The power and dominance of social media has website operators in all fields changing their practices. Pay-per-click advertising and search engine optimization practices are still viable strategies for driving traffic, but social media opens a third vector the rivals these two pillars of traffic generation. The key to succeed with social media is to gather more followers; here are a few tips on gaining followers on social media platforms.

Focus on branding

Too often, those who use social media to generate traffic fail to pay sufficient attention to the look of their properties. Social media platforms are fairly restrictive, but profile pictures and introductory text can be used to great effect. Take time to develop a profile picture that looks great at a small size and on mobile devices, and, if the page is for a business, do not be afraid to create a modified logo if your current one does not work at a small size.

Create new website content

Companies sometimes have trouble both gaining followers and persuading followers to check out the website. One technique to consider is creating new content on the website to entice visitors to stop by. The website for a business that sells ERP software, for example, could create a profile for Charles E Phillips or other heavyweights in the ERP world to share on social media pages. Those who are not following the account may check out the page, and current followers may use the link as their first introduction to the website.

Interact with users on a personal level

Those who manage social media properties sometimes view social media pages as a form of free advertising; this strategy, however, fails to take advantage of the “social” portion of the name social media. The platform is designed to facilitate communication. Encourage followers to post questions on your page, and be prompt and friendly with answers.

Those who are not currently following the profile who view this interaction will be more likely to follow. This interaction is also a key to fight against the stagnation that afflicts many social media properties.

Be informative and funny

One of the keys to gain more followers on social media platforms is to encourage you current followers’ friends to follow you or your company. To accomplish this, you must get your name on the pages of your followers, and this can be best accomplished by creating informative or funny articles or graphics.

Many are too conservative with their social media properties and fail to take the bold steps necessary to have a impact with their postings. The ultimate goal is to create viral material. Viral postings spread across social media platforms and are eventually seen by millions of users. Predicting what material will go viral is impossible, but the results are worth the effort.

Experts agree that social media will remain a dominant force in Internet activity, and the attention and traffic it can generate may surpass traditional SEO practices and advertising platforms. By creating you page early, you can put yourself in a position to capitalize on social media as it continues to grow.

Originally Posted on leonspencer.com.