Unique Gloucestershire March 2016

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Social Media
Making the right first impression
We all know there’s only one chance to make a good first impression.
In the real-world we’re likely to pay real attention to first impressions, for example
in the way we dress for a job interview, a presentation or a first date - however,
online we’re often a little, well, lazier.
Google yourself
Go on, search for yourself – what do you see
in the results listings? We all use search - for
people, for companies, for products and
services. We all make a decision based on the
information we find – whether that’s from
friends and family, or from Google, Facebook,
Twitter or LinkedIn etc
description) you need to clarify what you and your account are all about – the
who, what, where, why and when. Keep it real with sensible usernames (Twitter)
and claim your own URL (LinkedIn and Facebook).
Check your settings
Take some time to go through the privacy settings on each social media tool – and
do this regularly.
Make sure you know what information is visible for all to see, and don’t include
any personal information you want hidden. For
example, can your friends tag you in Facebook
photos, can your LinkedIn network see all of
your business connections?
Also ensure that you monitor your social media
profiles – what goes on social media is public,
and searchable, so you need to manage what
people can see, and what they can’t. If you’re in any doubt – don’t say it online. If
you wouldn’t wear it on a t-shirt or say it face-fo-face, then don’t post.
Are you happy with the links that appear when
someone searches for you, or your business? If not, it’s time to take action…
Audit your online profiles
On social media, you have even less time to make an
impact than if you were meeting in person. It’s like a ten
second job interview.
Whether you’re an individual or a business, the images
and words on your social profiles matter. Your profile
photo not only appears beside your name and activity
on each channel. It can also appear on a Google image
search – so make sure it’s professional! A good head and
shoulder shot, looking at the camera. A smile would be
nice too!
Cover/background images are equally important since
they’re the largest visual a visitor will see. Make sure the
images you use are good quality, and again ensure you’re
giving out the right impression.
In the short space of a bio (160 characters on Twitter, 120 characters for your
LinkedIn headline and 155 characters that show up on your Facebook ‘About’
You never know when people are going to be searching for you, or your business –
so take some time to make sure the information is relevant, always up-to-date and
provides a great first impression.
Stay in control of your online
presence and make it sure it’s
telling the story you want it to.
If you need help with your social
media profile, contact me via
www.luanwise.co.uk
Email: sayhello@luanwise.co.uk
Call me on: 0845 519 8288 / 07738 122817
Book a call/meeting: https://luanwise.youcanbook.me/
Follow me on Twitter: @luanwise
Connect with me on LinkedIn: http://uk.linkedin.com/in/luanwise
Visit my website: www.luanwise.co.uk