Introduction

Social media has become an indispensable tool for businesses around the world, and Nigeria is no exception. With a growing number of internet users and a significant portion of the population engaging on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (X), and LinkedIn, businesses can leverage these platforms to reach a wider audience, engage with customers, and drive sales.

Many Nigerians are already taking advantage of the platforms mentioned, but most people use these apps mainly for passing time. When you're just starting out, there's no need to hire a social media manager to build engagement. You can set up a structured approach for your business, similar to how you manage your personal account for casual use.

You already spend a lot on data, so engage more with your business when you're online and act as your own marketing manager to start. Nobody can tell your story better than you can. There are plenty of tools to help you along the way. As long as you're willing, you can succeed. Here are some platform-specific tips to get you started:

Platform-Specific Strategies

1. Facebook
   • Creating a Business Page:
     • Ensure your page includes essential information: business name, address, contact details, and a clear description of your products or services.
     • Use high-quality images for your profile picture and cover photo that reflect your brand.
   • Utilizing Facebook Ads:
     • Create targeted ad campaigns based on demographics, interests, and behaviors.
     • Use custom audiences to retarget previous visitors or engage with lookalike audiences.
     • Monitor ad performance with Facebook Ads Manager to optimize campaigns.
   • Engaging with Followers:
     • Post regularly and vary content types (text updates, images, videos, links).
     • Respond to comments and messages promptly to show customer care.
     • Use Facebook Live for real-time engagement, such as Q&A sessions or product launches.
2. Instagram
   • Professional Instagram Account:
     • Switch to a business profile for access to analytics and advertising features.
     • Complete your bio with a clear description, contact information, and a link to your website.
   • Visual Content and Storytelling:
     • Focus on high-quality images and videos that align with your brand aesthetics.
     • Use captions to tell stories, share behind-the-scenes content, and humanize your brand.
   • Instagram Stories and IGTV:
     • Post stories daily to keep your audience engaged with ephemeral content.
     • Use IGTV for longer video content, such as tutorials, interviews, or product reviews.
   • Hashtags and Collaborations:
     • Research and use relevant hashtags to increase discoverability.
     • Collaborate with influencers or other brands for wider reach.
3. Twitter
   • Building a Presence:
     • Tweet regularly with a mix of promotional, informative, and engaging content.
     • Use Twitter Lists to organize and monitor key accounts and influencers.
   • Customer Service:
     • Monitor mentions and direct messages for customer inquiries or feedback.
     • Respond promptly and professionally to build a reputation for excellent customer service.
   • Trending Topics and Twitter Chats:
     • Participate in trending conversations relevant to your industry.
     • Join or host Twitter chats to engage with a community around specific topics.
4. LinkedIn
   • Professional Page:
     • Create a complete and polished company page with a compelling overview.
     • Post regularly with industry insights, company news, and job opportunities.
   • Networking:
     • Connect with industry professionals and potential clients.
     • Participate in LinkedIn groups related to your industry.
   • Sharing Insights:
     • Publish articles on LinkedIn to establish thought leadership.
     • Share case studies, white papers, and other valuable content.

Next time, we will dive into content strategies and some tools that would be of help along the way.