Boost your business: all about social media and entrepreneurship!

Hi entrepreneur,?

As we step up into June, we hope you had a refreshing month of May. Perhaps you digitally detoxed during the Dutch ‘May Social Free’ initiative, to find some time away from the constant buzz of social media. But now, as you return to your online rituals, it might be the best time to strategically reflect on your social media as part of your online entrepreneurship. And with World Social Media Day just around the corner, there is no better time to reconnect with your online audience and optimise your social media strategies.?

In this newsletter, we focus on a few key aspects of entrepreneurship through social media and online sales. From understanding Dutch advertising rules for social media, to navigating regulations for online sales and purchases: we aim to equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to conquer the digital landscape.?

We also provide an update on the latest changes and features of various social media platforms to keep you ahead of the curve!?

Advertising via social media? This is what you need to comply with?

If you publicly promote a product or service, you are advertising. When advertising on social media, it is important to be aware of and comply with the advertising rules . According to the Dutch Advertising Code (Nederlandse Reclame Code, NRC), advertisements must always be clearly recognisable and may not violate the law, be offensive, or mislead people.??

On top of the general Dutch Advertising Code for traditional media, there are also rules for advertising specific to social media. This is the Advertising Code for Social Media & Influencer Marketing. This code says that you should clearly indicate to your followers which of your posts is advertising. And you must make it clear that you are being paid to show or discuss certain products.??

Does your Instagram, Tiktok or Youtube account have over 500,000 followers? Then you must register with the Dutch Media Authority, the Dutch Advertising Code Authority, and in some cases also with NICAM. Even if you are not (yet) subject to the Media Authority’s supervision, you must remain honest about your ads and take younger viewers into account.

Do you sell products or services online? Keep to the rules for online sales???

Do you sell products or services online in the Netherlands? Whether you sell through your own online shop or through an online platform, you must comply with the rules which protect your customers. Ensure transparency and clarity throughout the buying process. You can do this by providing detailed information about your business, such as your registered name, address, and contact details.??

Store owners must be transparent about their product details, prices (including VAT), the accepted payment methods, and terms of delivery. Misleading practices are strictly forbidden and you must provide clear options for customers to file complaints and to dispute resolutions.??

By prioritising transparency and compliance, you not only build trust with your customers, but also mitigate the legal risks associated with online sales.?

Do you pass the ???????? check? Some social media trends for you ?

Social media as a platform is in perpetual change. Not just technologically, but also in the way we (and your audience) consumes it. This makes it hard to keep up and stay rizz. We regularly observe new trends popping up on our timelines. We sum some of them up for you. Use them to your advantage!??

• Short-form video content: with the constant stream of information filling everyone's timeline, audiences often have less and less patience for lengthy content. It’s important to stand out and hold the attention long enough to get your point across. Sharing short and engaging content that gets straight to the point helps.?
• Authenticity and community-building: dare to be authentic with your online audience to build your community. Because everyone wants returning visitors or customers, right? After all, long-term relationships and durable growth on social media help ensure positive long-term results.??
• Rise of audio content: the popularity of podcasts continues to grow. One after the other seems to pop out of the ground. More and more entrepreneurs invest in creating interesting audio-only content to tell their story and reach their intended audiences. What’s your story that’s worth telling??

June 30th: World Social Media Day???

Did you know? At the end of June, June 30th to be exact, it will be World Social Media Day? This day is dedicated to everything related to likes, thumbs (both up and down), shares, and hashtags. This is your moment to reflect on the impact social media has on daily life and your business. Whether you are an emerging startup, freelancer, or an established entrepreneur: social media plays a crucial role in building your brand and reaching your audience whether we like it or not. So, do not let this day go by unnoticed! Use it to brainstorm new content ideas, to exchange tips on improving your social media strategies with your fellow entrepreneurs, and maybe even gain some new followers in the process!??

Curious about our posts on this day? Keep an eye on our LinkedIn page. For the full picture, you might also be interested in our Instagram!

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Do you have any topics you would like to see covered in our next newsletter? Great! We are open to suggestions. Send us a message with the topic that interests you, and who knows, you might see it featured in our next edition.

Don't miss any updates and subscribe now! We look forward to welcoming you back in July with a sparkling newsletter full of useful insights.?

See you soon!???