What is social media?
Social media is everywhere. People are now able to interact with their favorite brands, musicians, celebrities, and causes. All done with the simple click of a button (or opening of an app).
So odds are you’ve heard of it. But just in case you’ve been living under a rock, let’s define what it is.
Per Wikipedia, Social media is defined as:
Are computer-mediated tools that allow people or companies to create, share, or exchange information, career interests, ideas, and pictures/videos in virtual communities and networks.
The first real instance of social media was 1997 and went by the name of 6 Degrees. Since then it’s come a long way. The top social media platforms and their estimated user numbers for 2015 – 2016 are:
Facebook has more than 1.5 billion users.
Linkedin has 414 million members (somewhat different to the typical “user” nomination).
Instagram has 400 million users.
Twitter has 320 million monthly users.
Google + has 300 million active users, though some sources say these numbers can be a bit inflated.
Snapchat has 200 million users.
Pinterest has 100 million users.
It’s evident that people are using social media on the regular basis. So the question becomes, how are YOU using social media, this new platform for your business?
Social media is a party.
No one goes to parties that people don’t go to. Yes, that sounds redundant, but let’s explore it a little further. If there is a large party going on, more and more people tend to get drawn to it. Moths to a flame, deer to headlights. Imagine that old saying from “Field of Dreams“.
“If you build it, they will come”.
On the flipside, when there is a party with few visitors or guests or little activity, the party stays small.
You are better off not throwing a party if you aren’t planning to do the work required to make it a GOOD party. Cancel the whole event.
Here are some tips to get you off the ground:
1. Pick the key platforms that make the most sense for you business.
If you are B2b, go to where your clients are (most likely Linkedin though it depends on the industry).
2. Start small.
Pick one and get the hang of it. Figure out what works. Unless you have a large budget where you can throw money with our worrying, be very frugal with time and effort.
3. Create campaigns for the chosen platforms so you remain consistent.
If you can only add new content every other day, maintain that. Inconsistency is quite obvious in the beginning.
4. Offer something of value.
If you don’t have an introductory service. You should be providing free (italics) information that can help your demographic or target market. This creates a feeling of goodwill, not to mention building credibility.
Everybody starts somewhere, there is no shame in humble beginnings. The key factor is that you are actually using social media.