Monday 31 October 2016

A Step by Step Guide to Getting Verified on Social Media

verify

Managing social media accounts for your business can seem like a lackluster and tedious job. But the benefits of having a social presence across multiple platforms can really make a difference in how you connect with your audience. One way you can ease that social networking process is by seeking out social media verification for your business or personal account. It can significantly help with influence, consumer trust, and networking while also giving your brand an extra element of authority.

Verification started with Twitter, and the addition of the feature was pretty subtle. Its initial purpose was to flag celebrity accounts, but it has since evolved into a means for brands and influencers alike to outwardly authenticate their accounts.

Benefits of Being Verified on Social Media

It gives you credibility among your users. This is especially true for businesses targeting a younger crowd, because they’re likely to pay attention to who’s who on social media. Having that little blue verification badge helps convey the image that your brand is an authority figure worth following.

It eliminates the threat of copycat accounts. Granted, this is probably an issue that affects more celebrities and high end brands than it does the average business. But if you do happen to be a highly influential brand or individual, there are likely some users who would want to use the brand or influencer name in order to gain more followers, facilitate scams, and potentially even destroy reputation. Having a verified lets everyone know which account is the real deal.

The benefits are simple but impactful, and the process of social media verification is a painless process across most major platforms. Take a look at how it’s done.

Facebook for Influencers

FB_Tswift A Step by Step Guide to Getting Verified on Social Media

  • First make sure that the Facebook page is ready to roll. The “About” section should be completely filled out and with an updated profile picture. If your Facebook page (or really any social media account) doesn’t have regular posts and engagement, there’s really no point in verifying it.
  • Once you’ve gotten the nuts and bolts of your Facebook page squared away, go to Facebook’s “Request a Verified Badge” form, choose the type of page you’re verifying, and provide the necessary information.
    • You’ll need a digital copy of a government ID to submit as well as a link to your official website.

It can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks for Facebook to process your request, so be patient.

Facebook for Businesses

FB_patagonia A Step by Step Guide to Getting Verified on Social Media

  • After ensuring that your Facebook page is appropriately updated, select Settings at the top of your business page.
  • Then, General>Page Verification>Verify this Page>Get Started
  • Enter the public information for your business (phone #, language, country, etc.)
  • Click “Call Me Now” and Facebook will call with a verification code. Once you have it, enter the 4-digit verification code and continue.

Business page verification on Facebook typically only takes a few days.

Twitter

twitter_samponder A Step by Step Guide to Getting Verified on Social Media

Twitter approves “account types maintained by users in music, acting, fashion, government, politics, religion, journalism, media, sports, business, and other key interest areas.” If you don’t fit into those categories, you really have no reason to verify your account. But if you do fit these criteria, get some verification tips from Twitter and follow these steps:

  • Again, make sure your profile information is fully updated. This includes contact information, pictures, “About” information, etc. Your tweets must also be set to public in order to be verified.
  • Submit your formal verification request on Twitter here.
  • Fill out the form with the standard information and tell Twitter why you deserve a little blue checkmark in 500 characters or less.

Turnover time for Twitter verification requests is about a week.

Instagram

Insta_kimk A Step by Step Guide to Getting Verified on Social Media

Instagram is much more selective with who can be verified on their platform. Per the rules of the ‘Gram, “accounts representing well-known figures and brands are verified because they have a high likelihood of being impersonated.”

So, if you’re lucky enough to be a celebrity or big deal brand, Instagram will contact you and let you know. If not, there’s not a lot you can do. In the meantime:

  • Work on building your following and posting engaging material that users will respond well to.
  • Ensure that your profile contains as much relevant information as possible (it’ll help make it look official without being verified).

While social media verification can definitely be a positive way to legitimize your brand’s presence, it’s also important to remember that having a little blue badge next to your name isn’t everything. Always remember to focus on making your social media accounts-both business and personal-worth verification. That’s how you’ll gain followers, drive engagement, and maintain an impactful online presence.

 


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