Social Media Marketing: Part 1

Social Media Marketing: How to Promote Your Business - Part 1

So, you have your website... what next? It's time to get social. There are so many social media channels to choose from now like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, Tiktok and YouTube - to name just a few. These platforms allow you to market your business in a variety of formats. If your not sure where to start, then follow these instructions. We'll cover the basics of the top 4 platforms, as well as some tips for getting the most out of them. Let's get started!

Facebook

First, you need to set up your Facebook business page. Facebook offer useful hints and tips along the way. But here are some absolute musts when it comes to starting your Facebook page.

Create great imagery

Your page will benefit from a good cover image, profile picture and as you begin to post, images that are in line with your brand and website. Start with your Facebook cover image - this will display differently depending on the device you are using, but it should be at least 400 pixels wide and 150 pixels tall. You can also use video here, which helps you to show your customers exactly what you can do. Your profile picture can be anything you wish, but it's perfect for your logo and will make identifying your page easy for your customers. Bear in mind that the profile image will display in a circle.

Write your 'about' description

This is an important section and requires some thought. Write a paragraph about your business that is informative and concise, so that your audience knows exactly who you are and what they will get when they follow your page.

Select a username

Your username determines the URL and so it's vital that it relates to your business. Where possible your username should be short and memorable so that it's easy for your audience to interact with your page by tagging you.

Set up an ad account

You can grow your page organically, but it's also a good idea to set up an ad account and run 'paid' campaigns to boost your page and your business. You can speak to a marketing company who will assist you with Facebook advertising, but if you want to have a go yourself, you can follow these instructions.

Instagram

Add your profile picture

It's good practice to use your logo here, it's a great way to help your customers recognise you instantly on Instagram.

Choose your name

When setting up your Instagram profile, make sure you choose a name that is related to your business. It should be your business name and/or a relatable keyword. This way, when potential customers are searching words or phrases that are related to your business - they have more chances of finding your profile.

Write a bio

Your bio should tell your audience who you are and what you do - with a little added personality. You have just 150 characters to share this information, so use them wisely. You can include text, emojis and hashtags here. A good combination will really make your bio stand out. With an Instagram business page, you can also include your contact information (email, phone, address) and it's not included in your 150 character count. There's also space to include your website link here too.

Link your Instagram page to your Facebook page

When you link your Facebook and Instagram pages, it makes it easier to manage them. You can run ads through Facebook that will display on your Instagram page. Content can also be posted to both simultaneously. To link the account together you should:

• On your Instagram profile go to “Edit Profile”
• Click “Public Business Information” and select “Page”
• If you already have a Facebook page, click “Connect to an Existing Page”
• If you don't have a Facebook page, click “Create a new Facebook Page”
• Then choose the page you want to connect

Part 2, coming soon.  Do you want to know more about how to use your website to the very best of its ability? Join us on Discord, where you can ask questions and talk to us and other business owners. Are you thinking about getting a website for your small business? Or perhaps you are fed up with having to pay for minor changes on your website? Does your website just need a new look? Get started with us today! It’s as easy as 1,2,3. If you need help and assistance with a brand new website, then why not schedule a 1-2-1 chat with our Web Guy Jon? He can talk you through all the ways you can make your website work. We hope that you got value from our blog post to help with your business. If you are looking to create a new website or your current site needs updating then contact our director of business development Gary at sales@thewebguys.co.uk to take your online presence to the next level. We can help you to create a top-quality website that you can use to sell your products or services – we will help you to get your website up and running and advise you on how to really make the most of your website >>> Get started today.

Essential Tools for Creating Social Media Imagery

Creating professional-looking images for your Facebook cover, profile picture, and posts is easier than ever with modern design tools. You do not need to be a graphic designer to produce high-quality visuals. Here are two popular platforms perfect for beginners:

• Canva: A widely used web-based tool with thousands of pre-made templates for every social media format. You can customize templates with your brand's colors, fonts, and logo. Its drag-and-drop interface makes it incredibly simple to create everything from Instagram stories to Facebook cover photos.
• Adobe Express: Formerly Adobe Spark, this is another powerful and user-friendly tool. It offers similar features to Canva, including templates and a library of stock images, but is also integrated into the wider Adobe ecosystem. It is excellent for creating short video clips and animated posts as well.

Using these tools helps ensure your images are correctly sized and visually consistent, strengthening your brand identity online.

How to Set Up Your First Facebook Ad Account

Setting up a Facebook Ad Account is a necessary step before you can run paid campaigns. This process is managed through the Meta Business Suite. Here is the basic process to get started:

1. Navigate to Meta Business Suite: Log into the Facebook profile associated with your business page and go to business.facebook.com.
2. Open Business Settings: Find the 'Settings' cog icon in the left-hand menu. From there, select 'More Business Settings'.
3. Go to Ad Accounts: In the new navigation panel, look for 'Accounts' and then click on 'Ad Accounts'.
4. Create a New Ad Account: Click the blue 'Add' button. You will see an option to 'Create a new ad account'. Follow the on-screen prompts to enter your account name, time zone, and currency.

Once created, you will need to add a payment method. This account is the central hub where you will manage all advertising budgets, campaigns, and performance analytics for Facebook and Instagram.

Frequently Asked Questions for Social Media Beginners

What is the difference between a personal profile and a business page?

A personal profile represents an individual, while a business page represents a company or brand. Business pages provide access to critical marketing tools like advertising, analytics (Insights), and the ability to have multiple administrators. Using a personal profile for a business violates the terms of service of most platforms.

How often should I post on social media?

There is no single correct answer, but consistency is key. For platforms like Facebook and Instagram, starting with 3-5 posts per week is a good baseline. The goal is to remain present in your audience's feed without overwhelming them. You can use platform analytics to see when your audience is most active and adjust your schedule accordingly.

Do I need to be on every social media platform?

No. It is better to focus on the one or two platforms where your target audience spends the most time. A B2B company will likely find more success on LinkedIn, while a visual brand like a clothing store would prioritize Instagram.

How to Write an Instagram Bio That Converts

Your Instagram bio is more than just a description; it is your digital elevator pitch. With only 150 characters, every word counts. A strong bio clearly explains what you do, who you serve, and what action you want users to take. Follow this structure for a powerful impact:

• Line 1: Your Value Proposition. State exactly what you offer. Instead of just 'Handmade Pottery', try 'Unique, handcrafted ceramics for the modern home'.
• Line 2: Your Target Audience. Mention who your product or service is for. This helps the right people feel like they are in the right place.
• Line 3: A Call to Action (CTA). Tell people what to do next. Use phrases like 'Shop our new collection below' or 'Book a free consultation', pointing to your website link.

Using emojis can add personality and break up text, but use them strategically. The goal is clarity and guiding the user to your website link.