It’s just past the middle of the year and that means most of us have gotten a little sloppy. To help with that, here’s a checklist of strategies to make sure we all finish the social media year on a strong note.
1. Diversify
With all that’s going on in the digital universe we can see the wisdom of not putting all our social media eggs in one basket. What many may not know, it that includes finding a base of operations to work from. This means we all need a regular place to blog, whether it’s our own site or a group site.
With all that’s going on in the digital universe we can see the wisdom of not putting all our social media eggs in one basket. What many may not know, it that includes finding a base of operations to work from. This means we all need a regular place to blog, whether it’s our own site or a group site.
2. Email List
I know in the past I’ve let this one slide. Now that I’ve been reminded that I may not always have access to everyone through social media I’ve become more proactive about building my list.
3. Experiment with Video
We need to be more open about trying new things and new ways to connect. The hottest thing this year is video, particularly Facebook live.
4. Don’t be Afraid of Boosting Posts on Facebook
In the past I haven’t been a fan of the advertising on FB, but they’ve ironed out most of the bugs and it does give results.
5. Don’t Give Up on Blogging
Now more than ever writers need to build a stable digital foundation. Social media networks no longer qualify as stable. Small changes can hold devastating results if that’s our only audience-building strategy. This means we need a viable website or blog. If we only have a website, it’s hard to get it found because of Search Engine Optimization. That’s why blogging is such an important component.
6. Discover Where Your Audience Hangs Out & Join Them There
So often we make a fundamental mistake when we’re trying to connect with our readers. We expect them to come to us. Instead, we need to find places they hang out and visit them there. What does that mean? It can mean a lot of different things, from Facebook groups, chat rooms, online groups.
7. Look for Opportunities to Guest Post
Along the lines of hanging out where your audience is, look for other sites that have a good following and query about sharing a guest post.
8. Read & Comment on Other Blogs
This is similar to hanging out with your audience. Don’t just think of blogs as a place to get or give information. Instead look at them as a gathering place. Interact with the audience, look for new people to connect with and join the conversation.
9. Build the Basics on Multiple Social Media Networks
This is two-part advice. First, don’t just pour all your energy into a single social media network. If it goes down, you’ll be left without an audience. Instead, get comfortable with multiple networks and you’ll be able to weather the changes to come. Second, make sure you have an account on all the major social media networks. You don’t have to be active on all them. But by having an account, new followers can find you. Here are what I consider the major social media networks: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
And the most important thing to remember…
10. Stay Calm
It’s vital that we don’t allow social media changes to throw us into a panic. Some will work out for the best, and others, well, not so much. But as long as we stay flexible, we’ll be fine.
These are my tips to take us through the mid-year slump. What would you add to the list? Be sure to leave your suggestions in the comments section below.
And don’t forget to join the conversation!
Blessings,
Edie
Edie Melson is a woman of faith with ink-stained fingers observing life through the lens of her camera. No matter whether she’s talking to writers, entrepreneurs, or readers, her first advice is always “Find your voice, live your story.” As an author, blogger, and speaker she’s encouraged and challenged audiences across the country and around the world. Her numerous books reflect her passion to help others develop the strength of their God-given gifts and apply them to their lives. Connect with her on her website, through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
The Conversation
Edie, Great advice as always. Facebook live is fun and rewarding. I’m using it to start a weekly- 10-minute encouragement video. I’m praying for you, my friend.
As someone who’s currently in the midst of a full-blown social media panic, I’m going to bookmark this.
This is great stuff. My experience with blogging has been that people don’t comment as much and it makes it harder to think of blogging as necessary or effective. I’ve not been as consistent lately because of that, which only compounds the problem. Your points are good ones, though, and I’ll make an effort to keep plugging away at it. 😉