social media

5 Ways to Make Future Employers Notice Your Social Media Accounts (In a Good Way)

We know that you know better than to go on political rants on Facebook, shame celebrities on Twitter, or post inappropriate photos on Instagram. But your social media accounts could definitely use some improvement. Are you showcasing your best well-rounded attributes? Are you showing your kindness and respect for your family and friends? Are you using correct grammar? These are just some of the checkpoints that will make your social media accounts more accurately and positively reflect who you are to a future employer. Because according to a Careerbuilder.com survey, 65% of employers check out your social media before hiring. Gulp. Don't worry, there's time to clean it up. Here's how.

1. Keep it positive.

Facebook and Twitter are great forums in which to complain. Whether you want to share a story of horrible luck, post a picture of the burrito you dropped on the floor at lunch, or other relevant daily woes, your friends may find it funny and commiserate, but your employers might think you're a capital "C" Complainer. Humor is great, but don't get carried away in sarcasm.

2. Do a grammar check.

Contrary to popular belief, grammar is not dead. Even when you post online in a rush, bad grammar is something that future employers can judge. Especially if your desired field involves a lot of writing…If you need a brush-up on your grammar (it's okay, we all forget whether punctuation goes inside or outside of quotation marks), this will help.

3. Be interesting.

Okay. So you went out to the ice cream shop and took a picture of your vanilla ice cream cone. Does this mean you're just vanilla? Well, no. But future employers want to know that you can be beyond vanilla. That means peppering your accounts with interesting articles that you've read (that you've actually read) and providing insightful (but not offensive) commentary. Liking pages that you're impressed by such as organizations, charities, publishers, news sources, artists and companies will help give your future employer the implication that you have interesting passions and are deeply engaged with the world.

4. Lead with your strengths.

While people often brag on their social media accounts, there's a way to show that you are a competent citizen without going overboard. It's okay to post about a prize you've won, or a fun day you've spent with your long-lost brother. If you say you like to cook, then your social media accounts better have images of tonight's 5-star dinner. Social media, while informal, gives people a chance to see you deliver the goods.

5. Show that you're part of a community.

Friends and family are a huge part of appearing likable on social media. If all of your pictures are selfies, that might not make the best impression. It's great to showcase pictures of you having fun with other people, enjoying family time, and getting out there in the real social world. Also, thanking people when it's your birthday and wishing them the same when the time comes, giving random compliments to others, and tagging friends shows that you are conscientious and thinking of someone else other than yourself.

Still feel like your accounts could use some sprucing up? Check out this list for more ideas on how to be a pro on social media.

3 Tips to Get Buzz Around Your Small Business

When you're just starting out with a small business that's on the brink of getting attention from the public eye, creating that special "buzz" is what will make your business stand out from the pack.

So many new businesses, particularly small ones pop up every year, and even with lots of hard work, many sadly fail. Part of the reason these businesses don't make it as far as they could have is due to a lack of awareness from clients, customers, and consumers. If they've never heard about your business, how will they ever know to choose it when it comes time for their need for the products or services you provide?

Generating and maintaining a buzz is imperative to getting your small business to get to the next step. The quote from that famous baseball movie, "If you build it, they will come," is only part of the process. Having a great small business that's virtually unknown may be a nice project for you, but don't you want to hit it out of the ballpark? These tips will help you create that important buzz your business needs for success.

Unique Marketing Angle

You surely know you'll need to put some budget into marketing, from email to direct mail to ads and even TV commercials. Every small business is unique in some way, even if there are other companies in the same field, so use that "certain something" your business has in order to market most effectively.

As per Forbes, your business needs a "creative marketing hook." This could be in the form of a "short phrase that conveys your unique value proposition, a catchy jingle, an important benefit, or a 'slant' or angle of your business that gets people talking." Be sure your "hook" truly conveys what your business offers and isn't just an empty promise. Not much turns away a customer more than disappointment.

Grasshopper adds, "Differentiate yourself. Make funny fliers or tell stories that set you apart."

Once your unique angle is established, you'll be easily remembered and find customers coming back time and time again. And these are the very people who will recommend your business to family and friends.

Online Giveaways and Promos

Use social media to your advantage. While you are creating your online presence, use the various social media platforms to create buzz by doing regular contests and giveaways and sales or deals for social media followers only. You'll gain popularity far more quickly and keep people coming back to your social media pages to check for these benefits regularly.

As Hubspot notes, "From Twitter to LinkedIn to Facebook and more, investing in social media can take time. But it's free and can quickly create the kind of momentum you're looking for in the early stages."

Additionally, once you gain customers, give them the thanks they deserve with a percentage off the next time they shop, or a special deal if they refer a new customer. It will cost you very little to offer these markdowns, but it will mean a lot in the minds of customers who had the chance to go elsewhere.

Network with Movers and Shakers

Part of being a small business owner is wearing lots of hats. This means you won't likely have a marketing or sales team to do initial networking for you as you're starting out.

As per Grasshopper, "Go to networking events, startup meetups, co-working spaces, and other industry events to try to get your name out. Talk, talk, talk, until you're ready to drop." The more you put your name out there, the better chance for a hit. Plus, you'll learn more about the business from the people already doing well in the field.

Forbes adds, "Connecting with influencers in your niche can help by lending you credibility. Find ways to connect and engage with influencers online. Share and retweet their content, or reach out to them via email. You never know where these types of connections can lead; and the potential to get a link or mention from a well-known industry expert makes your efforts worthwhile."

By placing yourself among those in your industry, you may find people interested in joining your efforts and even those who are willing to back you financially if they see a diamond in the rough. Hubspot notes, "Their qualified feedback might help improve your startup's offerings, and those relationships will cultivate your startup's success."

Keep at it and never let the buzz die down. That initial push is crucial, but keeping the momentum alive every day is the key to a successful life for your small business.

10 Ways to Build a Positive Reputation For Your Small Business

If you're just starting a new small business, you have your work cut out for you. It's important to establish a strong web and social media presence to make sure that your brand and philosophy are reaching your target audience. But what's the most efficient way to build your small business reputation when you don't have any customers yet? Here's how.

1. Get organized.

You're going to be having a lot of meetings, phone calls, and lunches with potential clients and supporters, so be sure to give off an air of control. Even if you feel overwhelmed, you must not look it. Establish a filing system for business cards, contacts, and bills. Make sure your calendar is updated and easy to read.

2. Facetime is key.

There's a great benefit to online networking platforms such as LinkedIn, but you do not want to rely on the web entirely for building your reputation. Join physical networking groups that meet on a regular basis and target an audience similar to the one you're targeting. Search for opportunities to give presentations and talks at events. Get your message out there. Word of mouth is not just a thing of the past -- it actually works.

3. Get published online.

If you're able to publish a short, direct article on an online publication, you can link it right to your website and generate traffic. Posting boosts SEO! Just make sure your content is not spammy. Keep to factual information and make it relevant to your audience.

4. Get your social media game on.

Social media is the future of information dissemination. But make sure that you engage your community in a conversation -- don't just share links. Have a voice, a point of view, and a philosophy that defines your brand.

5. Be prepared and follow up.

In your meetings, be professional. Always have something to take notes on (don't take notes on your phone!). Always give your business card and follow up within two to three business days. Let whoever you're talking to know that you care.

6. Give a little.

When you're first starting out, you'll have to give in order to receive. Volunteer your products or services to nonprofit organizations. Get your name out there. Show people what you can do. Even if you feel like you'll be working for free, it'll pay off in the end. The community will see how hard you can work for little profit, and be more willing to trust and support your business.

7. Be legit.

Just like an antique needs authenticity papers, so does your business. If your business would be more credible with certifications, make sure you get them and display them throughout your place of business, on your website, and on your business card. People trust third-party evaluations. Here's how you can make it official.

8. Have a classy website.

Invest in appearance. Internet savvy is sexy. If you're not confident about your web skills, it's worth it to check out some online resources (we're assuming you know how to use a search engine). You can either learn some simple design techniques yourself or have a friend help you out. Try out Squarespace or Wix. Along with your site, make sure you dress well to reflect your professionalism.

9. Go above and beyond.

In your first months of operation, you're out to impress, so do nice things. This means, throw in a free estimate, bring along a free gift, or give some great (free) advice. People will appreciate you taking the time to give them personalized attention. Customer experience is the most important part of a successful business. This also means, after a meeting, send a handwritten thank you card, for example. Remember small details. Don't be afraid of being old fashioned.

10. Do what you say you're going to do.

If you can't deliver on your promises, no one is going to trust you. So if that means setting smaller goals, set smaller goals at first. Then, once you get your flow, you can scale up to reach your original goals. It's always better to impress someone who doesn't expect a lot than to disappoint someone who expects the world!

With a little patience, a lot of following up, and a sweet website, you'll have all you need to develop a great reputation for your small business, even before you get any customers. Keep these tips in mind and let your business grow.

5 Ways To Score An A+ On Social Media

While a huge portion of what social media has become known for is posting pics of cute cats, keeping up with celebrity feuds, and salivating over food images, social media is actually great for small businesses too. Many small business owners relegate social media as the "whipped cream" to the perceived more important aspects to business needs, but social media is nothing to skip out on. I mean, who doesn't love whipped cream anyway? These 5 "As" will show you why social media is something your small business needs to succeed. An "A" for effort indeed!

Awareness - Brand Recognition

Social media, from Facebook to Twitter to Instagram to Pinterest and then some, is where many people find out what's new, hot, and trendy. Developing and maintaining company profiles and pages on as many social media outlets as possible is imperative for your brand and its noteworthiness. According to Forbes, "Every opportunity you have to increase your visibility is valuable. Social media networks are channels for your brand's voice and content." The more people see your brand, what you're doing, and what you've got to offer, the more your company name is top of mind when they want to buy your goods or use your services. Keep it fresh, frequent, and friendly. The more unique you are the better, but be sure you can be relatable and memorable. Another way brands can become instantly recognized is via a celebrity tie in. As per an article posted on Bloomberg.com, a watch company, Daniel Wellington did just that and the followers to their social media pages soared. Send out your product to representatives for celebrities, ask magazines for tie-ins, or reach out to the celebs themselves via their social media pages. One may bite and give you a shout out. With the number of followers the famous folks have, even if a fraction start to follow you, it's worth the effort.

Anywhere - Mobile Capabilities

If you've ever been on a crowded train, waited on a grocery checkout line, or even walked down a busy street, you've surely noticed the people around you engrossed in whatever they're looking at on their smartphone. Much of the time, they're thumbing through their social media feeds to see what's new and interesting. By investing in your social presence, you can be sure your current and potential customers and clients will see what you're posting and sharing no matter what time of day or wherever they may be. As Aabaco Small Business from Yahoo puts it, "Mobile is at the forefront of social media because most social activity that is being done is via a mobile device. Plan accordingly when developing your social strategy and be sure it is compatible and offers the viewer a positive experience." Heck, if someone's going to bump into someone while walking face down in their cell, why shouldn't it be your Facebook page that's hooked them in? When considering mobile, go even deeper and become educated on when the best times to post are and how frequently. Lots of companies see increased engagement on weekends, as per Adweek SocialTimes. And for the most click-thrus? 12 and 6pm are the times to post for the most bang for your buck. Of course, every set of consumers are different and each field and its base of followers have different trends. Your social media manager with aid from the social platforms can derive a posting plan that delivers the most value for your business.

Access – Increased Traffic

Social media information, when intriguing with obvious and uncomplicated calls to action, will bring readers to your company website, increasing your traffic, and in turn, profit. According to Aabaco Small Business, "Every website owner wants to increase their traffic and social networks to the list of site referrals. They also lead to more time spent on the site." Forbes adds, "Without the benefit of social media, traffic is limited to people already familiar to your brand. Every social media post you add is another path to your site. The more quality content on social media, the more traffic." So be aware of what you're posting and always give the reader a reason to click through to your website, be it for more related content, a special deal, or a new item or service. For help with maximizing your techniques for luring customers over, check out po.st. They can help capitalize on your readers' social activity and habits and aid you in effectively posting and integrating content that makes them yearn for more over on your website where the real action takes place as far as money making is concerned.

Allegiance - Engagement & Loyalty

Just like an old friend you've reconnected with on social media, your customers will become loyal to your brand the more you share with them and provide positive and useful material for them to look forward to. In addition, the more they see of you on social media, the more willing they'll be to engage with your posts by commenting, reviewing, and best for you, sharing with others who will be inclined to "like" your page and become a customer since they have trust in their friend's choices. Texas Tech University's College of Media & Communication reported that social media presence increases loyalty from consumers who follow a company's social media presence and those who engage in conversations with their followers were "the most likely to gain brand loyalty from those individuals because they like their voice to be heard." Be sure to keep active and participatory with your followers and make them feel special. Well, aren't they? Without them, your business would have a hard time succeeding. Remember, treat your followers with respect and try to move negative chatter to a private setting. And to make sure your readers know there's a "real person" behind the scenes, keep the activity moving with posts that show you've been reading what they are putting out there. Stay away from generic filler posts or "spammy" jargon that will probably be passed over anyhow.

Availability - Greater SEO

Search engine optimization is important for any business. You want to rank well among those in your field when it comes to online searches from prospective customers and clients. Forbes claims that SEO is the best way to obtain relevant traffic from search engines like Google. "Search engines may be calculating their rankings using social media presence as a significant factor. Strong brands almost always use social media, and being active on social media is a signal to search engines that your brand is legitimate, credible, and trustworthy." You can improve your ranking by staying on top of your social media posting and progress. The more readily you are able to be found online, the better off your company will be when folks dive into the sea of what's searchable and you're among the first they can reel in. Take a meeting with an SEO expert. You may not need to hire someone full time, but instead, try for a seminar or an advisor that can educate you on what and how much content to put out there to achieve optimal SEO value from your hard work.

So get social and check off the 5 "As" of social success. Your small business will be a "thumbs up" with your followers and fans awaiting your next post!