Helpful hints about how to get started with the main social networking platforms so that your fledgling business can begin to build a tribe of influencers and prospects

1. Using Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter
to help grow your new business

3. If you use social networking platforms as one of the ways
you establish your professional identity, or to attract,
connect or interact with potential or current clients and
colleagues, your social media presence has become part of
your professional space. This means that legal and ethical
provisions may apply to your online activities.
Put a social media policy in place BEFORE you start using
social media.
Recommended resources:
Dr Keely Kolmes http://www.drkkolmes.com
GMC http://www.gmc-
uk.org/guidance/ethical_guidance/21186.asp

5.  Build your page
 Connect with people
 Engage your audience
 Influence friends of fans
 BE SEEN IN OTHER PEOPLE’S NEWS FEED

6.  Choose a category and name –
personal business or “Passion Page”
 Pick a profile picture
 Include a business summary and
keyword-rich “About” section
 Choose a memorable address
 Get maximum impact with an
impressive cover picture

9.  News feed is where people spend 40% of their
time on Facebook – it’s where your posts
need to be seen and shared
 Make them short –100 - 250 characters
 Use visuals – photos & videos are most
popular
 Use Page Insights to find out the best times
to post

10.  Invite people you know to “like” your Page
 Email existing contacts – friends, family etc
 Promote your FB address on marketing
materials eg business cards, flyers
 Create FB adverts – get more Page likes,
promote Page posts

11.  Post quality content regularly – 1-2 times a
week
 Ask questions or invite people to contribute –
calls to action!
 Give access to exclusive information/content
 Make them offers to share with friends
 Respond to comments & private messages

12. When fans interact with your posts, their
friends see it in their news feed
 Offer a special discount to people who share
your posts
 Keep track of the posts that people share
most using Page Insights – and do more of
the same!

15.  Position yourself as an industry expert
 Create a place for like-minded people to
connect and you will reap the benefits
 Drive traffic to your website
 Build your personal network (leaders of
groups attract requests for personal
connections)
 Send regular direct emails to group members
 Help your members achieve their goals – and
get referrals as a result!

18.  Complete your personal profile – include an
attention grabbing headline & lots of
keywords
 Use a professional photo
 Join special interest groups & participate in
discussions
 Ask for recommendations for your services
 Post every morning and include photos, links,
files, questions

22.  Create a Twitter profile
 Select an “avatar” - a visual representation
 Customise your profile
 Build your community
 Set your goals – find prospects, listen to
industry leaders, keep up with
developments/training

24. What gets the world talking? Listen…
 To key influencers
 To your business contacts
 To your competitors
 To your colleagues
 To your customers
 To people with problems you can solve…

25.  Offline connections – are they online too?
 Use industry influencers’ communities eg
media, trade associations
 Advanced Twitter search (twitter.com/search-
home)
 Hashtags.org (keywords, phrases – popular
ones include #events #news #TVprogrammes
#health #fashion #jobs #business #startup
#YorkHour #followfriday/#FF)

27. Demonstrate your expertise and make yourself
relevant to your followers:
 Share photos and videos
 Join in, don’t just talk at people
 Comment on industry news
 Talk about projects you’re working on, events
you’re attending
 Answer FAQs and share real-life case studies

28. Thanks for listening!
 If you would like more tips on using social networking to boost your
business, why not connect with me:
 Twitter - @helenkitchen_pr
 LinkedIn – helenkitchenpr
 Facebook – HelenKitchenPR
 Blog – www.helenkitchen-pr.co.uk
 Give me a ring 07870 213974 or drop me an email
helen@helenkitchen-pr.co.uk