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Social Networking – Organic? Strategic? or Gaming a System?

by Jennifer Beever

Gaming Social MediaNow that social media is used by more businesses, it’s become clear that there is a right (and wrong) way to use it.

Social media is supposed to be an authentic and transparent online conversation with your peers – not a marketing ploy or a way to pull one over on your prospects. It’s designed to allow people like you and me to share information that we like. If others like what we share, they share it too, and sometimes something you share “goes viral.”

Many of us are thrilled when we get 20 comments on a post instead of 1 or 2. In some cases, your content can be shared by hundreds or even thousands. Regardless of the numbers, what is important is whether or not your prospects follow you and are engaged by your content. What are the keys to success in social media?

Do be organic. Say what you mean and do it in an authentic way. Have conversations – thank people for their comments – engage them.

Be strategic yet human. Share information related to your business, but do include your opinion and your personality. (Note that your company’s personality may be quite different than your social media manager’s individual personality, and it’s important to make that distinction!)

Don’t game the system. Yes, there are ways to automate social media, so you don’t have to key in a message multiple times. But now we know when you’re doing it. If all we see  from you are repetitive sales messages, we’re not going to engage, and we may not even listen.

So find some ways to create and share your own content and curate other people’s content. Online magazines created with curated content, blog posts, status updates, commenting on others’ content, all are good ways to participate in the conversation.

If you’d like help designing and setting up a strategic social media system for your business, contact me today. I provide planning, step up, training, and ongoing social media support for clients.

 

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