If you’re started on a new social media platform or looking to update your existing one, here are nine tips to help you maximize your profile strength.
- Display your name (or pseudonym).
- Create an easy-to-type user name and URL (sometimes it’s not your name), e.g., on Twitter, Penheel Marketing isn’t @PenheelMarketing, but @Penheel. It’s shorter and the brand name.
- Profile Picture (different size on each platform). See this cheat sheet.
- A link to your most relevant web page (tip: use a vanity shortened URL to keep it short).
- Bio (on LinkedIn this can be 2,000 characters – gak!) The first 160 characters (not words) are the most important for search engine results. Put the most important content near the beginning.
- Include interests/specialties to help increase engagement and searchability. Hashtags are good here.
- Add a background or cover image — great for Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube. See this cheat sheet.**
- Review the privacy settings.
- Add profile links to your website, email signature, and e-business card.
Bonus Tip:
Looking to spruce up your tired profile? Here are 25 templates from Hootsuite to help take your profile to the next level.
** The background image for LinkedIn on this page is incorrect. For 2020, it should be 1584 x 396 px.
Looking for more social media tips? We have a ton of them. View our social media blog articles for small business owners.
