I spoke at Enterprise Nation and O2 Business’ Digital Marketing Demystified event in London earlier this year. I met some great business owners and marketers who were looking to take their digital marketing to the next level, and my talk focussed on social media, growth hacking and making the most of small resources.

The video team there asked me what my three top tips for businesses to be heard online were, and here they are:

1. Do Less, Brilliantly

Many brands try to take on every social network and marketing channel, ultimately spreading themselves too thin. Ask yourself where your content and personality works best and just go there, at least initially. For instance if you are a small fashion brand with very little time, start just on Instagram and conquer that before going elsewhere. Your content will work best and fuel a community most effectively there.

2. Keep It Authentic

Don’t worry about being too professional or businesslike in social. It is after all a conversation. Consumers today understand that there are humans behind your brand and expect to hear from them, with all their personality and warmth. So just be yourself rather than a ‘brand’.

3. Spend a Little

Over time, identify what content is working best for you and start to put small spends e.g. £20 – £50 behind pieces you feel should do well. Target the promotion at those outside of your existing network to reach new audiences (perhaps those of competitors) who you wouldn’t have reached without the boost.

And most of all, have fun with it. If you enjoy creating content, your audience are more likely to enjoy looking at it.