How to Use Social Media to Build a New Brand From the Ground Up

By Ginger Abbot

Operating a successful company doesn’t look the same as it did a decade ago. Now consumers want to follow their favorite brands online. They’ll check their feed for updates on sales, news, and the latest trends. It’s a rich opportunity for entrepreneurs to skyrocket within their industry if they know how to use the internet to their advantage. This guide explains how to use social media to build a brand so you never feel lost while creating your new empire.

 

1. Pick Your Platforms Carefully

There are numerous social media platforms that people use every day. Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are just the start of the digital rabbit hole. TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat are a few of the other sites and apps companies can use to reach their consumers.

Fledgling companies should pick their initial platforms carefully while learning how to build a brand on social media. You’ll have to understand the nuances of each site and post regularly. Creating accounts on too many platforms will likely lead to ignored profiles that don’t help your business.

 

2. Identify Expertise Spotlights

What’s the purpose of your social media presence? Your industry expertise will likely center around sustainability if your brand creates and sells eco-friendly household cleaning products. Your followers will read your posts to learn why going green matters and why your products will help them achieve their sustainable lifestyle goals.

Think about your brand’s specific industry and why you’re an expert at what you do. Spotlight that knowledge within each post to establish credibility and gain trust from your followers.

 

3. Research Your Intended Audience

Getting tons of followers by going viral may seem great until you realize that your new audience of college kids and recent graduates aren’t interested in your retirement investment services. Research your intended audience and tailor each post for them.

It’s one of the most overlooked social media brand tips because entrepreneurs primarily focus on building brand recognition, but that awareness won’t turn into sales if your followers don’t want your products or services.

 

4. Schedule Posts in Advance

Running a successful business doesn’t leave you with much free time. Your social media profiles will require daily attention that you might not be able to spare.

After picking a few platforms, curating post ideas, and identifying your audience, use a social media scheduler app to coordinate when you’ll publish content and how often. Active profiles retain their followers and build consumer relationships more quickly than brands that post sporadically.

5. Consider Your Public Image

As you figure out how to use social media to build a brand, consider your public image. How do you want people to view you or your company? Each post should benefit your public image by showing off your skills, interests, or industry knowledge.

A great public image is a crucial part of existing on social media and operating in the 21st century. Anyone who views your profile will consider it an honest reflection of you and your brand — even college admissions consider an applicant’s personal profiles when reviewing applications. Your social media presence will become a disservice to your brand if it doesn’t actively build and enhance your image.

 

6. Create Unique Content

No one wants to follow a brand that reposts everything or copies popular influencers. They’ll follow you or your business because they like your ideas and content. Ensure that when you post, you’re contributing something new to your followers’ feeds. They’ll appreciate a unique look into your life or industry because they want to know you better.

 

7. Study Trending Hashtags

Anyone who wants to know how to build a brand on social media should also study trending hashtags. Hashtags are how people find your content even when they aren’t actively looking for you. Anything posted with a hashtag will pop up in search results when people look for that hashtag specifically.

 

It’s a crucial part of building a following based on what people want to see or learn about. Instead of lumping 10 or more hashtags at the end of each post, strategize which ones you’ll use by learning about techniques like using relevant topics, trending phrases, or targeted hashtags most popular with your audience.

 

8. Join Professional Digital Groups

Joining a group of your professional peers is one of the social media brand tips that can make the most significant difference in your career. Digital groups post content relevant to your brand-building efforts. You could learn from other entrepreneurs about how to market your products or engage people who might be interested in your industry.

Find these groups within your chosen social media platforms and join them, even if you use your personal account. You’ll benefit from an endless mine of professional knowledge and always stay up-to-date on the next best online strategy for your brand.

 

Build Your New Brand

Now that you know how to use social media to build a new brand from the ground up, get started today! Begin with one or two profiles if you don’t have a marketing team to keep things simple. As you get comfortable with creating content, posting regularly, and building your following, your brand will thrive in the digital world.

 

About the Author

Ginger Abbot is a college and career writer who enjoys helping students and professionals succeed. Read more of her work on her website, Classrooms, where she serves as Editor-in-Chief.

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