Everything You Need to Know About Social Media to Get Started
Social media isn't as complicated as you might think.
It's an easy way to reach out to your followers, family and friends. But, if you're just starting out online it can seem like a huge mountain to climb, especially if you're not a regular internet user.
Knowing where to start and which social media platforms to use is the first hurdle. A lot of this can be trial and error, because you may not feel comfortable with every platform you use.
If you're using social media alongside your blog, you may discover some platforms are more suited to your genre.
I'm going to get back to basics, and give you four handy pointers to help you start your journey on social media, and show you how you can rapidly dominate your platforms.
Make your mark on social media today with these 4 points:
1. What Do You Want From Social Media?
So what is it you really want to gain from social media?
It's best to start out on one or two platforms, to get a feel for the platform using, and also to see what other like-minded users are doing.
2. Starting Your Profile
After you've chosen your social media platform, you need to create a profile. If you have a blog, make sure your branding is carried through all of your social media platforms, so everything looks the same. This shows clear uniformity, and shows that you mean business.
The way you present yourself is important, this his how your readers and followers will perceive you online, and it will determine if people want to look into your work further.
What Information Should I Pass on to My Followers?
Avatar
Choose a profile picture of yourself or your business. Don't use a default avatar, these aren't taken very seriously.
Profile Name
The name that your community will know you by. My Twitter profile is @1976write and so is my Pinterest profile.
Profile Details
Try looking at websites in the same genre as you. There's no harm in getting new ideas that way.
Website Links
Twitter allows you to at least one link on your main page along with a mini profile, so you can choose to add extra links on your profile if you want to.
On Pinterest you can include your blog URL, along with an extra URL in the box description.
3. Be More Active in Your Community
Start looking at other people's profiles and discover what they have to offer.
Remember social media is a powerful tool these days. Like most things in life, it takes time to build your community, but the time is outweighed by the benefits of what you gain from the journey.
4. Don't Schmooze on Twitter
Something I've learnt over time on Twitter is not to sell, sell, sell. This can be quite a challenge when you're trying to get sales for your books or products.
You can use Kindle Select, and put your books on for free, this will feel a lot less invasive.
5. Always Use the 80/20 Rule
That simply means you should be retweeting 80% of other people's content, website and blogs. The other 20% is for your own self-promotion.
My routine is posting three or four of my own links, and retweeting about twenty to twenty five from my Twitter followers. It's an easy rule to follow, and always gets great results.
6. Start With One Social Media Platform
If you're unsure which platform to use, start with Twitter. Try it and see if its a good fit for your business or blog.
I went down the route of Twitter and Facebook, discovered that Facebook wasn't the platform I needed, and put my time and energy into Twitter.
7. Facebook Has Grown Up
Facebook isn't just about getting in touch with old friends, it also allows you to set up your own author, organisation or business page.
You can keep your readers up-to-date with current events on your website.
Remember:
Pinterest can be a great source for traffic to your blog, but most of the tips given about Pinterest, are just awful, and really bad information.
Today we're going to look at some of the misconceptions many people use to gain traffic to their blog.
Fake Idea 1: Pinterest is a Social Website
Pinterest is seen by many as a social site like Twitter and Facebook.
In reality Pinterest is nothing like those sites.
When was the last time you had a conversation with one of your followers on Pinterest?
We know for sure that by simply engaging with your followers on Facebook and Twitter, that your success will grow. It doesn't work like that on Pinterest.
So What is Pinterest?
Not unlike a search engine, Pinterest uses keywords to make your pin visible.
Fake Idea 2: Joining a Group Board Will Automatically Send You Success
Most of the strategies used by Pinterest users involve joining a group board. There may be some group boards that will help you earn more repins, but the truth is those group boards are damaging your marketing efforts on the platform.
So What is the Problem with Group Boards on Pinterest?
The reality is, they're used to get fast results and success on Pinterest. That's why people put hundreds of pins on these boards. The sad reality is, no one actually repins from these boards. Diminishing your chances of getting any fresh repins.
In the long-run pinning all of those pins, and not getting any repins will hurt your Pinterest rankings.
Fake Idea 3: Creating Pretty Pins is Essential
This is one of the most common pieces of advice out there.
During the time I've been on and off Pinterest, I've noticed how a lot these designs look the same.
Well anyway, beauty isn't everything on Pinterest.
I use Twitter, Pinterest and LinkedIn to promote my content. Social media is all about quality and timing. Don't be an expert on social media, be yourself.
Social media isn't as complicated as you might think.
It's an easy way to reach out to your followers, family and friends. But, if you're just starting out online it can seem like a huge mountain to climb, especially if you're not a regular internet user.
Knowing where to start and which social media platforms to use is the first hurdle. A lot of this can be trial and error, because you may not feel comfortable with every platform you use.
If you're using social media alongside your blog, you may discover some platforms are more suited to your genre.
I'm going to get back to basics, and give you four handy pointers to help you start your journey on social media, and show you how you can rapidly dominate your platforms.
Make your mark on social media today with these 4 points:
1. What Do You Want From Social Media?
So what is it you really want to gain from social media?
It's best to start out on one or two platforms, to get a feel for the platform using, and also to see what other like-minded users are doing.
2. Starting Your Profile
After you've chosen your social media platform, you need to create a profile. If you have a blog, make sure your branding is carried through all of your social media platforms, so everything looks the same. This shows clear uniformity, and shows that you mean business.
The way you present yourself is important, this his how your readers and followers will perceive you online, and it will determine if people want to look into your work further.
What Information Should I Pass on to My Followers?
Avatar
Choose a profile picture of yourself or your business. Don't use a default avatar, these aren't taken very seriously.
Profile Name
The name that your community will know you by. My Twitter profile is @1976write and so is my Pinterest profile.
Profile Details
Try looking at websites in the same genre as you. There's no harm in getting new ideas that way.
Website Links
Twitter allows you to at least one link on your main page along with a mini profile, so you can choose to add extra links on your profile if you want to.
On Pinterest you can include your blog URL, along with an extra URL in the box description.
3. Be More Active in Your Community
Start looking at other people's profiles and discover what they have to offer.
Remember social media is a powerful tool these days. Like most things in life, it takes time to build your community, but the time is outweighed by the benefits of what you gain from the journey.
4. Don't Schmooze on Twitter
Something I've learnt over time on Twitter is not to sell, sell, sell. This can be quite a challenge when you're trying to get sales for your books or products.
You can use Kindle Select, and put your books on for free, this will feel a lot less invasive.
5. Always Use the 80/20 Rule
That simply means you should be retweeting 80% of other people's content, website and blogs. The other 20% is for your own self-promotion.
My routine is posting three or four of my own links, and retweeting about twenty to twenty five from my Twitter followers. It's an easy rule to follow, and always gets great results.
6. Start With One Social Media Platform
If you're unsure which platform to use, start with Twitter. Try it and see if its a good fit for your business or blog.
I went down the route of Twitter and Facebook, discovered that Facebook wasn't the platform I needed, and put my time and energy into Twitter.
7. Facebook Has Grown Up
Facebook isn't just about getting in touch with old friends, it also allows you to set up your own author, organisation or business page.
You can keep your readers up-to-date with current events on your website.
Remember:
- Only use Facebook if you're going to keep your page up-to-date.
- Facebook isn't Twitter.
- Ask other people to promote you every once in a while.
Pinterest can be a great source for traffic to your blog, but most of the tips given about Pinterest, are just awful, and really bad information.
Today we're going to look at some of the misconceptions many people use to gain traffic to their blog.
Fake Idea 1: Pinterest is a Social Website
Pinterest is seen by many as a social site like Twitter and Facebook.
In reality Pinterest is nothing like those sites.
When was the last time you had a conversation with one of your followers on Pinterest?
We know for sure that by simply engaging with your followers on Facebook and Twitter, that your success will grow. It doesn't work like that on Pinterest.
So What is Pinterest?
Not unlike a search engine, Pinterest uses keywords to make your pin visible.
Fake Idea 2: Joining a Group Board Will Automatically Send You Success
Most of the strategies used by Pinterest users involve joining a group board. There may be some group boards that will help you earn more repins, but the truth is those group boards are damaging your marketing efforts on the platform.
So What is the Problem with Group Boards on Pinterest?
The reality is, they're used to get fast results and success on Pinterest. That's why people put hundreds of pins on these boards. The sad reality is, no one actually repins from these boards. Diminishing your chances of getting any fresh repins.
In the long-run pinning all of those pins, and not getting any repins will hurt your Pinterest rankings.
Fake Idea 3: Creating Pretty Pins is Essential
This is one of the most common pieces of advice out there.
During the time I've been on and off Pinterest, I've noticed how a lot these designs look the same.
Well anyway, beauty isn't everything on Pinterest.
- Create tall images not wide
- Use fonts and headlines that will encourage clicks and links
- Make your headlines easy-to-read
- Brand all of your images
I use Twitter, Pinterest and LinkedIn to promote my content. Social media is all about quality and timing. Don't be an expert on social media, be yourself.
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