You would never think to go to a networking event without business cards.

Would you? 

Then it makes absolute sense to take advantage of your profile, and tell your audience what you are all about.

Completing your bio is an essential foundation for setting up your social media account, and should accurately portray your current position, skills, experience, etc. Updating your profile is smart in many ways. By not upgrading your bio, it gives an indication that you and your business are not growing and probably will not fill the needs of your prospects.

Your social media profile and header answer a number of questions. The new visitor to your page is looking to determine if you are follow worthy, and if you can solve their problems.  Those questions are fired off in the heads of the reader within a couple of seconds.

The Questions . . .

Who Are You?

People are looking to connect with people, so your bio should tell us your name. This should be common sense, but you’d be surprised on how many accounts do not include their name.

It is best to use your preferred name and use that same name across all of your social networks. Consistency is vital. Your connections will be looking for ‘you’ in their other accounts. Using ‘Joe’ on one, and ‘Joseph’ or ‘Joey’ on others will confuse them, and a confused mind never buys.
They will click away from your page.

People with common first and last names must make sure that they have unique differentiations in their bio and header. Also, a photo is absolutely essential, so people can pick you out of a lineup of Joe Millers.

Businesses need to be clear in separating the many accounts they may have for departments or branches with distinctions.  An example: Best Buy has separate accounts. Their main account, Canada, Support, News, Deals and CSR.

What Do You Do?  

This is an opportunity to share your skills and interests with your audience. With LinkedIn and Facebook you have more opportunities to highlight accomplishments, affiliations, employers and to include a resume.

Twitter is unique in that your profile is limited to 160 characters. It is vital to be as succinct as possible.  Brevity will become your best friend on Twitter, so eliminate non-essentials words. Focus on using key words. People may be looking for solutions you can provide. Twitter bios and tweets are searchable. You’re going to want to be found by people you can provide services to.

The headers on all social sites are essentially a billboard to graciously grab the attention of the visitor.  Be certain to convey how you can help them, and how they can connect with you.

People are primarily online for the purpose of answering questions and solving problems. By paying attention to these 2 Essential Questions, you will attract more followers, expand your reach and generate new traffic to your website.

If you would like to connect with Gary, or to learn more about his programs, drop him an email: Gary@garyloper.com or reply to this blog.