Hi, and welcome to today’s episode of Social Tips. I’m answering a question that comes up frequently in my private coaching sessions:

Should I start with a website or social media accounts?

Whether you’re starting a new business or reviving an old one, deciding what to tackle first can be challenging. Should you focus on a website, social media, or maybe even your business name? Let’s dive into this.

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST EPISODE HERE

1. Define Your Goals

The first step is to clarify your business goals. What are you aiming to achieve with your marketing efforts? Think long-term. Where do you want your business to be in five years? Do you envision a certain revenue level, strong brand awareness, or specific product sales?

Once you have a long-term vision, break it down:

• One year from now: What is a reasonable milestone?
• Six months from now: What progress should you aim for?
• One month from now: What short-term goal should you set?
• This week: What immediate steps can you take?

Remember, the key is to start taking action today. Watching this video is your first step!

2. Know Your Audience

Next, consider who you are trying to reach. Your target audience will influence the type of content you create and the platforms you use.

• Younger Audience: Platforms like TikTok or a mobile-friendly website might be ideal.
• Professional Audience: LinkedIn or a well-structured website could be more suitable.

Think about where your audience spends their time and what content they consume.

3. Assess Your Comfort Level

What platforms are you comfortable with? If you use Instagram personally, it might be a good starting point. If you prefer watching videos on YouTube, consider creating content there.

Start with what you know, build a presence, and expand as you become more comfortable.

4. Website vs. Social Media

A website and social media serve different purposes:

• Website: This is your owned space. You control the content, can collect email addresses, showcase your services, and establish credibility through testimonials and blog posts.
• Social Media: Excellent for brand awareness and driving traffic to your website. It’s easier to set up social media accounts compared to building a website.

5. Getting Started

Here’s a step-by-step approach:

• Business Name: Don’t overthink it. Get feedback from friends and family, then decide.
• Social Media: Claim your handles on relevant platforms. Ensure the names are available and consistent.
• Research Websites: Look at leaders in your industry. See what platforms they use and how they present their content. You can often find out if they use Wix, WordPress, or another service.

6. Evaluate and Adjust

If you already have social media accounts or a website, revisit them with fresh eyes. Ensure they clearly convey who you are, what you offer, and how people can contact or purchase from you.

7. Seek Help if Needed

Identify areas where you need assistance, whether it’s social media management, website development, or branding. Reach out to professionals who can help you.

8. Keep It Simple

Start with two manageable tasks. This could be making a list of your goals or researching competitors. The most important thing is to start somewhere and keep moving forward.

Thank you for watching. Remember, the journey to where you want to be begins with a single step. Start today!