In today’s digital age, social media is a must-have for businesses of all sizes. It’s where connections are made, brands are built, and products are showcased. However, for new business owners, social media can be as overwhelming as it is exciting.
Today, we’re sharing our simple guide to help you and your new business navigate the digital world so that you can use social media as a tool for success.
1. Choose the right platforms
Not all social media platforms are created equal, especially when it comes to business. The first step is to identify where your target audience spends their time.
B2C businesses that sell products or services directly to their customers might find visual platforms such as Instagram and Pinterest to be useful, whereas B2B companies that sell products or services to other businesses might find more value in LinkedIn. Facebook and X (previously Twitter) are versatile platforms that cater to a broad audience, whether your business is B2C or B2B.
Research and choose wisely—using all platforms can quickly becoming overwhelming and is usually less effective than focusing on specific social media platforms.
Need some help navigating the digital world? Navitas Skilled Futures can help, and their courses are free. Their range of Government-funded courses, including the AMEP & the SEE programs, are able to help you to improve your language, literacy, numeracy and digital skills. Speciality courses around digital skills, some even including Virtual Reality (VR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) can help you to keep your digital skills up to date in a changing world.
2. Create a Consistent Brand Identity
Think of social media like a ‘digital handshake’ for your business—it’s how you’ll introduce yourself to your potential customers and make a positive first impression.
Make sure your profiles across platforms carry a consistent brand identity—this includes your logo, bio, and visual imagery. A uniform appearance helps to build brand recognition. Your brand’s voice should also be consistent; decide whether it’s professional, playful, or somewhere in between, and stick to it in all your posts and interactions.
3. Content is King, but Engagement is Queen
The content you post is what will draw people to your profiles, but engagement is what will keep them there and turn them into loyal followers—or even customers.
Plan a mix of content that entertains, informs, and educates your audience. Use high-quality images, videos, and well-crafted text to tell your brand’s story. Remember, social media is a two-way street; respond to comments, messages, and mentions to build a community around your brand.
If you need help improving your written English skills, consider Navitas Skilled Futures’ Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP). Not only will their teachers assist you in strengthening your English skills, but you’ll also develop confidence in communicating with others, including new friends and potential business connections you’ll make along the way.
4. Leverage Hashtags and Trends
Hashtags (#) help social media users discover your content. Use relevant hashtags to increase your visibility. Be mindful not to overdo it; a handful of well-chosen hashtags often works better than a flood. Also, watch out for new trends to see if you can authentically add them into your content as this can significantly increase how many people view your posts.
5. Schedule and Analyse
Consistency is key in social media. Use scheduling tools to plan your posts ahead of time, ensuring a steady stream of content. Many scheduling tools such as Sprout Social, Hootsuite, Planoly and Later offer free trials to help you get started.
Monitor your posts’ performance and use the analytics provided by the platforms to understand which of your posts are most-liked by your audience and which posts could use some adjustments.
6. Paid Advertising: A Boost When You Need It
Sometimes your posts might need an extra push to get seen by the right customers. Social media platforms offer various paid advertising options that can target your audience and help to significantly improve your visibility. Start with a small budget, experiment with different ads, and scale what works.
7. Stay Up-to-Date and Flexible
Social media is ever-evolving. New platforms emerge, algorithms change, and user behaviours shift. Stay informed about these changes and be willing to adapt your strategy. What works today might not work tomorrow, so flexibility is crucial.
Our Final Thoughts on Social Media for Businesses
Starting your social media journey for your business can feel daunting, but with the right strategy, it can become a powerful tool to grow your new business.
With help from Navitas Skilled Futures on your side, you can develop your written language skills and your digital skills to help your business thrive on social media!
If you’re located in Sydney or Canberra, contact Navitas Skilled Futures to find out if you are eligible for the free, government-funded AMEP. If you’re in a different area, you can find your local provider here.
We’re here to help you to build a better future and reach your goals of starting a business. Contact NSF on 1300 798 111, email info@navitas-skilled-futures.com.au or click here to find out more or enrol.
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