1. Claim your name! Claim your username on all platforms! If someone has your name, add your middle initial, or “official” before/after your name. When a new platform pops up, claim your name even if you’re not sure you’ll use it! Use namecheckr.com to see if your name is available on multiple platforms.
2. Add your headshot! Your profile photo should show what you are most castable as! Don’t use different headshots on different platforms. McDonald’s doesn’t use different logos for different locations. Your logo (headshot) should be the same across platforms.
3. Your photo is your first impression! Headers, cover photos, and channel art should show us the essence of who you are! Use the correct size for each platform. Current sizes (in pixels) are: Twitter header photo (1500 x 500), Facebook cover photo (815 x 315) and YouTube channel art (2560 x 1400).
4. Write your story. A professional bio is your introduction. It expresses your uniqueness and passion and makes us want to follow you! Use career-specific keywords like “actor,” “Model,” or “Speaker”.
5. Add a link to your personal website! If you don’t have a website then claim your name today link to your talent profiles, YouTube channel, or elsewhere, then set up a website right away. Remember your website is home base for all your marketing materials.
6. Add your location! If a platform lets you add a location to your profile, do it. This helps you connect with like-minded people in your area—which could mean more opportunities!
7. Choose your platforms! It’s better to give 1,000 percent creating connections on two platforms than burn out using five! On the platforms, you’ve decided not to use right now, add your profile photos, mention in your bio that you’re not active on the platform, and link them to where they can connect with you.
8. Find your friends! Networking with new people is great, but don’t forget the connections you’ve already made! Connect your email and social media accounts to each platform.
9. Discover new friends. Find new like-minded people by using hashtag searches on Twitter and Instagram, search groups on LinkedIn and Facebook to expand your existing circle of friends.
11. This is really important. Find the “me” in your social media. Successful social media accounts have a distinctive tone, voice, or style. Are you funny? Snarky? Inspiring? Your unique qualities will set you apart from all the other actors online.
12. Create a posting strategy! Decide how often you’ll post. If you already have a social media manager then they will tell you the best time of day to post so you can maximize your engagement and reach!
13. Limit your automation! Avoid using auto direct messages and automatically thanking everyone who follows you. These actions appear insincere, rarely help build your fan base, and may get your accounts suspended. Instead, be aware of the connections you make and respond if it’s appropriate.
14. Set up a system! Checking each platform all day is time-consuming. Using a social media management system like Hootsuite/buffer lets you see multiple social media accounts in one place (including messages, posts, lists, and mentions), saving you hours every week.
15. Be social! Take part in industry Twitter chats, Facebook groups, Linkedin groups, or even Pinterest groups to meet new people in the business! Check your mentions and notifications regularly! Retweet, reply, and react!
If you need help finding your voice, designing your headers, figuring out what to post, or building relationships, let’s chat about setting up a comprehensive social media strategy for you. Hire us today to build a great social media.
