How Social Networking Can Enhance Your Business

If you're new to social media, the thought of incorporating it into your business model might seem daunting. Even if you're a social media veteran, it can be tough to make the transition from social networking as a personal hobby to social networking as a marketing strategy. In any case, we're here to tell you: social media is your friend, and it can be one of your biggest generators of client interest. Below are some popular social media outlets and some tips on how to use them to promote your company. 

Facebook
These days, everyone and their grandma has a Facebook account. It is the social network. So it makes sense that, for a budding enterprise, this is one of the best social media sites for marketing your services. Facebook allows business owners to create a page for their company. Here they can give a description of what their business does, list their contact information, and post photos of their work. Facebook users can then search for the company page and "Like" it, offering their virtual approval. Tip: Get the word out by inviting friends and family to "Like" your page. Ask the people you're close to if they'll post your page on their feed, or if they'll send out invitations to their own circle of friends. 

Twitter
While the "Twitterverse" is most commonly associated with individuals and large organizations, more and more small businesses are using Twitter to connect with clients. With a Twitter account, you can post real-time updates about what you're working on and what's new in the world of home improvement. Twitter is a great way to keep your customers informed and interact with them on a fun, creative level. Gain followers by using hashtags to link your posts to certain keywords or topics. #NewPaint #Renovations #Awesome. Tip: The more hashtags you use, the more people will see your post, so don't be hashtag-shy! 

Google+
It's true that Google+ isn't the trendiest site for businesses ‒ companies are much more likely to use Facebook and Twitter. So, why should you use it to market your company? Simple: it's owned by one of the biggest search engines in the universe. Google, like any other corporation, wants to advertise its services. What better way to do this than by promoting business pages found on its very own social networking site? With a Google+ business page, your company will be one of the first that shows up in the search results. Tip: You can use hashtags on Google+, too. Have we mentioned how cool those are? 

LinkedIn
You won't draw in many clients by using LinkedIn, but you will expand your business. This is a site for professional networking. Here, you'll be able to connect with businesses that are similar to yours, thereby joining an online association of experts in your field. You can also link up with qualified painters, subcontractors, and other specialists who can help you to develop a strong work team. In addition to the networking benefits offered by LinkedIn, this a great place to toot your own horn. Add information about your training, years of experience, company history, and areas of specialty. Tip: LinkedIn has a number of "groups" for individuals and businesses with similar interests. These online clubs provide a space for sharing ideas, asking questions, and posting job opportunities. Consider joining one (or several) to further broaden your professional network. 

Pinterest
No, it's not just for discovering new recipes and beauty tips; Pinterest is becoming one of the most popular places to search for home improvement ideas. Create a "board" where you "pin" photos of your own work or work that inspires you. Give your photos a descriptive caption and attract followers who like your style and want to see more of what your business has to offer. You'll likely get some inquiries about whether or not you can "make my kitchen look like that". Tip: Pinterest now has a special business center to better accommodate companies. Visit their site to learn more. 

Instagram
It's not the first tool you'd think of for business marketing, but that doesn't make it any less valuable. When your work involves a craft ‒ whether it's home design or body art ‒ people will appreciate the opportunity to see what you can do. Furthermore, you can connect your Instagram to your Facebook and Twitter accounts, making it easy to post high-quality photos on multiple feeds. Note that you'll need a smart phone in order to access this application. Tip: Again with the hashtags. Also, make sure the photos you're posting are good photos ‒ no bad lighting or awkward angles! A final and critical piece of advice: marketing via social media should be subtle. The focus is on forming a connection with customers, not on overwhelming them with ads. If your posts start looking too commercial, you may find yourself losing followers, which defeats the purpose of signing on in the first place. Use these and other tech tools to showcase your work and, above all, build a closer relationship with clients. 

Happy socializing!