Social Media for 2013: Back to Basics

In 2012, I saw quite a bit as a social media manager.  For the most part, I’ve concluded that the business owners who take advantage of social media managers have awesome results.  On the other hand there are some business owners who are doing there own social media.

 

I propose, either way, that going into 2013, anyone doing online business needs to understand social media and get back to the basics.  Social Media 101:

According to webster,  social media includes “forms of electronic communication through which users create online communities to share information, ideas, personal messages, and other content.  I’d agree…..That sums it up pretty accurately.

Sadly enough, some people think social media is simply about selling & making money.  You can certainly make quite a bit of money using it, but the most important thing to remember is that it’s about community.  At the very basic level, social media’s focus is online community!  When you’re creating your messages or using social media, remember that & act accordingly.

In communities, we give back, share ideas, help one another, etc….

The same should be true for social media.  If you implement these ideas, sales will naturally come.  I’m not saying to give everything, but you do have to give, just as if it were any other community.  I love giving tips on social media via twitter & facebook.  I don’t spill the beans with custom strategies, but I give general tips that people can use to grow.  Naturally, my audience has been growing.

Moving right along with the basics….Each community, or social network, has it’s own culture and rules.  Take some time out to learn them so you can move effectively!

 

When using Facebook, the rules are pretty simple.  You can write long or short statuses, upload pictures, tag people in pictures, post on other people’s walls, send private messages….There are so many things to do on Facebook.  It’s critical to know how to do these things.  Random tags aren’t as effective as tagging after you gotten permission.  Post on walls of people that engage with you.  Don’t send spammy messages.  

I also love LinkedIn.  It’s very professonal, people are business minded, has various groups to join, you can send private messages, and create connections with people.  They want users to connect with people who they actually know or are in a group with.  Also, LinkedIn craves thought provoking discussions.  It’s a gold mine for looking for a job or more customers.

Twitter takes a little more creativity.  You only have 140 characters to be convincing.  You can’t send a whole bunch of random mentions, and you can also send direct message as well as post links & pictures.  Put your thinking cap on to construct the best message possible.  You’ll get awesome results!

Now, we know it’s a community and communities have rules.  The next basic step to social media is to do it.  Commit to doing it everyday.  Login, follow people, make connections, add friends post statuses, tweet, blog…..do something everyday.  If you’re new to it, don’t overwhelm yourself.  Pick maybe 1 or 2 things.  Get those done everyday until they become easy and habitual.  Then, add some more things to the list!

Let’s recap the basics:

Social media is about community, you must know the rules of each community, and you have to use it consistently.  I really hope this helps someone out there.  I think many have made it complicated and intimidating.  It’s really not.  If you’re still stuck without a clue, then you can certainly hire one.  Visit the Services to get started!

Blessings,