15 Social Media Tips for Bloggers and Business Owners

 

I’m a self-proclaimed social media junkie. I love social media and while I realize there are so many platforms out there now that it can get confusing, they really do all offer a unique experience. The trick is finding what platform, or combination of platforms works for you. Just like anything else, some you will be comfortable with and really, really good at; some not so much. Am I a social media expert? Not by a long shot. But, I have picked up a few things along the way so I thought were worth sharing. Maybe some of it will help, and maybe, just maybe you can share a few tips in return and we can all benefits from each other’s experience (or lack thereof in some cases).

 

 

 

• What’s your social media goal? If you don’t know where you want to go, it’s pretty hard to get there. Just like anything else in life, if you don’t set goals, you can’t determine if you’re successful or if you need to change up what you’re doing. Do you want 500 followers? 5000? Is it your Facebook numbers that you want to grow? Pinterest? Figure it out and go for it.

 

• If you hate tracking, at least track with Facebook Insights. It’ll show you a lot about your Page progress. You can use this information to find out what people are engaging with and when. Use this to your advantage. Admittedly, this is one area that I need to work on more myself. The advice only works if you use it…trust me.

 

• Don’t be shy with your social media presence. Go for it – but be authentic – and be social! Don’t be “spammy” but don’t let people forget your out there either. Be consistent and post regularly during your audience’s peak posting times on any social networks you’ve chosen to frequent. With so many choices available, if you don’t stay in front of them, they will move on to other pages for their daily dose of information or entertainment. It’s just the nature of the social media beast.

 

•  Include a mix of rich media in your social content. Video, photos, Instagram…words are important but they can get boring. A funny, cute, or interesting picture or video gets attention. Once they’re drawn in, they’re more likely to pay attention to the words.

 

 

 

 

• How do you get the conversation going on social media? Try humor and controversy. They’re very powerful. Pain points are great for engagement. Ask for input or opinions on hot topics like breastfeeding in public or immigration policy…if it’s conversation you want, it’s conversation you will get, but be warned, if you’re page is all ice cream and sprinkles all the time, this may not be the best tactic for you. Instead try a “this or that” question like “Coke or Pepsi” and see where it goes…you’ll be amazed at the strong opinions on such a trivial topic, but again, you will most likely get engagement.

 

• Click FB Insights’ “Posts>When Your Fans are Online” to see your audience’s peak posting times. (Post during these times!). If they’re not online to see it, it’s not going to matter what you post.

 

• If you want your social content to attract, do your best to share quality tips that are really unique. Sharing others’ links and awesome information is important, but it’s equally important to make sure you’re offering up information or entertainment that is unique to you and your “brand”. Make sure you speak with an identifiable, individual voice when posting social content. Your posts should never sound “canned”.

 

• Posts people skip most? Highly personal negative posts complaining about illness and problems.  Just don’t do it…at least not on a regular basis. (Do you agree?)

 

• Social media is a powerful thing, but never mistake fooling around with being productive. Stay focused!

 

 

• Analyze your own tweets. Which types got most retweeting? Most Interaction? Questions? Graphics? Use that to your advantage.

 

• Use hashtags to crowd-source user-generated content as well as extend your own reach but do your research to make sure the hashtags you’re using are correct for what you’re trying to accomplish.

 

• Don’t tell everyone too much at once about your upcoming project or blog post. Mystery breeds interest! Hints and teasers are part of the fun. Keep them checking back to get the scoop.

 

• While endorsements are important and generally appreciated, if you consistently get endorsements that are not relevant on LinkedIn, be aware you can remove endorsements completely.

 

• Check “Who’s Viewed Your Profile” in LinkedIn to see who is finding you – as well as the keywords they used.

 

• In Google+ posts, encase text in asterisks for bold and underscore it to create italics. Bet you didn’t know that did ya?

 

 

So tell me, did you learn anything new? Anything you’re going to try and see if it makes a difference? What tips do you have that might help others? Let me know in the comments below and thanks for reading!