On January 15, 2025 Social Media Breakfast kicked off the new year with a great session at Dream Bank in Madison, WI. The session focused on leveraging social media to build meaningful connections was a valuable and engaging experience for all who attended.
Participants gained actionable insights into creating a strong social media presence, fostering authentic engagement, and strategically growing their digital footprint. Regardless of whether they were new to social media or looking to refine their existing strategies, attendees left equipped with tools to positively impact their online efforts in this dynamic and evolving space.
If you weren’t able to join us in person, our sponsor, Live Well Video recorded this event so you can watch in on our Social Media Breakfast Madison Facebook page. Looking for the presentation deck with auditor notes? Check out the More Resources section at the bottom of this page. Sincere thanks to volunteer, Joe for writing the recap of this event.
SPEAKER SPOTLIGHT
Once again, Josh Klemons, founder of Reverbal Communications, brought his expertise and passion to the stage. A seasoned Digital Storyteller and Strategist, Josh has worked with a diverse range of clients, from grassroots organizations to globally recognized brands. With his extensive experience in social media and digital marketing, Josh’s insights empowered attendees to connect authentically, amplify their impact, and thrive in today’s competitive digital landscape.
Social media has emerged as an integral tool for individuals and businesses to connect with their communities, expand their reach, and achieve their goals. However, to truly make the most of these platforms, it requires more than just posting content sporadically. The digital landscape is crowded, and standing out means being intentional and strategic in your approach.
Drawing from the expertise shared during the session and today’s best practices, Josh shared “10 Social Media Tips and Strategies You Should Be Utilizing Today.” Whether you’re a seasoned marketer, a small business owner, or just starting your social media journey, these actionable strategies will help you stay ahead of the curve and make a lasting impact. Let’s explore how you can take your social media presence to the next level!
TIP 1: – OPTIMIZE YOUR ACCOUNTS
To maximize your success on social media, ensure that each platform you are active on is fully optimized. Take the time to evaluate your profiles critically and update them to align with your professional goals and audience needs. Focus on clarity and relevance over flashy details, as users prioritize finding information that directly benefits them.
Optimizations for Social Platforms
- LinkedIn
- Write a clear, concise headline highlighting your expertise.
- Use a professional profile photo and background image.
- Include a well-crafted “About” section that demonstrates how you add value.
- Showcase relevant accomplishments and experiences in your work history.
- Twitter
- Use a handle that aligns with your personal or professional brand.
- Add a sharp bio that summarizes who you are and what you do.
- Pin a tweet that showcases your expertise or a key accomplishment.
- Instagram (if applicable professionally)
- Use a business profile for added analytics and features.
- Ensure your bio clearly states your value or services.
- Use highlights to organize key content for visitors.
- Facebook (for professional or business pages)
- Complete all sections of your profile or page, including contact info.
- Use a recognizable profile picture and cover photo.
- Post content that aligns with your mission or services regularly.
By tailoring your profiles to meet platform-specific strengths, you ensure that your audience can quickly and effectively understand who you are and how you can help them.
TIP 2: – TAG AND RECOGNIZE PARTNERS
It is important to tag and recognize your partners on social media. Tagging ensures that the individuals or organizations you reference are notified and can engage with your content. It’s a simple yet impactful way to acknowledge contributions and foster connections. Each platform has specific methods for tagging, such as using the “@” symbol followed by selecting the correct profile outlined in bold or blue. Without proper tagging, the intended parties might never see your mention.
TIP 3: CROSSPOST, DON’T AUTOPOST
Reusing content across platforms is a great way to maximize your efforts, but avoid auto-posting, as it can lead to errors like missing tags. Instead, cross-post by tailoring your content specifically for each platform to ensure it performs effectively and reaches the right audience.
TIP 4: SHORT FORM VIDEO IS KING
Short-form video content is highly effective and favored by platforms. Create engaging videos with strong hooks, keeping them concise and authentic. Focus on content like industry updates, relevant news, how-tos, testimonials, or personal stories. Prioritize quality over perfection—ensure good lighting and edit videos using tools like iMovie, Canva, or AI-based options. Avoid linking out excessively, as platforms may deprioritize such posts.
TIP 5: LINKS ARE AN ENGAGEMENT KILLER
Avoid using links directly in your posts, as platforms deprioritize them to maintain engagement within their ecosystem. Instead, focus on alternative methods such as videos, images, screenshots, or creative content like memes and GIFs. Share insights or takeaways without including a link, or incorporate the link subtly within the post text or accompanying media.
TIP 6: ENGAGE, ENGAGE, ENGAGE
Encourage meaningful interaction on social media by actively engaging with your audience. Ask thoughtful questions, reply to comments, and create opportunities for conversation to build a strong and connected community.
TIP 7: DEVELOP OWNED PROPERTIES
Social media is a rented space, so it’s crucial to direct your audience to platforms you own, such as newsletters, blogs, podcasts, or communities. Use lead generation tools or share valuable expertise to build a loyal following and strengthen your independent digital presence.
TIP 8: BLOG
Blogging is a powerful tool for boosting SEO and establishing authority in your field. By joining the top 1% of creators, you can create influential, valuable content that bridges your social media and website. Helpful, actionable posts, like guides, not only engage your audience but also seamlessly integrate calls to action that drive sales and build trust.
TIP 9: LEARN FROM ANALYTICS
Analytics provide valuable insights into your audience’s preferences and engagement. By analyzing metrics, you can determine what content resonates most and refine your strategy. While analytics won’t provide direct answers, they guide you in asking the right questions to enhance your performance and create impactful content.
TIP 10: REMEMBER WHO THE HERO IS
Your audience is the hero, not you. Focus on their needs, interests, and aspirations rather than solely promoting your organization. Be a voice that champions their stories and priorities.
SPONSORS:
- DreamBank
- Serendipity Labs
- Melissa Carlson Creative
- VEDUB Media | Bryant Vander Weerd
- Live Well Video
- Suttle-Straus
- Talent CPA
RESOURCES:
- Photo Recap of the event
- Link to Presentation Deck
- Video Recap