Wednesday Writing Tip: How to Social Media

I recently interviewed a friend who started his own social media marketing company. 

I know, right? Like, there are people who know this stuff on a professional level, while to me, social media seems like a thousand puppies on a skating rink with maybe 50 balls bouncing around for fetching. Chaos. Perhaps a little successful play for the fittest. 

But if I can get a few pointers, heck, I’m all about it!! 

So in our interview, my friend simplified things for me and came up with three points of focus: 

1. Own your space.

If you aren’t the first person to own your name, then rebrand yourself with an unusual and catchy name. Pen names are well attested in history. Mark Twain proved it works, so I guess if you’re Jane Smith, it’s time for a rebrand. (No offense, Jane.)

2. Be the squeaky wheel.

Whatever your published name happens to be, make sure you are the loudest one on the internet. That means keeping your posts current. While your website and blog are part of that, social media is a must: Insta, Facebook, Twitter. BUT did you know that the YouTube search engine is used more than Google? I didn’t know either! So even if you are a vid novice, utilize YouTube to tease up your next piece of work. It doesn’t have to be longer than 45 seconds and leave a link for a free download of something! 

3. Know your audience.

Who is reading this? Appeal to their age, gender, and the interests in their lives. Target prospective readers with digital ads. When you post, repeat key words that describe your work on your content and social media. 

He had a lot more to say, but my attention span has a lot in common with those puppies. If this was helpful, I might have to track him down for more. So let me know how it goes!!

Special thanks to Luke Wyckoff of Social Media Energy.