Falling behind on your social media game? Pumping out fresh new content, engaging with your audience, trying to gain followers, upping your like count. Social media can sometimes feel like a constant uphill battle. We get it. But it doesn’t always have to be that way. Sometimes a return to the basics is all you need to refresh your mindset towards social media. Here are 5 bite sized social media tips to up your social game!
1. Respond to comments
Nobody likes a ghoster. It hurts to feel ignored. Let your network know that you are not just actively posting but also participating and engaging with your social media community. Not only will people appreciate your responses, but by responding to everyone, you also keep yourself top of mind. Because there’s nothing worse than working extra hard on your social media content, only for people to forget what they’ve seen after 2 more scrolls down their Instagram feed.
2. Manage reviews well
Reviews are the school report cards of the business world. You might have dreaded them in the past, but just like at school, ensuring you take into account all feedback — good, bad or indifferent — is critical to your success. And you can’t hide them from your parents (or critics!) anymore. Ensure that you respond to all reviews – the good, the ugly, and everything in between. For one, it shows that you are actively listening. Additionally, responding to negative comments provides an opportunity to take action on all feedback, on your own terms! Because unlike school, you have all the control – it’s time to put all that to good use.
3. Be authentic
At pepperit we live by and for authentic marketing. Vanity metrics such as likes, followers and shares are just that – vanity metrics. They might look good, but they mean nothing when you can’t build a genuine connection with the real followers you do have. Focus on authentic, organic growth through engagement and posting good content, and your follower base will surely grow. And remember, steer clear of buying fake followers!
4. Be balanced
Think about the last time you had a conversation with someone who only talked about themself. It’s exhausting! Same goes for your social media strategy. Try to balance content about you, your industry, suppliers, customers and your team. By prioritising variety in your content with bite sized, digestible content, you keep it fun for your audience, and avoid becoming the boring dogmatic uncle at the party.
5. Refresh your cover photo
When was the last time you changed your cover photo? Your cover photo presents insight into who you are as a person or a business. It’s a great way to jazz up your social media feed while still sharing some valuable information with your audience. Our top recommendations are:
- Change it regularly – every fortnight – to keep it fresh and current for your audience.
- Add a meaningful description – treat it like any other social media post and ensure your description is relevant, meaningful and engaging
- Mention others – if your cover photo is featuring other faces, be sure to tag them to get them in on the fun. Adding tags, links and event tags are a surefire way to maximise your engagement.
And there you have it. Our biggest, simplest social media tips. Sometimes it really is as simple as going back to the basics before you consider things like your Instagram hashtag strategy. At the end of the day, most people are on social media to see great content, and to connect with others. Remember, as social media marketers, it’s your job to give the people what they want to see.