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The Ultimate Guide to Social Media Marketing for Local Businesses

We all know that the public perception of social media has changed drastically over the past several years. While these types of accounts were once considered to be little more than communication tools for individuals, local businesses are now seeing the benefits of social media marketing.

Given the way these sites facilitate smooth communication, instant updates, and measurable feedback, local businesses can increase their success by taking a serious approach to social media marketing.

Just how far should a company’s social media marketing efforts go? We know business owners want to invest in social media marketing solutions that work. Knowing how to use popular platforms efficiently can help make any type of marketing effort more successful.

Facebook: Keeping Fans and Followers Informed

Facebook is one of the most popular social media platforms out there, but some people still consider it a little too intimate and personal for business purposes. Local businesses can use Facebook for professional reasons just as individuals can use it for personal purposes. Fans of a given business can follow their page, allowing them to get the updates they’re interested in. A professional page should use a quality banner (size 851 x 315) and have pertinent information about their business listed for those who are interested.

Twitter: Short, Simple, but Effective Marketing

It is easy to few a social media platform like Twitter as limiting when it comes to promotion. Sometimes the best way to get a person’s attention is by saying less. Unlike Facebook, a Twitter profile can allow a local business to promote their goods and services to anyone who may be interested – even if they haven’t followed the page. We all know how hashtags can generate awareness, and this type of tactic can be used for businesses as well. A standard Twitter banner for a business page should be 1500 x 500, and should show off the business’s name, logo, and important information like services or mottos.

Instagram: Share Your Business’s Unique Moments

A local business is the type of operation that has an “intimate” and personal image when compared to larger competitors. This can make for great photo opportunities. Using an Instagram profile allows a business to share a bit about their culture, accomplishments, and staff with others. Since we all know Instagram is about the pictures, images can be 1080 x 1080.

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Google+: Complement the Google App Setup and YouTube

More businesses are moving toward Google Apps. These handy tools give a business all the tools they need to create an intranet and stay organized with ease. Google+ comes with the territory, and it is becoming more popular as a result. Alex Glusman, a writer for Business 2 Community, notes that the number of Google+ accounts surpassed Twitter accounts in 2014.  Google+ can also be linked to YouTube, which can be valuable for businesses that upload videos. A cover photo for a Google+ profile should be 1080 x 608.

LinkedIn: Maintaining a Professional Image

LinkedIn is easy one of the most popular social media sites for professional endeavors. This is because the platform was designed specifically for career-minded individuals, companies, and organizations. A quality LinkedIn profile can be used to talk about a business and its team members, listing their individual skills and qualifications. This can help customers feel more secure about working with a lesser-known local business. Rather than banners, LinkedIn profiles utilize background pictures which can be sized between 1000 x 425 and 4,000 x 4,000.

YouTube: A Home for Video Content

Many businesses utilize videos whether it is to promote their organization, show off certain products, or to introduce potential customers to their staff. As mentioned, YouTube profiles can be integrated with Google+ profiles, allowing for more seamless social media marketing across multiple channels. YouTube channel art should be 2560 x 1440.

Pinterest: Promoting Important Content

Some types of social media marketing content can outrank others in terms of its importance. Pinterest is a social media platform that allows users to “pin” things like blogs, tutorials, photos or videos, and ideas to a virtual pinboard. This makes it easier for users to go back to something they wanted to look at or use later when they have the time. Users can add a 736 x 736 image for the square board cover, while 340 x 340 images can be used for the “Showcase” feature.

For more information about social media marketing across multiple platforms, contact 1 Source Media Group today!

 

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