Facebook, Twitter, Flick’r and YouTube are just a few of the top social networking sites that can help you promote your business or brand.  Setting up a profile on these social media sites only takes a few minutes, but there are some essential elements to include on each to make sure you get noticed. 

Providing some basic information in the profile ensures that people have easy access to your website, can recognize your brand or slogan within seconds, and even get in touch with you within a few clicks.  Here are seven things your business must include in your social media profile:

1.   Your website URL.  This one is a no-brainer, but you’ll be surprised to find how many people misspell their own URL or simply forget to include it.  Always look for a place to insert your homepage URL, and if you want to promote a specific page or blog, use a landing page here instead.  Using a landing page URL also makes it easy to track click-through rates from a particular social media platform.

2. Your company slogan.  Use your company slogan alongside your business name whenever possible.  If the social media platform gives you extra space for your name, don’t be afraid to use a dash (-) as a separator, followed by your slogan.  This is a simple and effective way to promote your brand and message.

3. A color photo or logo.  Simple visual cues are an effective branding strategy; use a clear and simple version of your logo as your avatar so that people understand that the post or other social media contribution is coming from you.

4. Use keywords describing your core business.  Whether you’re in the photography industry, Internet marketing or specialize in pet clothing, you’ll want to use key terms and phrases that describe your business in your profile box.  Be creative with your description but use at least 4-5 keywords or keyphrases.

5.  Make the most of tagging.  Many social media platforms such as YouTube and social bookmarking sites allow you to insert tags that contain keywords about your contribution, your business and even your company name.  This makes it easier for people to find your material with simple tag searches.  Make the most of these by selecting choice tags and include at least 5-7 with each contribution.

6. Use a quote.  Come up with a creative quote or saying that resonates with your brand and is relevant to the community at large.  For example, you may choose a particular quote for your Twitter profile, or use a variation of your slogan for your Facebook profile.  Be as creative as possible so that you can stand apart from the crowd.

7. Include contact information.  Whether it’s a phone number or e-mail address, make it easy for people to get in touch with you.  You can set up a separate e-mail address specifically for the social media platform if you want to make it easier to sort and filter incoming messages.

To make the most of your social media networking or marketing, you’ll need to be a regular contributor and provide useful, relevant material to the community.  When people look forward to what you have to say and share, they are much more likely to correspond with you and even promote your work on a regular basis. 

Build your social media profile so that it’s easy to find and start communicating with other people in your network regularly to maximize your presence.