Having run social media training courses for Essex Chambers for the last three years, it’s clear that there is a common thread among small businesses and entrepreneurs in our area.
Everyone understands the power of social media, both for branding and for attracting customers or clients, but having the time or budget to do it is another matter.
It’s rare for a small business to be able to employ a dedicated social media manager, or even afford the monthly retainer for a third party to run its Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and other accounts.
Instead it’s left to a team member, and often the founder or CEO themselves, to post on social media as and when they get a spare moment… which as we know can be very rare.
This can lead to a myriad of problems – including inconsistent posting, a lack of strategy, no real tone or voice, little interaction with those following you and a failure to keep up with the latest trends.
Worst of all are those pages which are busy for a week or two, maybe because a new intern started, and then dead for months on end again.
That’s why we developed a range of short courses – for Essex Chambers of Commerce and also other organisations that help small businesses and charities – to help give those with little time and money the tips and tricks to help.
It’s often said that a little knowledge can go a long way, but in social media that’s especially true.
Knowing what makes a good post for each different social channel, working out a calendar of what’s coming up, chatting to the team to get a consistent tone and voice and then using one of the many tools out there to schedule and cross-post can make your social channels look great without the need to log on every five minutes.