Aristotle is credited with this methodology for delivering a proper message on Social Media; he said,
Tell them what you are going to tell them, tell them, then tell them what you told them.
Maybe not in those exact words. But consider this me telling you what I’m going to tell you.
A huge part of why I’m here is to share the things I love. That includes the joy I take in marketing via social media. While I can’t promise everything to everyone, and I wouldn’t want to, I will show you how to kick ass and take names on social media. I’m going to give you all the basics along with tips and tricks specific to each platform.
Learn to control your power and reach your audience on any and all of the following social platforms:
-Twitter
-Facebook
-Pinterest
-Instagram & Fyuse
-Periscope
-Podcast & Spoken
-Youtube
-Email
Even if you have never created an account, you will be able to use the programs at the level of a social media expert. You will have everything you need to select the platforms that will work best to meet your goals. You will have the knowledge and tools you need to set your social media plan into action.
The Heart of Social Media
Before we dig into the heart of social media success and best practices, I wanted to lightly touch on one of the greatest and perhaps the least acknowledged skills a social influencer should master; communication.
The value of solid communication savvy can’t be stressed enough; the ability to deliver a clear message, excite people, and generate interest are absolutely everything in social media. I want to be careful not to say that you need to be able to speak to a room full of people (God forbid). However, the clearer the message, the more succinct the response will be. The better you are at getting inside your audience’s head and and making absolute sure that they know exactly what you are talking about, the better you will perform in this space, and build networks that deliver value to everyone involved.
Knowing what your audience is about, knowing what they expect, and knowing what they need are always a part of the game. If you can appeal to these things presenting your arguments in a clear and concise manner, your audience will find you compelling. Being compelling is almost a skill that cannot be taught.
Keep these two things in mind:
First, always be clear & concise, and second, know how your message will be received.
1. Be clear and concise:
Keep your language to the point. Keep your sentences short and clear. Make sure you are understandable at all times. If you send a tweet, it should be in english, not in emojis, and not in slang. If your grandmother could understand 80% of what you are talking about and get excited, you are in the right mindset. More often than not, even if you are completely comfortable speaking in slang and writing in text shorthand full of emojis, your audience is looking to you for leadership, not as another peer. Speak standard English, or the standard language of your target audience.
2. Know how your content is going to be received:
Whether you’re sending a tweet, posting to facebook, or writing the description on pinterest pin, think of how people are going to see it. How would you feel about this tweet? How would you feel about this Instagram photo if it were from someone else?
In keeping with the theme of fluid communication, understand that communication on social media should function as smoothly and naturally as normal everyday communication. If you met someone, who talked about themself all the time, and only talked about themself, you might think they didn’t really understand the concept of a conversation.
Because social is a conversation and does not work like traditional advertising, you need to listen to your followers, and genuinely so. I don’t want this to sound harsh, but it’s not worth it to pussyfoot around it, the rules have been established; if you’re not actively listening & building relationships with your followers you will never be successful on social media.
Share what you came to share, but realize that others are here to share too, and if you gain influence, share the dreams of your fellow man, so that you can lift each other up. You are perfectly justified in looking to your influencers for ideas and guidance. Never be afraid to tell people about where you get your inspiration. People will come because you are you, not because you are doing something nobody has ever done before.
There is enough of that pie to go around.
-Jerry
