Quick Changes You Can Make Right Now to Improve Your Social Media
These three infographics guide you through some quick updates you can make to your organization’s social media right now that will help improve your organic reach on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
3 Tips to Improve Your Twitter Usage Right Now
Don’t Forget the ” . ” (period)
When you start a Tweet with a Twitter username, you must put a “.” before it, like this: .@gofishcomm, in order for the Tweet to be seen publicly.
If you don’t put a period before the username, the only people who will be able to see the Tweet will be people who follow both your account and the account you tagged in the beginning of your Tweet. Because Twitter is built for conversations, when you start a Tweet with a username Twitter assumes you are having a conversation with the other user and that the conversation is only of interest to your mutual followers. Adding the period in front of the username lets Twitter know you want the Tweet to be seen by everyone.
Fill in Alt Text for Photos
Adding a description to any photo you post not only allows people using screen readers to hear the description of the photo, but it also improves the SEO (search engine optimization) of your Twitter content. Currently, Twitter allows a description of 420 characters. Be as descriptive as possible to make your content accessible to a wider audience.
To enable alt text: Click ‘More’ on the right, then “Settings & Privacy” > “Accessibility” > “Compose Image Descriptions”
To add alt text: When you add a photo to a Tweet you are composing, click “Add description” below the photo preview and put your description in the pop-up box.
#UseHashtags
Using common or popular hashtags is a great way to expand your audience. Use one or two per Tweet, use regular capitalization for readability, but don’t use all caps, put spaces, or use punctuation in the hashtag. You can use a website like www.hashtagify.me to research what hashtags people are using frequently and consistently.
3 Tips to Improve Your Facebook Page Right Now
Add a Page Name
Adding a page name makes it easier for people to find you by giving your page a unique URL (web address) you can share across platforms. It also allows others to easily tag you in their posts.
To add or change your page name: Click “About” in the menu to the left. In the “General” section on the About page, click the “Edit” link to the right of the “Username” field.
Your username must be unique, at least five characters long, and cannot contain special characters or symbols. For more information on Facebook username guidelines, simply click here.
Fill in All Your Details
If your page profile is incomplete, your posts are less likely to show up in your followers’ feeds. This is because the Facebook algorithm attempts to distinguish between active, authentic pages and pages that have been created to spam or phish other Facebook users. Pages that have been created to misuse Facebook generally do not have their details filled in on the About page.
Ensure all applicable fields and sections on the About page have been filled in. We recommend checking the About page at least once a month, as new fields can be added from time to time. You want to fill those fields in as soon as possible.
Consistency is Key
Post at least once a day, every day. It’s estimated that less than 2% of your followers will see any single post by your page, and this estimation gets even smaller if you are not posting on a regular basis. Post and share content that is relevant to your audience on Facebook, and include “value add” content on your social media schedule. Marketing or advertising posts should be limited.
3 Tips to Improve Your LinkedIn Professional Profile Right Now
Customize Your URL
Having a customized URL gives your profile a polished look. It’s unique to your profile and is shareable across platforms, in emails, and on your website. If your name is not available, consider including your middle name or initial, your company name, or your area of expertise.
To see and edit your profile’s URL: Click on “Edit Public Profile & URL” at the top of the menu on the right of your profile page, then click the blue pen next to your current URL.
Your username must be between 5 and 30 characters in length, and can only be composed of letters and numbers. LinkedIn usernames are not case sensitive. For more information on LinkedIn username guidelines, simply click here.
Ask for Recommendations
Don’t be shy! Ask your boss, colleagues, or clients to write a short recommendation – and offer to write one for them in return. Whether you ask in person or via the “Ask” tool on your profile, personal endorsements from those who know your work can go a long way.
To ask for a recommendation: On your profile page, scroll down to the “Recommendations” section. Click the “Ask for recommendations” link in the top right-hand corner of the section.
If you do not see a “Recommendations” section on your profile: Click the “Add profile section” button in the top right-hand corner of your profile. Scroll through the available sections and click “Recommendations” to select it from the list.
Make Your Headline Work for You:
Your Headline defaults to your current position and company, but you are free to change it up. Don’t be afraid to get creative! Be descriptive, and pack in as many keywords as you can to increase your searchability. Headlines have a maximum length of 120 characters.
To update your Headline: On your profile page, click the blue pencil in the top right-hand corner of the top section. Write your new headline in the applicable field in the pop-up. Click the blue “Save” button in the bottom right-hand corner of the pop-up to save your changes.