How to build a social media presence for your new website

Launched your new website? What's next? You’ve just hit the ‘publish’ button on your new website. It's live, it’s shiny, and you can’t wait for the world to see it. But here's the question: How do you spread the word and get people to actually visit?

In a world where social media dominates daily life, it's no surprise that social platforms are your best bet for getting the word out. Think of it this way. Your online presence needs a stage, and social media puts you in the spotlight. In this blog, we’ll guide you on how to take your website beyond just being “live” and start getting real traffic, clicks, and engagement.

Start by choosing the right platforms

Not all social media platforms are created equal. Your audience is out there, but they’re probably spread across different social networks, so it’s crucial to target the right ones that may be interested in your website. Here’s a list of some platforms you can use.

• Instagram: If your brand is visually heavy (think products, services, or lifestyle), Instagram will be your go-to platform. Use Instagram Stories, Reels, and Posts to showcase product features, customer testimonials, behind-the-scenes content, and announcements about your new website. What’s more? Instagram is also great for influencer partnerships and user-generated content, making it a dynamic platform to drive engagement.

• Facebook: While Instagram is more about imagery and quick updates, Facebook is great for community building and long-form content. You can share blog posts, articles, customer reviews, and detailed updates about your website. The groups on Facebook can be leveraged to create niche communities around your business, helping to foster brand loyalty and encourage discussions that can drive traffic to your website.

• LinkedIn: LinkedIn can be a goldmine for B2B businesses or websites that sell professional services. This platform helps position your brand as an industry authority, so use it to communicate thought leadership and engage with a more professional audience. You can build your brand and share in-depth articles, case studies, or success stories that lead back to your website.

• X (Formerly Twitter): Moment marketing (Engaging with the audience using current trends that go viral) is one of the best ways to build your social media presence. If you are looking for a platform to spark this conversation, go on X. It is a fast-paced platform that is perfect for sharing bite-sized content that generates buzz. Announce your website launch with an attention-grabbing tweet, share user testimonials or feedback, and run polls or open-ended questions to keep the conversation going.

• YouTube: YouTube is the platform to use if you're looking to offer more in-depth, visual storytelling. This platform helps build trust and credibility with detailed explanations, making it great for websites that want to showcase expertise and provide value over a longer format. It’s ideal for tutorials, product demos, or behind-the-scenes content. You can create long-form videos that take your audience on a detailed journey through your website's features, how-to guides, or customer success stories.

Create engaging content to promote your website

Now that you’ve chosen your platforms, it's time to create content that drives attention and engagement. Here’s how to keep your audience hooked:

1. Teasers and pre-launch:

   If you have a strategy in hand, do not wait for your website to go live and then start promoting. Share snippets of the website design, sneak peeks at the features, or even behind-the-scenes footage of the team working on the site. Instagram and Facebook are perfect for these types of posts, as they allow you to build anticipation through stories and posts. Use countdowns, polls, and “coming soon” announcements to keep the hype rolling.

2. Launch announcements:

   Let the world know that your website is live. Share a bold and eye-catching announcement across Instagram and Facebook. Whether it's a video, a carousel post, or a single striking image, create a piece of content that draws attention and conveys excitement. Add a nice CTA to your work, like “Check it out now!” or “Explore our new site!” to guide your audience directly to your website.

3. Use video content:

   Video content is one of the most effective ways to engage your audience. It adds a personal touch and gives followers a clearer picture of what they can expect from your website. Whether you create a quick walkthrough of your website or highlight key features and benefits, videos give followers a clearer picture of what they can expect and add a personal touch to your brand. Platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and more will help it reach the right audience.

4. User Generated Content:

   User-generated content (UGC) is one of the most powerful ways to amplify your message. Encourage your followers to share their experiences on your website. Feature these posts on your Instagram and Facebook feeds to build trust and authenticity. Give your followers an incentive to engage, like a giveaway or a chance to be featured on your account. This will help in amplifying your message.

Collaborate with influencers and partners

Influencers can be a powerful ally in spreading the word about your website, and they can be engaged on different platforms in different ways.

• Influencer marketing: Collaborating with influencers is a great way to reach a wider audience on Instagram and YouTube. Find influencers who align with your brand and can create engaging content, whether through posts, videos, Stories, or Reels. They can showcase your website and introduce their followers to your brand authentically and engagingly.

• Cross-promotion with partners: You may have seen two brands or big names going live together on Instagram. This is called cross-promotion. Collaborate with partners in your industry for cross-promotion. It can be a co-hosted Instagram or Facebook Live session, joint Instagram posts, or simply sharing each other's content. This type of partnership introduces your website to a new, relevant audience and increases exposure for both brands.

Try paid ads on social media platforms for better reach

Sometimes, organic reach isn’t enough to get the visibility you need, especially when your website is new. Paid ads offer a way to boost visibility, target specific audiences, and drive traffic quickly. Here’s how you can maximize the impact of paid ads:

• Targeted reach: Paid ads allow you to specifically target your ideal audience. Whether you’re using social media ads, display ads, or even Google search ads, you can tailor your message to reach the people who are most likely to engage with your content. This targeted approach ensures that your marketing dollars are well-spent, putting your brand in front of the right eyes.

• Various ad formats for various engagement: Paid ads are especially effective for driving engagement, particularly when you use formats like carousel ads and static image ads. They act as a mini-showcase of what your website offers, leading to greater interaction and click-through rates. Video ads can help your audience get a better understanding of what your website has to offer. It allows you to go beyond text and images, creating an immersive experience that engages viewers and motivates them to visit your site.

• Lead generation ads: Lead generation ads are perfect for capturing email addresses or contact information directly through the ad. By offering something of value, such as an ebook, a discount, or early access to new features, you can encourage users to sign up and join your email list. This gives you a direct line to your potential customers for future marketing efforts. Lead generation ads mostly work well for B2B spaces.

• Retargeting ads: Paid ads are also great for retargeting. These ads allow you to reconnect with users who have already visited your website but haven’t yet converted into customers. By displaying personalized ads to these visitors, you can remind them of what they liked about your site and encourage them to complete their purchase or sign-up process.

Keep the engagement on

Social media is a conversation, not a one-time announcement. Building meaningful connections with your followers is key to maintaining momentum. Here’s how you can keep the engagement flowing:

1. Respond to comments and questions:

   Engaging with your audience in real-time shows them that you value their input and care about their experience with your brand. Make it a priority to respond quickly to comments, messages, and mentions. This will not only foster a loyal community, but it will also encourage other users to interact with your content. The more you engage, the more your followers feel like part of the conversation.

2. Host polls and interactive sessions:

   Hosting polls, Q&A sessions, and interactive stories invites followers to share their opinions and feel more connected to your brand. Create opportunities for your audience to get involved. This type of interaction doesn’t just keep your content dynamic; it also provides valuable insights into what your audience wants to see next.

3. Keep the audience updated:

   Consistently sharing new and exciting content ensures that your followers remain engaged and keeps the excitement around your brand alive. Stay present and top-of-mind by posting updates regularly across your platforms, and make sure to vary the format to keep things fresh.

Finally, watch how you perform

To really know if your efforts are paying off, tracking your social media performance is crucial. By measuring the right metrics, you can adjust your strategy to improve engagement and drive more traffic. Look out for these key metrics:

• Web traffic from social media: How much of your website’s traffic is coming from your social channels? This will help you measure how effective your posts and campaigns are at driving users to your site.

• Engagement rates: Monitor likes, comments, shares, and overall interaction. High engagement usually indicates that your content resonates with your audience.

• Conversions: Track sign-ups, purchases, or any other action you want your audience to take. These metrics are vital for determining how well your social media is driving tangible results.

Promoting your website launch through social media doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By strategically engaging with your audience, creating exciting content, collaborating with influencers, leveraging paid ads, and constantly tracking your performance, you can drive traffic and create lasting excitement around your brand. Get more information on building your brand from the WEMASY blogs.