Having a strong social media presence is essential for startups. Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn can help you reach a wider audience, engage with customers, and build your brand. However, building a successful social media presence requires careful planning and execution. Here are some dos and don’ts to help your startup thrive on social media.
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The Dos
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Do Know Your Audience
Understanding your target audience is the first step in creating an effective social media strategy. Research your audience’s demographics, interests, and behaviours. This information will help you create content that resonates with them.
Example: If your target audience is young adults, consider using platforms like Instagram and TikTok, which are popular among this age group.
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Do Create Engaging Content
Content is king on social media. Create content that is interesting, informative, and engaging. Use a mix of images, videos, infographics, and text to keep your audience engaged.
Example: Share behind-the-scenes videos, customer testimonials, product demos, and industry news to keep your content varied and interesting.
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Do Post Regularly
Consistency is key to maintaining a strong social media presence. Develop a content calendar and stick to a regular posting schedule. This keeps your audience engaged and aware of your brand.
Example: Post daily updates on Instagram and Facebook, and tweet multiple times a day on X to maintain visibility.
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Do Engage with Your Audience
Social media is a two-way street. Respond to comments, messages, and mentions to show that you value your audience’s feedback. Engage with your followers by asking questions, running polls, and encouraging user-generated content.
Example: Host a Q&A session on Instagram Live or X to interact with your audience in real time.
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Do Analyze Your Performance
Use social media analytics tools to track your performance. Analyze metrics such as likes, shares, comments, and follower growth to understand what’s working and what’s not. Use this data to refine your strategy and improve your content.
Example: Use Facebook Insights and Instagram Analytics to track the performance of your posts and adjust your content strategy accordingly.
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The Don’ts
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Don’t Ignore Negative Feedback
Ignoring negative feedback can harm your brand’s reputation. Address complaints and negative comments promptly and professionally. Show empathy and offer solutions to resolve issues.
Example: If a customer complains about a product on your Facebook page, apologize and offer a solution, such as a refund or replacement.
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Don’t Over-Promote
While promoting your products and services is important, over-promoting can turn off your audience. Follow the 80/20 rule: 80% of your content should be informative and engaging, and only 20% should be promotional.
Example: Share industry news, tips, and engaging content most of the time, and limit direct promotions to a few posts per week.
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Don’t Use Irrelevant Hashtags
Using irrelevant hashtags can make your posts look spammy and reduce their effectiveness. Use relevant and trending hashtags to increase the visibility of your posts.
Example: If you’re a fitness startup, use hashtags like #FitnessTips, #WorkoutMotivation, and #HealthyLiving instead of generic or unrelated hashtags.
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Don’t Neglect Your Profile
Your social media profile is often the first impression potential customers have of your brand. Make sure it is complete, professional, and up-to-date. Use a high-quality logo, write a compelling bio, and include contact information.
Example: Update your LinkedIn profile regularly with your latest achievements, products, and services to maintain a professional appearance.
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Don’t Be Inconsistent
Inconsistency can confuse your audience and weaken your brand identity. Maintain a consistent tone, style, and posting schedule across all your social media platforms.
Example: If you use a casual tone on Instagram, maintain that tone across your other platforms to create a cohesive brand voice.
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Final Thoughts
Building a strong social media presence is crucial for startups. By following these dos and don’ts, you can create a successful social media strategy that engages your audience, builds your brand, and drives growth. Remember to know your audience, create engaging content, post regularly, engage with your followers, and analyze your performance. Avoid ignoring negative feedback, over-promoting, using irrelevant hashtags, neglecting your profile, and being inconsistent. With these tips, your startup can thrive on social media and reach new heights.
Got a suggestion? Contact us: editor@connectnigeria.com
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This article was first published on 8th August 2024
chidiogo-akaelu
Chidiogo Shalom Akaelu holds a degree in English and Literary Studies, from the University of Nigeria. She is a freelance writer, editor and founder of Loana Press, a budding online publishing outlet.
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