Yes, it’s happening. Brands and people and groups and everyone else is starting to flock to social media this year. Gone are the days where people were just intrigued about social media, we are now seeing more use of social media and it’s going mainstream. Now everyone wants to pitch you. And there lies the problem.
If you are a brand, the moment you start to pitch and sell, you’re toast. You might as well not even be on social media at all. People will tune you out.
So, for those brands that are savvy enough to understand this and more importantly, spend time to show their personality and allow their base to contribute to the discussion, or better yet, LEAD the discussion, we offer you these tips to stand out:
1. It’s not about YOU, it’s about THEM. This one is hard for many brands to understand, since they are so used to pushing things out. If you want to stand out, allow your base to participate 100%. Always. The good, the bad, and the ugly. And make sure you are responding.
2. Feed your base value and content that will keep you relevant, but don’t do it every 5 minutes. Find your focus, your purpose, and stick to it.
3. Be a moderator of the discussion. Use all the tools to track what people are saying about your brand, and make sure you are involved. Remember: a moderator doesn’t censor discussion, but allows it to occur.
4. Make your social media time a “job.” Most everyone associates social media with fun, but at some point, all brands need to understand that this is a job that allows you to create a more direct path to your base. Treat it as such, but you can have a little fun with it as well.
5. Once in a while, stir it up and stand out above the crowd. For example, here’s a crazy idea: dedicate one whole day of the week to just responding to everyone who connects with you instead of promoting what you are doing. Make a big deal out of it. Have fun with it, and who knows, you might get more interest and see your base grow.
Julio,
Great stuff. I echo every point you make. As we get more sophisticated the people who only broadcast and promote using social media will be punished worse than if they did nothing (IMHO).
My only caution is with the title and first paragraph. We’re still a long way from “everyone” being involved in social media. Part of our job as leaders to help make sure that we remember that the real power of these tools lies with people who don’t think about the term “social media.”
Doug, thanks for the comments. I do agree with your take on it, yet I think there has been a big influx of brands formally planning social media efforts. Some of them still do it wrong.
Nice post! Differentiation and authenticity are key as the masses crowd this phenomenon we call web2.0. My position is this… we all have a story to tell…so tell it. That’s where the value and unique selling points come in.
As i read this post i think of your joy and pleasure in writing;isn’t it answer to your notice about having fun on Social medias?It says much of creative potential and love you share with others.The greatest works have been made by such wonderful power of creation.
What we have is getting involved into such amazing exchange of energy,will to learn more and get to know of each other more,which leads to live in better society in general.
ps;being on Social medias is sign of great creative strength and personal qualities;That is how i see you,and please keep doing it and make more joys to all of us.
Julio,
These are very good points that you make. Some of which is just plain common sense. It is so easy to just begin to promote your business or whatever it is you are trying to offer, but just important it to learn to brand yourself first, and the rest happens naturally.
This branding can takes place with just about all of the points which you point out. From being a moderator to just making comments to everyone’s comments. That is a FANTASTIC idea!