Tips on Social Media

In today’s fast-paced world, social media has become an essential tool for contemporary businesspeople, showing the work they do and what their business is about. As an interior designer passionate about creating practical interiors and recommending quality products, I’ve found social media to be a platform that not only allows me to share my expertise but also opens a two-way dialogue with my audience.

One of the aspects I value most about social media is the interaction I receive on my posts. Every comment, like, or share adds to the vibrancy of the conversation. These interactions help me understand the tone and direction my audience is most interested in, guiding me toward creating content that resonates. Whether it's advice on renovations, tips for designing welcoming spaces, or recommendations for products I trust, the feedback always shapes my future posts.

That said, I believe it’s important to stress the value of good manners in these exchanges. While I welcome constructive criticism and thoughtful debate, it’s essential that these remain respectful. Constructive comments help me grow and refine my content, while negativity for its own sake serves no purpose. Let's keep the conversation productive and kind, fostering an environment where ideas and inspiration can thrive.

I also believe in absolute clarity when discussing products on my social media channels. If a post involves a paid collaboration with a brand or product, I always make that clear to my audience or at least tag it as a #collaboration. If not, I only ever feature products that I have personally used and genuinely believe my audience should know about. My first goal is to maintain integrity and ensure my followers they can trust my honesty about the tips I share.

It also has to be said that nowadays the algorithm tends to promote posts based on viewership and engagement rather than necessarily the quality of the content. It can therefore be quite frustrating to put so much thought and effort into creating valuable content, only to see it not reach the expected audience. But I’d rather know that our content is good and genuinely appreciated by fewer people than chase high numbers through content that does nothing to support my professional credibility...

For those looking to build their presence on social media, here are my tips:

Three quick tips that work well for me

1. Create Informative and Relevant Content - Your audience wants to learn something new or gain insight from your posts. Ensure your content addresses their needs and interests.

2. Get to the Point Quickly - Attention spans on social media are short. Make your message clear and concise - capture their interest from the very beginning, before they scroll away.

3. Make It Entertaining - Whether through engaging visuals, a touch of humour, or an intriguing narrative, ensure your content is enjoyable to watch. People are far more likely to engage with something that’s fun and interesting.

Three Don'ts about Professional Social Media

1. Avoid Posting Private Images Unless They're Relevant - While a touch of personality can make your brand more relatable, sharing personal images that lack relevance to your professional message can dilute your brand’s focus.

2. Don’t Overwhelm Your Audience with Too Many Posts - Posting too frequently can quickly turn followers off. While consistency is important, overposting can feel spammy, causing audiences to disengage or unfollow.

3. Avoid Lengthy Videos Unless Packed with Relevant Information - In the fast-paced world of social media, long-form reels or videos can be a turn-off unless every second is engaging and delivers value. If the content drags or includes unnecessary filler, viewers are likely to scroll past before coming to its end.

But there's more to Social media than just numbers, it’s about creating a meaningful dialogue, building relationships, and sharing the heart of our business with an engaged audience. When done right, it becomes a working tool - a stage where our expertise shines and the audience feels seen, valued, and inspired.

So, remember: every post is a message, every comment is a conversation, and every like is a little nod of appreciation. Keep your content relevant, your tone authentic, and your audience at the forefront of your strategy. Social media is a powerful tool when used wisely and it can truly help elevate both personal brands and large businesses to new heights.

Have fun with it :)

James Treble is an ambassador for Planet Ark and firmly believes in sensible purchasing, recycling and creative re-purposing. James has three decades of accumulated experience in the Building Industry, Real Estate and Interior Design and regularly shares his knowledge and experience in adding value to properties through effective design & styling. Watch his free videos on YouTube, and follow him on Facebook and Instagram for more free information. More of James' knowledge is now accessible via Practical Design Online Course.