate in any group you are a part of. Be helpful and connect with other members of the group to share information that will be useful.
Element #10 – Your Social Media Promotion
A little promotion of your social networks profiles can help more people connect with you.
Add your social networking links to your website, email signature and business card.
Don’t forget interlinking your profiles. Many networks offer links to other networks. You should make use of these whenever possible.
Keep in touch, be active on the social networks you choose, and you’ll begin to build a following.
FAQs
What should my profile photo look like?
It all depends on what you do. Use a headshot if you have a personal brand or a profile that reflects who you are. Your logo will work well if you have a business where your face is not the face.
What should I do if my preferred username has been taken on another platform or website?
Although it is best to use the same name, it is not always possible. If your username is already taken on another platform then you can use something very similar.
What should I write in my social media bios?
Your social media profile should contain everything people need to know about you brand. Let them know what makes you brand unique, what you do, as well as a call to actions whenever possible.
What can I do to personalize my social networks?
A custom cover image can be used to brand your social media profiles. It can include your logo and brand colors. Your cover image can also include important information. You can also add your interests to certain platforms. This is a great way for you to add your personal touch.
What can I do for my social media profiles to be promoted?
Cross-promotion can be done by linking to each other’s social media profiles. You can also add all links to your website and email campaigns.
