How to create your business social media profiles

Ready to meet your customers? Let's get social!

Setting up social media for your new business is one of the most exciting steps. It’s where your brand comes to life and where you can start building a community of loyal customers before you’ve even made your first sale. Think of it as opening your digital front door – this guide will help you make a brilliant first impression.

First things first: Where should you be?

The biggest mistake new business owners make is trying to be everywhere at once. The key isn't to be on every platform, but to be on the right platforms – the ones where your ideal customers are already spending their time. You've already done the groundwork by researching your target market, so now it's time to use that knowledge.

Here’s a quick rundown of the main players in the UK:

• Instagram: Perfect for visual businesses. If you sell products, food, art, or offer a service with a strong visual element (like a personal trainer or interior designer), this is for you.
• Facebook: Still a powerhouse, especially for reaching a broad range of ages. It's fantastic for local businesses, building communities through groups, and running targeted ads.
• LinkedIn: The home of business-to-business (B2B). If your customers are other businesses or professionals, you need to be here. It’s all about networking and establishing your expertise.
• TikTok: The king of short-form video. Great for reaching younger audiences, showing off your brand's personality, and jumping on trends. Don't dismiss it as just for dancing!
• X (formerly Twitter): Best for real-time updates, news, and joining conversations. It’s a great tool for quick customer service interactions and connecting with journalists or industry leaders.

Top Tip: Start with one or two platforms. Get comfortable, build a small following, and understand what works. You can always add more later. It's better to be great on one platform than average on five.

Your step-by-step guide to a perfect profile

Once you’ve chosen your platform(s), it’s time to set up your profile. Your goal is to look professional, trustworthy, and interesting from the moment someone lands on your page. Remember the work you did on your brand's look and feel? Now's the time to use it!

1. Secure Your Username: This is your digital address. Aim for your exact business name. If it's taken, try adding a simple suffix like "UK" or "Co" (e.g., @yourbusinessuk). Keep it consistent across all platforms if you can.
2. Upload Your Profile Picture & Banner: Your profile picture should almost always be your logo. For the banner or cover image, use a high-quality photo that shows off your product, your workspace, or the feeling you want your brand to create.
3. Write a Killer Bio: You only have a few seconds to grab someone's attention. Your bio should instantly tell them:
   • What you do.
   • Who you do it for.
   • What makes you special.

   And don't forget a call to action! Add a link to your website, Etsy shop, or mailing list.

4. Fill in Every Detail: Don't skip the contact information, location, or opening hours sections. A complete profile looks more credible and makes it easier for customers to do business with you.

What on earth do I post first?

An empty profile feels like an empty shop. Before you start inviting people to follow you, it’s a great idea to have a handful of posts already live. This shows people what to expect and gives them something to engage with right away.

Aim for 5-9 initial posts. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• The "Hello World": Introduce your business and your mission.
• Behind the Scenes: Show a picture of your workspace, you working on a product, or your organised toolkit. People love seeing the human side of a business.
• The Problem Solver: Post about the problem your business solves for its customers.
• Showcase a Product/Service: A beautiful photo or video of what you offer.
• Ask a Question: Get the conversation started by asking your future followers a question related to your industry.

Final tips for social media success

• Be Consistent: You don't need to post every day, but creating a regular rhythm helps your audience know when to expect content from you.
• Engage, Don't Just Broadcast: Social media is a two-way street. Reply to comments, answer questions, and engage with other accounts in your niche.
• Value First, Sales Second: Follow the 80/20 rule. 80% of your content should be helpful, entertaining, or interesting, and only 20% should be a direct sales pitch.

You're now ready to open your digital doors. Getting your social media profiles set up is a huge step towards building your brand and finding your first customers. Well done!