There can be a fine line between top of mind with your audience and just plain annoying. But how do you stay top of mind without being annoying?
You are on social media for business. You want to increase your reach to new customers and keep in touch with your old ones. And you only have so much time. What do you do?
People can get annoyed if you are pushing out content for the sake of pushing out content. They can even block you so that all your efforts are now in vain. Sometimes, you do not even know that they have done this.
So Jeff, what can I do to get a happy middle ground for my audience and myself? What are some things I should be considering?
Here are a few points to consider when you are trying to figure out what to post on social media:
- Use the 20/80 rule: 20 % about you and your business, and 80% content that will interest your audience.
- Make sure you engage them. When we reach out to people, it lets them know we are real and approachable. People long for connection. It also lets them know that you are not a robot account.
- Put out content that your audience will appreciate; not want you want to push at them all the time. You have to provide value to your audience.
- Share some elements from your life that will help your audience connect with you. Your bad day might cheer some one up. We all face struggles. Share your victories too.
- Share photos with your audience if you feel able to do so. It makes them feel connected with you.
- Share those funny videos that make you smile. It will make them smile as well.
- Have you seen a great movie? Recommend it. You might save someone a bad movie experience if you give them a heads up.
- Recommend someone that you think will be a bonus to the community.
- And when you do share about your business, let people know how you can benefit them. The days of push are over. Just tell them how you can help. They will get it.
- Politely ask for business when appropriate. If you don’t ask, you won’t get.
I hope you can see that your social media is more for your audience than you. When people see that you are trying to help them, they will remember you when it’s time to do business. It’s good to connect and meet face to face as well. This takes the social media connection to the next level.
Thought for Silver Level Members
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When it comes to recommending people, Klout is a great way to get the job done. Make sure you tell people why you are recommending them on Klout. Add a comment to the Twitter message, i.e., “He’s a great engager”; “She’s a great help to the social media community”. This shows extra effort and that goes a long way to showing people that you are genuine and deep.
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“If you need social media training, consulting or a social media speaker (Truro, Halifax, Dartmouth or throughout Nova Scotia – for that matter – anywhere), use the Contact page to get started. I am available also on Skype: jeff.brown.alpha”
I printed this one @Jeff Brown. Tacked to my cork board for reference and a reminder of how I should be engaging. One question for you. I manage the corporate accounts and some of the things that you advocate here will not be approved used of sm coming from the corporate side of the house. I am thinking that a good way for me to strike a balance here is to use my personal account (Jean Turner-Floyd) in a more engaging way (as you describe here) and stick to the corporate messages, engaging as best as I can on the official corporate pages. Thoughts?
I printed this one @Jeff Brown. Tacked to my cork board for reference and a reminder of how I should be engaging. One question for you. I manage the corporate accounts and some of the things that you advocate here will not be approved used of sm coming from the corporate side of the house. I am thinking that a good way for me to strike a balance here is to use my personal account (Jean Turner-Floyd) in a more engaging way (as you describe here) and stick to the corporate messages, engaging as best as I can on the official corporate pages. Thoughts??
@JeanTurner-Floyd@Jeff A personal account will give you more freedom to speak as yourself, but you always have to remember that you still represent your organization; even when not on the clock.
A corporate account can be more business related; but there still needs to be somewhat of a personal touch here as well. People need to see caring concern delivered in a professional manner.
I think you are on the right track Jean. Build a personal account as well as continue with the corporate accounts.