Social Media Secrets: Learn Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest and LinkedIn Tips from the Experts

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Whether you have a business coach or you learn by reading industry books and blogs, you can learn a lot from so-called experts in your field or other popular bloggers, writers and speakers that share a wealth of knowledge.

I’ve found several folks that excel in one social media network or another and I’ve found a common theme.

More often than not, those well-known in the social media industry seem to focus on one thing first.

In this case, these entrepreneurs I follow have placed a laser-sharp focus on one social network before branching out to others.

I think this is great advice! Overwhelmed with social media? Focus on one network or platform before tackling another. (Tweet this.)

Depending on what you’re interested in at the moment — or what you need to focus on in your business (i.e. the best social media network for your target market) — check out my following suggestions.

• Amy Porterfield on Facebook – Co-author of Facebook Marketing All-In-One for Dummies, Amy is a a social media strategist and trainer most know for Facebook marketing tips and trainings.
  Follow Amy Porterfield on Twitter
• James Wedmore on YouTube – A passionate marketer and entrepreneur dedicated to inspiring others, James has built quite a business with YouTube. James knows all about video marketing and YouTube.
  Follow James Wedmore on Twitter
• Melanie Duncan on Pinterest – A serial entrepreneuress and Pinterest marketing expert, Melanie teaches others how to grow their online businesses. Melanie knows all about the “power of pinning.”
  Follow Melanie Duncan on Twitter
• Lewis Howes on LinkedIn – A former pro athlete & 2 sport All-American, Lewis knows sports AND business. I know him best for his LinkedIn marketing tips and trainings.
  Follow Lewis Howes on Twitter

Another thing I appreciate as a designer and a big fan of branding? All of these four folks have an impressive personal brand. And each has her/his own unique style to match.

I’m guessing all four have hired designers for assistance … Or have a keen eye for design themselves.

But I’m disappointed.

At the time of this writing, all four of these smart cookies (what I would call experts in her/his field) have overlooked one simple thing.

Not one of the fine folks in this group has a unique Twitter profile header image.

I’m serious. Check this out:

Now, I’m not knocking them. They are killing it on other platforms. Maybe they don’t use Twitter as much and that’s okay. I’m not expert (on any platform) … Hey, I just hit 1,000 Twitter followers recently and was happy about that!

But I believe branding is important and you should customize the design (and words, typography and other content, etc.) to match your brand whenever you can.

Why You Need a Unique Twitter Profile Header Image

I admit it. I wasn’t the first to upload my own custom Twitter header design. But I can’t figure out why so many leave this spot “blank.”

Your Twitter header image is one simple place that is easy to customize that will help reinforce your personal branding.

Perhaps many don’t use the native Twitter site on a desktop computer and that spot isn’t as prominent. But, I’d argue it still needs to be customized. Even the Twitter app on my iPhone incorporates the profile header image nicely. Check out the differences it makes with and without the unique header design below.

Here I’ve compared Social Media Examiner’s profile on the left (with the default Twitter grey background), to my Twitter profile page on the right (customized with my own design that reinforces my branding message).

You can upload your own photo to hint at personal style, interests or hobbies. Try a favorite landscape or unique shot of your office.

Serial entrepreneur and my friend Paul Helmick chose to upload a closeup of coffee beans. Paul is a serious coffee lover, so this is a nice snapshot of one of his interests. It’s nice to learn a little something about the people we’re connecting with, right?

Take a stab at uploading a photo such as a sunset, your favorite place, a closeup of something that interests you. (Use my Twitter profile header template for design guidance.)

Any image is better than the default/no image.

But I think it is a perfect place to include your tagline or other branding elements, like I’ve included in mine. Now would be a good time to follow me on Twitter and let me know what you think of my profile header design.

(Need help designing your own Twitter profile header image? Just ask me.)

Your turn … I’m looking forward to your comments.

Do you have a custom Twitter header image or prefer to keep the default one?

Do you follow the four online marketers I highlighted above? Or do you have other names to suggest one should follow?

Designer Rob Russo (40 Posts)

Rob has a strong background in advertising and marketing and a love for social media. He has worked with companies both large and small designing logos, print ads, websites, brochures, newsletters and more. Rob helps businesses — especially solopreneurs and start-ups — develop engaging marketing plans and an eye-catching brand identity with "design that sells." Otherwise, you’ll find him spending time with his wife and kids (and flock of chickens) on their family homestead. Oh, if you like to tweet, follow Rob on Twitter.

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Tagged as: blogging, branding, marketing, twitter