Ten top tips to make social media profitable

Social media is a tricky beast that you can't ignore: it can make your business but it can also harm it.

Jay Pring, managing director of Obviam – Creative Social Media has 10 top tips to help brokers with their digital and social media activity.

  • Engage in two-way conversation

If re-posting something interesting, add your own opinion or question; that way people can interact with you and spark discussion.

  • Don’t brag

You might love your recent successes, but most social media audiences won’t care. Add context to your success stories to ensure you have meaning and relevance to your posts.

  • Give a proper response

Don’t just say thanks if someone’s posted a comment. Add a personalised response.

  • Post different content on each platform

No one wants to read the same message from you on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc. It shows a lack of creativity and fails to consider the unique benefits of the various platforms you employ

  • Be consistent with your topics

If a certain post gained a lot of attention it means that people want to hear or see more. Make a second post asking your fans for their opinion.

  • Don’t act like the authority

If you’re well informed about a topic, that doesn’t give you the right to act as an authority figure on it in your postsDon’t talk down to your fans.This could come off as intimidating or unappealing.

  • Use LinkedIn at least once a day

LinkedIn is a great place to connect with old colleagues, classmates, or customers. It’s a great way to promote your professional services.

  • Add a little humour

Who wants a bland brand? Spice up your posts with some gentle, thought provoking humour. But avoid sexism, racism or religion so as not to offend.

  • Ask and you won’t receive

Asking people to like and follow you isn’t very effective. Give them compelling content and a reason to follow you and share your posts.

  • Do not use tragedy for promotion

Brands have burned and suffered by using a tragedy to promote themselves.It’s not only incredibly disrespectful, but it shines a terrible light on your brand and your personality. No apology can fix this type of disaster.