6 Social Media Platforms, Tons of Tips From Print and Promo Pros

Social media can be overwhelming. It can also be time-consuming—for anyone using it for business, but especially if you're a small shop trying to do it all with limited staff. Yet, if used correctly, social media is a powerful tool with real business benefits: reaching wider audiences, getting in front of prospects, etc.
That's why we asked six industry social media pros to give us their best tips and tricks for six social media platforms. We assembled their responses into the second installment of our Ultimate Guide to Social Media, to give distributors access to proven social strategies, ideas and information specific to our industry.
The guide features easy-to-browse sections on:
- Facebook — from Gloria Lafont of Action Marketing
- LinkedIn — from Jeremy Picker of AMB3R Creative
- TikTok — from Javier Melendez of Walker-Clay Inc.
- Instagram — from Taylor Borst of American Solutions for Business
- YouTube — from Nick Lateur of HPG Brands
- Twitter — from the team at Maple Ridge Farms
These experts shared their real-life, award-winning experience in these channels, to help distributors start crushing it (or just get started) on social media. Here's a few sample tips from the guide:
Understand that this is not a standalone solution. It’s a content distribution channel for the most part, so you need a strategy. Create content that communicates that you understand your clients’ needs, challenges and frustrations, and how you have the solutions. Create consistent-looking visuals that differentiate your business and help people recognize it. Do short videos to share tips, product ideas, etc. These types of posts are the most effective to expand your reach and generate engagement. Post consistently and frequently, and share the content you post on your business page on your personal page and in business groups. – Gloria Lafont
Don’t expect too much from your business profile on LinkedIn. People want to engage with people, not businesses. So this is where the people on your team and in leadership need to lead the way. Everyone in your company can lend their experience and expertise in all areas, which will bring visibility to your company. It also helps them build their personal voice. I have seen many leaders be selfish and try to dictate what their employees post, but this will backfire. Let their personality come through even it doesn’t suit your business voice. More views to them, more views to your company. – Jeremy Picker
YouTube
Content is king, but attracting new viewers and subscribers is the most important thing. A big tip (that may seem obvious) for improving your channel is creating an attractive thumbnail image and video title. Think of it as a product storyboard you are sending to a client. It must have clear intent and give the recipient the right information. If the title and the video thumbnail are appealing, you will get bites. Tip: Define the target audience in the title and have a tinge of mystery or intrigue (for example: “5 Reasons Promotional Products Changed My Life”). – Nick Lateur
Check out the full Ultimate Guide to Social Media for much more.