Spring Cleaning For Your Social Media - 5 Simple Steps

DETROIT (WWJ) - So, it's that time of year again and while many Americans refer to Spring cleaning of their personal homes, this should by no means stop at the professional front as well.

Jennifer Vickery, a PR Social Media Coach, said keeping social media clean and tidy will help make social media work for you.

"Don't let the weeds grow too long in your social media profile and certainly don't keep your audience waiting. Keep them engaged and you may be surprised as to the real affect social media can have for you and your organization," said Vickery.

Thinking about your social media profile, do you have old information, job history, photos and posts? Then it's time for a spring cleaning.

Here are 5 simple steps you will want to do to stay social media savvy:

1. Go through your e-mails and add the names of contacts to your social media. You can start with LinkedIn. Go straight to that search field and start typing names. Do you collect business cards or have an app that does so for you? Bust this out right now and get going!

2. Go postal! When was the last time you had a social media posting? If it was older than 3 weeks ago, you are in need of spring cleaning. First, write a post about you, your company, positive news, upcoming projects, or something to get the ball rolling. Don't stress too heavily on what to write – just start! Next, whip out your planner and begin writing some broad topics for certain days. Now make sure you post regularly. Our rule of thumb is posting at minimum twice per week for your audience to stay engaged.

3. Spring cleaning still involves cleaning. So, do you have old information on your profile? Maybe you still have a few colleagues or employees who have left your organization and know your social media passwords. Maybe your Facebook Timeline needs some 'sprucing.' Or perhaps you have some comments which you wish to take down all together. This is the time to get this done. You will thank yourself!

4. Team work is great! Too busy to keep your social media tidy? Get some help! Get one or two employees in your organization, come up with a time-table of who will post and when (that way there is not duplicated effort) and make a plan. You might find this to be a fun project for them to be included in and also showcase new talents!

5. Toot your own horn! Do you have your LinkedIn profile link on every signature line of your e-mail? Why not? Let others know that you want to connect. Have you had a great accomplishment and want to share with others? Of course you can share this with social media.