Social Media

Personal vs Business Social Media Accounts – Best Practices

June 18, 2024

The Stark Contrast Between Personal and Business Social Media Accounts

As of January 2023, a staggering 4.76 billion people are using social media – that’s a massive 59% of the global population. To put that into perspective, that’s 71 times the size of the entire South African population. While we all enjoy the occasional reconnection with friends and keeping up with our favorite influencers, a small percentage of these users are actually running their businesses on these very same social platforms. And let me tell you, managing a business account is a whole different ballgame compared to a personal one.

According to SmartInsights.com, if you’re still managing your business and personal social media accounts the same way, it’s time for a serious wake-up call. Because the distinctions between the two are as clear as night and day – and if you don’t recognize them, you’re setting yourself up for a world of disappointment.

The Key Differences You Need to Know

Over the years, through extensive research, guidance from my mentors, and a whole lot of trial and error, I’ve gained invaluable insights into the main differences between personal and business social media accounts. And let me tell you, once you understand these distinctions, your entire social media strategy is going to transform.

Goals and Objectives

When it comes to your personal social media account, the primary goal is typically self-expression and intimate communication with your friends and family. But when it comes to your business account, the objectives are much more strategic – think lead generation, brand awareness, and engagement with your target audience.

Audience

Your personal social media audience is usually made up of your closest inner circle – your friends, family, and perhaps a few acquaintances. But your business audience? That’s a whole different beast. You’re talking about both potential and current clients, and you need to specifically tailor your content to their unique needs, interests, and pain points.

Tone and Personality

On your personal social media accounts, you can afford to be a little more casual and let your true personality shine through. But when it comes to your business account, it’s all about maintaining a professional and consistent brand identity. Think of it as putting on your best suit for a big meeting – you want to make a great impression, right?

Posting Frequency

Let’s be real, we all have those friends who post every single thought that pops into their heads. But for a business account, that just won’t cut it. You need to have a regular posting schedule to keep your audience engaged and interested in what you have to say.

Metrics and Analytics

For your personal social media accounts, the number of likes, comments, and followers you have might be a source of pride (or perhaps a bit of envy). But for your business account, those metrics aren’t the be-all and end-all. Instead, you should be laser-focused on things like engagement rates, conversion rates, and return on investment (ROI) – those are the true indicators of your social media success.

Putting it All Together: A Roadmap for Social Media Success

Now that you understand the key differences between personal and business social media accounts, it’s time to put that knowledge into action. At IT Fix, we’ve helped countless businesses in the UK navigate the ever-evolving world of social media, and the results have been nothing short of transformative.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your social media strategy to the next level, remember these golden rules:

Clearly Define Your Goals: Are you aiming to drive more leads, boost brand awareness, or improve customer engagement? Get crystal clear on your objectives, and let that guide every decision you make.
Know Your Audience: Conduct in-depth research to understand your target audience – their pain points, their interests, and their preferred communication channels. Tailor your content accordingly.
Maintain a Professional Tone: Even if you have a naturally quirky personality, remember that your business account needs to exude a polished, consistent brand identity. Save the memes and inside jokes for your personal page.
Post Consistently: Develop a content calendar and stick to it. Consistency is key when it comes to keeping your audience engaged and interested.
Track the Right Metrics: Forget the vanity metrics. Focus on the data that truly matters, like conversion rates and ROI. Use that information to continuously refine and optimize your strategy.