I was chatting with a client about Social Media Platforms and their profiles on each of these. Granted, Based on this conversation, I am sharing some initial steps/processes/starting points for getting started (or revising) your social media profiles.

Follow these steps to set up your social media profiles in a professional manner.

Select your username

Ideally, this will be your name. Do not select something you like, such as TulipGirl197. Use your full name. Your username typically is also the URL of your social profile. Ideally, you want to keep your username the same across all the social networks. For Facebook, set up a professional page, not just a personal profile. So, for example, your Facebook page username should be Facebook.com/paul.taubman.

Select a secure password

Ideally, this password should be a combination of numbers, letters, and symbols that are impossible for anyone to guess. Don’t use an easily guessable password such as your last name or your birthday.

Upload a professional headshot

Hire a photographer to take your headshot and ensure that it’s professional-looking. Don’t use an illustration, graphic, landscape, or family photo as the headshot.

Upload a cover photo

Your cover photo is the landscape photo that sits behind your profile photo. If possible, include your slogan that describes what your brand is about on the cover photo. Canva is a great tool that makes it really easy to add text to photos.On Facebook, you can also upload a video in place of your cover photo. This could be an opportunity for you to talk about your brand and the specific ways that you help people.

Upload a channel trailer (YouTube)

A channel trailer is a brief video that explains what your channel is all about. Again, this is a great place to talk about your brand and how you help people. Also, talk about what people can expect to get from your channel.

Thoroughly fill out your “About”

Include website links and your bio. You should also include your Unique Service Proposition. Talk about your brand and specifically how you help people. Also, if you have space (it depends on the social network), tell the story of your business and how you arrived at where you currently are.

Enter all your contact information

This should include your business email (not personal), website, business phone number, business address, and links to any other social media profiles that you have.

Enter your resume (LinkedIn)

Enter all the dates of your previous jobs, as well as the job you currently have. Also, enter your education, as well as any awards that you have received. Also, if you’ve been published in any high-profile outlets, remember to add those as well. This is your place to show off.

Enable two-factor authentication to keep your profile safe

Two-factor authentication requires two different factors, such as a password and a pin from a text message, in order to login. Enabling two-factor authentication keeps your profile from being hijacked by hackers.

Adjust your privacy settings so that everyone can see your account

Because your goal is to build your brand, you want as many people as possible to be able to see your account. Don’t keep it set to private. Allow anyone to see your profile and posts.