We’ve had a great month at Social5 University! We’ve touched on topics ranging from blogging strategies for businesses to website hints for increasing your online visibility.
Because you have a business to run, we know that attending S5U can be a challenge at times. With that in mind, we’re bringing you our first edition of “Five Things You Need To Know from S5U!” Our goal is to help you build your brand credibility online 5 simple steps at a time. Ready to go?
Tip #1: Export your LinkedIn contacts
Looking for ways to grow your email list? You may want to consider exporting your LinkedIn contacts, especially if you are using LinkedIn as a way to connect with potential customers and business partners. This can be a highly effective way to build your email database. Remember, these are folks who WANT to connect with you in a business setting. But make sure to use those contacts responsibly. An occasional email blast about a relevant business topic or event is appropriate. A flurry of sales pitches and product pushes is not. To export your contacts, click on “Connections” under “My Network.” It’s a good idea to update your list every few months to make sure your list is up to date.
Tip #2: Add backlinks to your website
Although this tip sounds high-tech, it’s actually something you can do while conducting daily business online. The term “backlinking” refers to getting a link to your website posted on someone else’s website. Simple enough? The more you can include a link to your website on other sites when conducting business, the better! Be sure to put your website link on your Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn pages. Include that link when updating online directories such as DexOnline, Yellowbook or Yelp. Add your website URL to press releases or news updates that may be picked up by online media sources. These backlinks create opportunities for customers to find your business, while increasing your brand credibility in the eyes of major search engines.
Tip #3: Show off your expertise
Blogging is a great way to show expertise within your industry. Consistent blogging on relevant topics is a powerful way to gain thought-leadership in a market, earning both trust and business. If you are subscribed to a content package through Social5, you have journalists blogging on your behalf to make you look GOOD. Because you know your audience best, make sure to send those writers occasional topics that your customers are thinking about. You can send suggestions to us anytime at content@social5.com!
Tip #4: Show off your personality
The most effective social media strategies include occasional postings from within your business, even if you are working with Social5 to manage day-to-day content. There are photos, events and words of appreciation that can never be replicated by someone who is outside your business. Make sure to take 15 to 30 minutes a week to post something fresh and new. Then tell people about it. Share the post on your personal Facebook page. Tell a coworker or employee about it. Send out an email to your staff asking them to leave a comment. Getting involved in your social marketing strategy — even if Social5 is doing most of the work for you — is a great to express the personality of your business.
Tip #5: Complete your social profiles
Most businesses who sign up for Facebook, LinkedIn or other social channels create a page, but don’t fill out the full profile. This can really hurt the searchability of their social channels! Take a few minutes this week to fill out the full profile on your channels, and make sure you include key words and phrases prospective customers will use when searching for you! And don’t forget to include links back to your website. That information will have a significant effect on your ability to be found online.
Kate Drake is the head of training and development at Social5. She serves as Dean of Social5 University, where she provides ongoing education to more than 6,000 businesses in 11 countries. She also oversees training for Social5 Development Group, which supports Social5 sales offices across North America.
