The social media space can be an overwhelming environment,especially in an industry in which it's just becoming “acceptable”or commonly practiced. Even our marketing team and digitalcommunity managers at ClientWise are constantly commenting on howmuch they do to keep up with the latest and greatest in the worldof social media.

For many of you working at wirehouses or other large firms, thismay not apply due to social media restrictions, but you'll want tokeep these tips in your back pocket. Even the bigger firms arestarting to hop on the social media bandwagon, so you'll be aheadof the game once they do.

Strategy 1: Pick one platform to start

This might even be necessary based on what your firm allows, butdon't overwhelm yourself by jumping onto all platforms at once. Usethe one that speaks the most to the goals of your business, and getinto a rhythm before tackling more.

[Related: 7 ways you can promote socialreferrals]

LinkedIn is a great tool for business, but Twitter might be evenmore beneficial if you're looking to capture people's attentionwith quick stats, figures, and thoughts.

Strategy 2: Mention others in your social mediaposts

This generates the goodwill that social media is all about, bycalling attention not just to yourself and your business, but toothers as well. Not to mention that including a reference toadvisor-focused publications like Investment News or FinancialPlanning (or this site, of course) in your post will automaticallygenerate more exposure for you (on certain social networks) andincrease your reach to potential business partners and clients.

Strategy 3: Post about your day

Some people employ a tactic in which they send out messagesbefore or after meetings they've attended with partners (withpermission of course, and this is obviously trickier withclients!). They gain a larger following by tweeting directly at theperson they've met with and have the added benefit of being exposedto that person's network in the process.

Include a little bit about the business you met with, and youhave an advertisement for your business! This also serves as a minibusiness journal when you want to review your week or month.

(Photo: scyther5/Shutterstock.com)

Strategy 4: Include pictures orinfographics

The potential for using this tip will be determined by yourfirm. However, for those advisors who work independently, includingan image or infographic will boost the exposure of your posts. AtClientWise, we are big fans of clear and easy to read infographicsthat articulate an immediate need for potential clients.

Always include the origin of the image and make sure it's notcopyright restricted.

Strategy 5: Engage in other content!

This is absolutely necessary. It's not only the point of socialmedia (it's social, not one-sided), but it will also help you withyour own content. Reading what your colleagues and clients have tosay will keep you on the pulse of what others are doing.

[Related: 5 techniques to generate more LinkedIn salesleads]

This will give you ideas for content, as well as the opportunityto respond to what others are putting out there. It may serve toposition you as an expert in your field in front of a network inwhich you didn't previously have access.

Strategy 6: Find a designated time to go on socialmedia

Whether it's the first or last thing you do when you sit down atyour desk, or a nice break with your afternoon coffee, try to makeyour social media engagement routine.

The more consistent you are about going online, the easier itwill be. If there's a certain time that you normally read industrynews or go onto your personal social media, build it into that.