Simply creating Google+, LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook accounts is a good start for your company on the social networks, but isn’t enough to reap the potential benefits.

Do you have a cohesive business strategy?

International employment firm Staff estimates that 92% of businesses use social media in some capacity—but a global survey conducted by IBM in 2013 found that more than half of midsize companies lacked a cohesive social media strategy.

Here are some tips to help you enjoy more business success through your efforts with the social networks:

LinkedIn Is King

LinkedIn is one of the oldest social networks, having launched in May of 2003. Its 300 million members around the globe are the primary reason every company should use the network as part of its overall social media strategy.

LinkedIn is great for recruiting new employees and generating leads, but there are several other features that can benefit your company. Polls, for example, allow you to conduct targeted research on a specific topic. An original poll with a representative sample size conducted by your company will prompt journalists, marketers and others to cite your research. You can also grow your LinkedIn network by Tweeting the results. Polls, however, must be created via group pages, not your Company page.

The 2014 Social Media Marketing Industry Report by the Social Media Examiner found that 68 percent of marketers plan to increase their use of blogging as a marketing tool. Keep your news feed active by sharing your original blog posts. Keep in mind you’re communicating with a professional network, so make your posts relevant and engaging. Some companies, like LifeLock, post third-party content that relates to their business. Either way, an active news feed will keep your network engaged.

The Google+ Explosion

Unlike LinkedIn, which took several years to catch on after its original launch, Google+ came on like Gang Busters. The company launched its social network in June of 2011 and boasted more than 90 million registered users by the following January. It took Facebook nearly four years to reach similar numbers.

Every company wants to be at the top of Google search results for relevant keywords. Google+ not only helps your overall ranking within the search engine, but your individual posts will also index. Google+ also allows businesses to create links on their intro pages. These links serve two purposes: they help your page get found in searches, and give customers one-click access to your website.

Encourage your employees to set up Google+ accounts and to share the company page. Use tools like Widgets Plus to create a badge for your website so people can “circle” you with one click. Remember, the more people in your circles, the higher your search results will be.

Using Facebook For Customer Service

Facebook has more than 128 million active U.S. users and well over 500 million globally. Facebook business pages create the perfect opportunity to engage directly with customers and get instant feedback.

Create a content calendar that keeps your customers engaged and active. Facebook has a handy feature which you can pre-schedule posts to go live at certain times. This is especially useful for companies that do not have a dedicated social media team. Your Page Insights will give you an idea as to what posts are working and what type of content your customers respond to.

A 2013 study by Dr. Ram Bezawada of the University of Buffalo found that customers who follow a company via social media are five times more likely to buy something than those who do not. The study concluded that social media strengthens the bond between a company and its customers, thus compelling the latter to remain loyal consumers.

Social media is the new word-of-mouth marketing for businesses. The more social media platforms a company utilizes, the more leads and customers they will reach.

If you enjoyed this article, you may also want to check out these others:

How to Use Social Media to Grow Your Business
Rookie Social Networking Failures and How to Avoid Making Them
How to Get Business Referrals at Face-To-Face Networking Events
4 Ways To Grow Your Business Using LinkedIn
How To Amp Up Your Visibility With Facebook
4 Ways Business Blogging Helps Build Trust In Your Business
Grow Your Business With Email Marketing

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This article is published by Will Sherwood | The Sherwood Group |Website Design | Graphic Design | Marketing Communications: The Sherwood Group has over 30 years of experience working with all sorts of companies, small and large. Our clients range from entrepreneurs to Fortune 500 firms, in nearly every business sector, from across the street to around the world (and yes, even Europe, China, and South America). Our goal is to create advertising,  graphic design, website design, and marketing communication that still looks fresh and relevant 10-15 years later. Our mission is to stir your imagination and leave your competition shaken and wondering,  Now what do we do?”  We are located in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

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