Whether you’re advertising for a business or honing your personal brand, a strong social media presence is crucial. However, standing out can be a challenge. We spoke to experts Stephanie Abrams and Courtney Spritzer, founders of the digital marketing and PR agency SocialFly. They gave us their best tips on standing out from the crowd.
Know your audience. Rather than going for a broad reach, figure out who your audience is and what type of material they respond to. Stephanie says, “If you know who you’re trying to reach and what they actually like, then you can craft content around your exact target market.”
Keep an eye on your competitors. Find brands you’re similar to, and check out what’s working for them and what’s not. It’s especially important in business to keep tabs on what’s going on in your industry. “On Instagram, I’m following a lot of fashion brands. It’s good for us to stay on top of what the major players are doing,” says Courtney.
Pay attention to the climate. Be sensitive to what’s going on in the world. Courtney warns, “We’ve seen this many times with big companies that plan content ahead of time. God forbid a tragedy strikes and you have a tweet scheduled about the sale you’re having.” Make sure your posts are appropriate and relevant.
Use social media for good. Sometimes it seems like everyone’s personal lives are now public. Choose carefully what to share and what to keep to yourself. “Everyone has the ability to share their opinion at any time, no matter what it is or if it’s appropriate. Now everyone can be a reporter,” says Stephanie. Don’t misuse social media: respect everyone’s privacy, including your own!
Consistency is key. Once you develop the voice of your brand, use it everywhere. Courtney’s advice is: “Think about who your audience is and how you talk to them. Decide what your voice and tone should be on social media. Be as consistent as possible, because over time that becomes memorable.” Always remember what your long term goals are, and what impact you want to have. Your online presence should reflect that with every post.
Interview conducted by Alana Fallis (WomenWorking.com Intern)
