Simplify Your Social Media Strategy for Success

With so many social networks in existence, it can be overwhelming trying to keep up with all of them or to even know which is the most popular at the moment—especially when you already have so much going on as a coach. So, let’s simplify it. You can create a successful social media strategy for your coaching business by remaining mindful of two key factors: consistency and branding.

Consistency

Don’t take on more than you can handle. It is better to be on just one social network with consistent messaging than to be present on many social networks with sparse, inconsistent messaging.

Choose a network that fits your brand and niche. For example, if you are a Life Vision and Enhancement coach with clients who enjoy lots of contact and quick snippets of motivation, then Twitter may be a better option than Facebook or LinkedIn. If you are an Executive or Career Coach, the professional network LinkedIn may make sense. Instagram could be a great choice for you and your clients if your coaching engages visual qualities. Facebook is still the most popular platform for business-to-consumer connections and will most likely prove beneficial to you in any case.

Once you have selected the best social media network for you and your target clients, you will want to begin sharing content on a consistent basis (see “How Often Should I Share?,” at bottom, for recommended frequency). Consider using a social media management tool such as HootSuite or TweetDeck. These tools let you schedule messages in advance, so you can ensure you are sharing content on a consistent basis. You may find it helpful to block off a small chunk of time each week to find and create content. Then, you can upload a week’s worth of messages into the scheduler all at once.

You can also access any account activity via your social media management tool. You should check your social media at least once a day for any messages or comments. Be sure to reply even if it is a simple “thank you.” People who use social media to connect with businesses are looking for an interactive experience. Also, if applicable, reshare or comment on content that your followers share. These actions can help you build a relationship with your followers.

Branding

It’s important to keep the social media profiles for your coaching business in line with your brand. Use your business logo and name so that your profile is easily recognizable to active and potential clients. It’s also best to keep your business profile separate from any personal profiles you may have. (The exception is on LinkedIn, where you should only maintain one profile.) You want to keep content on your coaching practice profile and your LinkedIn profile strictly professional. When you use one profile for both professional and personal purposes, it can confuse your current and prospective contacts and detract from your credibility. If you do want to use just one profile for both professional and personal purposes, be sure to keep all content professional. Avoid sharing your views on polarizing topics, such as politics, or using the network to complain; potential business leads or current clients may be turned off by this type of “sharing.” Once you feel comfortable with your frequency and branding on one social network, consider joining another one. Keep it simple for success.

How Often Should I Share?

Do not feel pressured to share content for the sake of reaching the following numbers. Only share content that is valuable to your followers. If you can’t meet the recommendation, just be sure to be consistent in whatever you do. Also, as a business, do not feel compelled to post on weekends.

Facebook 1-2 times per day
If you post twice a day, it is suggested to space posts apart by approximately 5 hours for optimal reach.

Twitter 4-12 times per day
It is suggested to tweet every 2 hours for optimal reach.

LinkedIn Once per day

Google+ 1-4 times per day

Instagram Once per day