I received a really intriguing e-mail this week from someone asking me for advice on getting more engaged in social media. In it, the e-mailer (yes, I’m still using the hyphen…grammar gods, help me — it’s too much to ask me to abandon Web site AND my hyphen in one week!) asked me specifically about things to do every day to improve social media standing.
After answering, I thought — maybe some of these tips would be helpful to others! Because, let’s face it — climbing the mountain can be difficult without a guide.
So, here they are.
1) Read, read, then read some more. I don’t know what I would do without my Google Reader. I subscribe to most of the big tech blogs — Mashable, TechCrunch, Seth Godin, Read Write Web, Problogger and many, many more. I spend several hours EVERY DAY at least looking through the latest headlines. I probably only understand 50% of it, but I at least know the terms that people are using in social media and what the big trends are. The F8 conference is a GREAT example. The social media world changed drastically this week. I may not know exactly how that affects my projects, but I know that it’s happening.
- Case in point: I have spent hours updating my facebook privacy settings based on advice from some of the biggest brains in the social media business.
- I have also installed a new plugin that allows you to “like” each of my posts. Scroll down to right before the comments. See it? Cool.
2) Know every platform that’s out there and play as much as you can. I sign up for a new tool at least once a day. Whether it’s a social networking platform, a data backup system, a photo-sharing service or something else, I feel like I need to get my hands dirty with all the new toys so I can rule them IN or OUT for my life.
- Case in point: The biggest social media mistake I’ve made was also the best lesson I’ve learned.
3) Identify the key players in your niche. For example — in health blogging, you’d want to know names like Kath Eats Real Food, Carrots ‘N’ Cake, Healthy Tipping Point, Roni’s Weigh, etc. etc. etc. So, who are the bloggers in YOUR job or interest? Read their sites every day, and comment. Now. Today. Engage with them WELL before you need them.
- NOTICE: I am not saying to be fake or try to build up a relationship where there isn’t one. I’m saying, connect with the people you’re interested in ALL the time…then when you would like help with something, it is less likely to come off as creepy or weird.
4) With social media, to me, the key word is SOCIAL. Try and set up meetings with some of the players in your space. Ask if you can interview them for your own blog, outside of any other ask. RT their links on Twitter. This point goes hand-in-hand with #3.
Then, be accessible…it doesn’t matter how many readers, fans or followers you have.
I’ll say that again.
It Doesn’t Matter How Many Readers, Fans or Followers you Have
It matters how often the people that connect with you get what they came for — or, better yet, something more. Something that makes them warm and fuzzy.
Now, I’m stepping off the soap box to see what tips YOU have! Hit me up in the comments. (Also, let me know if you’d like to see more social media advice like this on the blog…)
About Katy
Would love to see more posts like this, great information. Thank you!
How do I search for bloggers interested in the same things I am? Other than tags?
How do you fit all this social media participation into your day? It sounds like you never stop!!!
Yes, I enjoy reading what you write about social media and tips…I don’t do it for a living but for love…
For a second I thought this meant you got engaged, but then I realized you were married to @nighthops who makes a lot of beer.
I would LOVE to see more social media posts like this!
Love the tips, keep them coming! Thanks
This is a really helpful post! Have you done a post on useful plugins?
great post!! love the picture of you with a snuggie! lol