Using social media for business: here's how to do it!

Independent Professionals can make even better business use of social media, thinks social media expert Martijn Holtes. He knows all about using social media for business and tells you how to get more out of your LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter account.

Using social media for business - LinkedIn

LinkedIn is an online social network. The network is aimed at professionals. This is the place where you as a ZP'er can shine. Martijn Holtes:

1: “Describe yourself using words other than: creative, driven and specialized. These terms are often used, so you do not distinguish yourself in this way. Never refer to yourself as the director of your own company. Rather, describe your range of duties, so clients know what to expect from you. Remember: director is not a job description.”

2: “Incorporate your dream job, expertise or ambition six times in your LinkedIn account. That way you make sure the reader can't ignore it.”

3: “If you are looking for a new job, put this in your headline. This way the right people will find you faster and you will stand out more.”

4: “In your summary, put your contact information, such as your phone number and email. If you only put these in your personal information they are not visible to everyone.”

5: “Never just send a friend request to someone you don't know. That way you avoid a network of strangers of little use to you. If you do want to connect with a stranger, see who in your network is friends with that person and ask them to suggest you. You can, however, send a friend request with a message explaining why you want to 'connect.'”

Using social media for business - Twitter

Twitter is a social medium where you can send messages, follow people and respond to each other. You can do all this in 140 characters per message. This Internet service is ideal for getting your company noticed. How do you make sure you become a trending topic?

1: “Always include a photo in your tweet to draw more attention to your message. Just be careful! You can't just pluck a photo from Google. Many photos are copyrighted. You can find photos labeled for reuse on Pixabay.”

2: “Tweet content. In other words, tweet only for a reason. Aimless tweets are worth nothing. Content must be effective and innovative.”

3: “Tweet about current topics and express your opinion. Link your company name to these tweets. This will get you noticed.”

Using social media for business - Facebook

Facebook is a social network that connects friends, colleagues, fellow students and acquaintances. Did you know that it can also be useful in the business field? Facebook currently has more than nine million Dutch members, making your potential reach enormous. How do you get as many people from your target group to follow you on Facebook? Martijn has tips:

1: “Before you set up a business Facebook page, it is important that you first set goals. What exactly do you want to achieve with your business Facebook page? Do you want more online visibility or do you want to promote your services and products? The better you know what you want, the better you can focus on your goal.”

2: “Create a business page and refer to your own business on your personal Facebook page. Provide as much (background) information about your business as possible.”

3: “Target a certain audience and also name them on your page and website.”

4: “Advertise through Facebook. Facebook offers you the opportunity to advertise very specifically. This is because Facebook users share a lot of information with Facebook that you can then use to target your audience.”

5: “Ask all your Facebook friends to like your business page. The more likes the more your business will get attention.

6: “ Put an update on your business Facebook page at least once a day. That way you stay visible every day.”

7: “Choose a business Facebook photo. No vacation or party photos.”