One thing I frequently find, especially when starting with new clients or performing social media audits, we easily forget to remember the basics. In this article, we will explore social media 2024, and how to get back to the basics of social media including bio sections, profile and cover photo do’s and do not’s, and general best practices when it comes to social media.
Consistent Bio Sections
Your social media bio is the first impression you make on your audience. Crafting a concise and compelling bio is key to capturing attention and conveying your identity. This can sometimes be tricky because each social platform is different and allows a variety of characters in the bio section. First, keep your bio short and sweet. Use a few words to convey who you are or what your business does. Additionally, avoid unnecessary jargon and focus on providing clarity. Incorporate relevant keywords related to your industry or interests. This helps improve discoverability and ensures that your profile appears in relevant search results. Include contact details or a link to your website if applicable.
Maintain a consistent brand voice across all platforms. Whether your tone is professional, casual, or humorous, ensure it aligns with your overall brand identity. Nothing is worse than looking at a company’s Facebook page and then finding their Instagram with a totally different vibe. That can easily lead to a potential customer asking “Is this even the same company?“
Profile and Cover Photo Best Practices
The human brain can process visual information in 13 milliseconds. That is literally faster than the blink of an eye. Visual elements play a crucial role in social media engagement. Your profile and cover photos are often the first visuals potential customers encounter, so make them count. Use high-resolution images for both your profile and cover photos. Blurry or pixelated visuals can detract from your professionalism. Many social platforms display profile photos in a round circle. Be sure to size your logo appropriately so that none of it is cut off when displayed as a circle.
Keep in mind, size DOES matter. Not only do you want a high quality image, but one that will display well on both desktop and mobile. Ensure that your visuals align with your brand identity. Use consistent colors, fonts, and imagery to create a cohesive and recognizable look. Keep your profile and cover photos current. Regular updates help keep your content fresh and demonstrate an active online presence.
General Best Practices for Social Media
Beyond bio sections and visual elements, there are a few general best practices to always keep in the forefront of your mind.
Develop a content strategy that aligns with your goals. Plan and schedule posts to maintain consistency and keep your audience engaged. Respond promptly to comments, messages, and mentions. Engaging with your audience fosters a sense of community and builds trust. Much like a phone message or email from a potential customer, don’t wait too long to reply. Use names when possible and provide a meaningful reply. Potential customers want to engage with a real person, who makes them feel valued. According to Forbes, “Today’s brands are held to a higher standard than friends, family and even politicians, with a staggering 81% of individuals believing social media has raised the bar for business accountability.”
A hot topic in 2023 was “hashtags are dead.” This couldn’t be more wrong. Be sure to use relevant hashtags to increase the discoverability of your content. However, avoid overusing them, as it can come across as spammy, 3-8 is generally a good range.
While most social platforms insist that you will never have to pay to have a profile, there is an unwritten rule that you have to pay to play. Whether you have a million dollar company or are just starting out, it is never a bad idea to put some cash behind your social media. It can be as little as $5 a month. Find a piece of content that was successful and toss a few dollars behind it. This helps the social platforms see that you are invested in being there and can help increase organic content.
By following these basics of social media, you’ll be ready to stand out from the crowd! Consistency, quality, and engagement are the pillars of success on social media. Start implementing these back to basics tips and tricks today to elevate your social media game and connect with your audience on a deeper level. Interested in a free social media audit? Follow Pink Sheep Co. on Facebook and Instagram and send me a DM for more info. You can also contact me here.