If you have ever ventured into the world of online dating then you know how crazy and time consuming it can be. Sifting through the profiles and bios, trying to discover your authentic mate to date. You view the photos and written content, sorting out fact from fiction, never mind grammar and spelling. It can prove to be amusing and confusing.

Your social media presence should follow similar rules and etiquette if you want to meet your match. Your best client. Colleague. Business partner. Co-collaborator or even a mentor.

Make sure your bio represents the REAL you and your company. If you are on several social channels, ensure the same branding otherwise you will create confusion as to who you are, what products and services your business offers and who you serve.

Spelling and grammar do count. If you want to attract the best and be seen as a business professional, then take the time to proofread every piece of content. Don’t depend on spell-check. It isn’t human and certainly doesn’t catch all of the errors.

Every bit of correspondence is a reflection of you, your expertise, your brand, customer service and interest. Choose your subject lines carefully, respond in a timely manner, include methods of contact and again, spelling and grammar cannot be overlooked. There are no shortcuts.

Maintain professionalism on your platforms. Abstain from inappropriate images, content or any other verbiage that may portray you in a less than desirable manner. While each social network has its audience and voice, you still should tailor your speech and photos. You don’t always know who will be watching or searching for you.

93% of online research starts with a search engine, and 68% of consumers check out companies on social networking sites before buying. Brandpoint

Don’t try to be someone or something you are not.  Authenticity, honesty, integrity will help your brand and help to define you as a thought leader. Be credible.

Your online reputation will live in the depths of the virtual world for eternity. Don’t stand on pretense and false bravado. Be real.

97% of all consumers search for local businesses online. Relevanza

Upload professional images- fully clothed, nothing risque. No spinach in your teeth either. Just not advisable.

Engage in direct and straightforward communications. People can smell BS!!

Respond in a timely manner.

71% of consumers receiving a quick brand response on social media say they would likely recommend that brand to others. (Forbes)

Immediately troubleshoot any issues.

Using Twitter for social media? Great idea, but you’d better be listening. 81% of Twitter users expect a same-day response to questions and complaints aimed at brands. (Forbes)

Don’t simply depend on email or texting. Nurture your relationships via phone or SKYPE.

Do not email incessantly trying to sell yourself, your products or services. It is overkill and very unattractive. It takes time to build a foundation, rapport and relationship.  If you are pestering people, or constantly blowing your own horn, you will need another dating service. Ease up. Breathe. Be the person YOU would want to do business with.

The top five social networks used by B2B marketers to distribute content are LinkedIn (83%), Twitter (80%), Facebook (80%), YouTube (61%) and Google+ (39%). (Social Media Today)

78% of small businesses attract new customers through social media. (Relevanza)

Blogs convert readers into buyers. 42% of consumers look to blogs for information about potential purchases; 52% say blogs have impacted their purchase decisions; and 57% of marketers have acquired new customers with their blogs. (leaderswest Digital Marketing Journal)

Social media has a 100% higher lead-to-close rate than outbound marketing.  (HubSpot’s State of Inbound Marketing)

Keeping all these social media stats in mind, you can understand the vital importance of maintaining consistency, cross branding and professionalism. Social media is a fabulous tool to build brand recognition, establish credibility, create long-lasting relationships and scale your business, but it takes time, thought, planning and a little creativity.