Three Ways to Improve Your Brand through Social

Media Gillian Smith, City Year

Introduction A City Year executive, Gillian Smith has dedicated five years to the

organization. As an expert in brand management and the organization’s chief marketing officer, Gillian Smith helps City Year spread its message about helping students and schools succeed.

Maintaining a solid brand requires knowing how to manage your company’s presence on social media. The following tips can help improve your social media strategy.

1) Engage with people. Whether your company is using Facebook or Twitter, among other platforms, make sure to have a communication strategy. Leverage social media to solicit answers to pertinent questions that can shape the future of your company’s brand and join discussions related to your industry. In addition, respond to comments that warrant an explanation or assistance to show care.

Brand through Social Media

2) Use hashtags. Hashtags act as a search tool, making it easy for people to find content of interest. Attract the right audience by researching relevant words that can be attached to the end of your message. A good way to begin researching is by using Twitter’s search tool. This will give you an idea of popular hashtags that fit your brand and topic. Be cautious, however, of using hashtags that return hundreds of search results. Overly used hashtags can create a challenge of your message not being seen.

3) Encourage employee involvement. According to Social Media Today, employees promoting their companies on social media receive eight times more engagement than brands. For companies struggling to connect with people on social media or those looking to grow their following, use this approach reach a bigger audience. Encourage employees to share and comment on your posts.