One of the challenges that small business owners face is that even once they learn how to interact on social media, they often resist posting.

Create Awareness and Attract Clients

Something causes them to hold back and play small. The problem is that is if you don’t post anything, you just disappear from the social media landscape. Remember, out of sight is out of mind.

Instead, you need to create Top of Mind Awareness (TOMA). And therein lies the challenge. You want to be remembered for the right things. But you have to be careful that you do not overwhelm people with information about your business. Most people will just consider that spam. They will simply ignore it or worse yet will block or unfollow you.

Generate Interest and Drive Engagement

And don’t just spew your opinions and push people away. Otherwise, what’s the point of building your social media network?

So, you have to be clever about what you share so that it adds value, drives engagement and creates a positive association with you.

And remember that you need to change it up from time to time. People get bored quickly. You need to shift your message over time. I post a lot of inspirational messages but also mix it up with humor to keep people engaged.

Think of the way that a magazine has a variety of articles and tidbits of information to keep people interested and coming back. You can use the same strategy.

So, what should you post on social media?

Here are 6 types of content to share on social media:

• Quotes from authors, speakers, and celebrities
• Tips in your area of expertise
• Blog posts (your own and those of others)
• Online videos
• Longer inspirational messages
• Questions

It’s time to step up and play big on social media.

Expand your comfort zone and in the process, you will grow your business online.

Rick Cooper
Online Marketing and Social Media Trainer