SOURCES: BUFFER, CEO.COM, DOMO, G&S BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONS, HARRIS POLL, HARVARD BUSINESS REVIEW, KISSMETRICS, KRC RESEARCH, MCKINSEY, TRACK SOCIAL, WEBER SHANDWICK.

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�ings Every CEO Should Do to Succeed on Social Media

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Despite the ever-increasing importance of social media in consumers’ lives, many chief executives remain hesitant to dive in completely. �is is a huge mistake; engaging on social networks can have a huge payoff.

A survey of senior managers found that 76% believe it's a good idea for theirCEO to be on social media. Why?

75% say it gives the company a human face

78% say it has a positive impact on the company’s reputation

80% say it’s a good way of sharing news

69% say it makes the company a more attractive place to work

70% say it has a positive impact on business results

If you’re a leader who’s hesitated to make the leap, the time to fully engage is now.NOW

1. Start with LinkedIn

LinkedIn is, by far, their most popular social network.

CEOs

of Fortune 500 CEOs have active LinkedIn accounts32% of CEOs who are active on just one

social network are on LinkedIn70%

�is popularity is due to the power of the platform; the network is a hub for co-workers, press, peers, customers, and future employees. �at’s why it should be the first focus of every CEO.

To make the most of LinkedIn, it’s important to:

Get a good headshot and include your full work history

Solicit endorsements, include press mentions, and add skills

Regularly like, comment, and reshare others’ content

2. Pick a few other platforms—and stick with it

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It’s essential to engage on social media beyond LinkedIn. Why? Because other platforms offer access to vastly different audiences, as well as other methods of communicating.

2 post toYouTube

post publiclyto Twitter

57 are activeon Facebook

So how do you pick which additional networks to engage on?

LOOK AT YOUR GOALS AND COMFORT LEVEL

Examine demographics: Networks differ widely in age, gender, and geo breakdowns

�ink about behavior:Consumers use different platforms for very different reasons

Decide on visual vs. text: Use the networks that suit your preferred communication style

Remember response time: On platforms like Twitter, you’re expected to react quicker

EXPERIMENT TO FIND THE RIGHT FREQUENCY AND CONTENT

Generally, it’s betterto post more than less; it keeps audiences engaged

It’s okay to reuse content across different networks and repost pieces

Reposting

other people’s content can go a very long way

3. Don’t be dull

Many CEOs come across as unengaging on social media, despite being warm and

dynamic in person. To avoid coming across as bland, have a hand in your posts

and stay relatable

56% of senior managers think it’s risky for CEOs to participate in social media

CEOs can’t post every piece, but they should see everything

You don’t have to be controversial, but it’s okay to share bold ideas

Don’t worry about perfection; focus on coming across as yourselfEnsure that your

opinions and personality aren’t lost in posts

Social networks give CEOs the chance to put forth ideas, understand issues, and connect with people deeply. �at’s an incredible opportunity that,

if tackled well, can benefit both the business and the individual immensely.

OF THE FORTUNE 500 CEOs ON SOCIAL MEDIA