Posted by How many times have you stumbled upon a social media profile that left you unimpressed? It’s like showing up to a first date in sweatpants. Your brand’s social media profile is often the first impression potential customers will have of your business especially if you are a small business, and you want to make sure it’s a good one.
But have you ever considered that a strong profile can do more than make a good first impression?
Think about it.
A great social media profile tells a compelling story, reinforces customer loyalty, and attracts new customers. It’s like having your own personal brand ambassador available 24*7 to showcase the best of your brand.
You might be thinking, “But I already have great content — isn’t that enough?”
The answer is no.
A strong social media profile is crucial to boost engagement, strengthen your brand, and keep your messaging consistent.
So, are you ready to take your social media profile to the next level?
Our guide on how to build a perfect social media profile has got you covered. We’ll show you the top 10 elements that every great profile should have and give you tips on how to make your profile stand out from the crowd. And don’t worry, as social media marketing experts, we’ve even included some inspiring examples to help you along the way.
Let’s make sure your social media profile is always dressed to impress!
1. Display Name
Choosing the right display name for your social media profile is a crucial decision. Although it may seem obvious to use your real name, it may not always be the best choice. It depends on the platform you’re using, your personal preferences, and your goals for using social media.
For instance, on Twitter, where real names are not mandatory, many users choose to use a pseudonym or a unique handle that represents their brand or identity. This can be useful for maintaining privacy or anonymity on the platform. However, it’s important to consider the potential drawbacks of using a pseudonym. It can make it harder for people to find and connect with you, and it may not be as memorable as using your real name. Additionally, if you’re using social media for professional purposes, a pseudonym may not be taken seriously by potential employers or clients.
2. Username & URL
Your social media username and URL are important components of your online presence. Your username is typically included in your URL and is often different from your display name. It’s essential to choose your username carefully since it’s usually not possible to change it once it’s set.
Using your own name as your username is typically the best option. However, if you’re representing a company, using the company name may be more suitable. It’s crucial to choose a username that aligns with your brand and identity.
Moreover, it’s helpful to keep your username consistent across all social media platforms. Using different usernames can cause confusion and make it harder for people to find and connect with you. It’s essential to keep your branding cohesive and easily recognizable to help you build a strong online presence.
3. Display Picture
Maintaining brand consistency is crucial, and one effective way of achieving it is by using the same profile picture on all social media platforms. However, it’s not as simple as uploading the same JPEG file everywhere and leaving it at that. You may need to make certain adjustments to ensure that the picture is well-suited for each platform.
Using an ill-fitting profile picture can come across as unprofessional and should be avoided at all costs. To ensure that your profile picture looks good on every platform, it’s essential to resize it accordingly. This is especially important since some platforms use circular profile pictures while others use squares. You should aim to make your profile pictures as similar as possible without compromising their appearance on each platform.
4. Your Bio
Hey, have you realized that planning is key when it comes to perfecting your social media profile? Yup, it’s especially important for your bio, which gives you the chance to show off your writing skills.
If you’re just starting out, a simple description of your company on your business page is a safe bet. However, if you’re a well-established brand, you can get creative and use that space to showcase your latest promotion, drop a catchy slogan, or even keep it intentionally vague to spark curiosity.
Also, don’t forget that social media platforms are search engines too, so SEO is important for your bio. Adding specific and relevant keywords can help people find your profile easily, as long as you don’t go overboard and make it spammy. Just keep it natural and organic.
5. Social Media Link
It’s important to note that each social media network has different rules, but it’s always a good idea to find opportunities to showcase your link on your social profile’s main page.
For example, you can add your link to the “front page” of your profiles on Twitter and LinkedIn. It’s crucial to ensure that your link is front and center, making it easy for people to find and click through to your website.
Creating a social network-specific landing page is also a great idea as it allows you to track which profiles are bringing the most traffic to your site. You can use these pages to offer special discounts to those who found you on Twitter or share information that’s specific to a network, like recent blog posts you wrote about Facebook.
By optimizing your link placement and creating network-specific landing pages, you’ll be able to drive more traffic to your website and provide a better user experience for your audience.
6. Use Pins Effectively
Think of your social media profile as a homepage that people might discover while browsing online. To make it easy for people to find your best work, pin your favorite or most relevant posts to the top of your profile. And remember to keep an eye on your content and avoid having outdated promotions or irrelevant posts pinned to the top. By doing this, your profile will be fresh, engaging, and reflective of your brand, which will impress anyone who stumbles upon it.
7. Interests and Allies
Did you know that some social media profiles offer extra sections where you can list your favorite books, TV shows, movies, and more? While many people tend to skip over these sections, especially when it comes to business profiles, it’s actually a big mistake.
Think of these fields as an opportunity to add more value and make connections with others. You’d be surprised how many published books, documentaries, and influential figures exist within your industry. So, take some time to research and find some of these resources that you genuinely enjoy, and add them to your profile.
Not only will this add credibility to your profile, but it will also create a new level of connection with people who are discovering you for the first time. Don’t underestimate the power of these extra sections — they can help you stand out and make a lasting impression on those who come across your profile.
8. Optimize Privacy Settings
Although it may seem obvious, it’s still worth mentioning that if you want your social media posts to reach a larger audience, you need to make sure they are set to public and easily shareable. On platforms like Facebook, you should ensure that all your posts are shareable with just one click.
Interestingly, there was a trend a few years ago where brands launched private Instagram accounts to promote exclusivity and increase follower counts. However, this trend has thankfully died down as it’s not an effective strategy for maximizing your reach on social media. By keeping your posts public and shareable, you’ll increase your visibility and the likelihood of your content being shared and seen by more people.
Conclusion
Creating a perfect social media profile requires careful attention to several elements. You want to make sure your profile picture and cover photo represent your brand or personal style, while your bio should be informative and engaging. Utilize your social media profile to showcase your best work and add relevant keywords to improve your visibility. Remember to keep your posts public and shareable to maximize your reach and use additional fields like favorite books or movies to add credibility and connection with your audience. By following these eight essential elements, you can create a social media profile that will help you connect with your audience and achieve your goals.