5 Social Media Tips for Startups

As a startup, you can no longer ignore social media. It is vital for growth, communication, relationships, and maybe even revenue. However, if not executed correctly, it can ultimately hurt your business. Here are five tips to using social media both effectively and efficiently.

#1: Pick The Right Social Network

Using only a certain social network when your target customers are using a total different social media site, won’t get you anywhere, and may end up costing you in the long run. Facebook may have over a billion users, but that doesn’t mean it is the ideal site to focus much of your attention on.

Linkedin is ideal for B2B companies along with Google+ and Twitter; while Facebook, Youtube, Pinterest, and Instagram may be more suitable for Business-to-Consumer companies. However, it is up to you to find the ideal social media site that meets your needs and market.

Read Buffer’s guide on choosing the right social network for your business.

#2: Start With A Goal In Mind

When first starting your social media adventure, start with a goal for social media for your startup. Ask yourself: “What am I looking to accomplish on Twitter?” Increase sales and brand reach? Provide customer support? Increase customer engagement? If you are unable to answer these questions, it may be wise to hold off on jumping into social media marketing just yet. Research more, and create organized plans and goals tailored to your project.

Check out Unbounce’s blog post on “How To Set Measurable Goals for Social Media.”

#3: Post With Images

Posting to social media with high-quality images that are relevant to the topic can increase click-through percentages by 45%. If you don’t already have a quality and intriguing photo for the post, Pablo by Buffer is a great tool for creating images to post on social media to boost engagements.

#4: Reuse and Repurpose Content

More often than not, previously posted content is relevant a few months down the line. By reposting content to social media, you will be reaching new potential customers and new followers with valid and hopefully satisfying content.

Read “Why You Should Share Your Content More Than Once” on Buffer’s blog.

#5: Engage and Support Customers

While still relatively small, supporting and engaging with your customers on social media will increase happiness and satisfaction, along with creating a personal relationship with your customers. You will be reaching your users on a site they use every day.

In Conclusion: Experiment

Experimenting with social media is key, as not all strategies for other startups will work for you. Evaluating and experimenting with your strategies and progress along the way, will help keep you on track.

Do you have any social media tips or strategies? Share them with us in the comments!

Originally published at startuplister.com on January 15, 2015.