I manage Social Media as my job. I’m on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and more. So I see A LOT of stuff.
I would love to share with you just a few things that I think will help your time online be more fruitful for you.
1. I realize not all people are literate on social media platforms. Tech can be a bit confusing at times. But my first suggestion would be - IF you’re on one… GET literate. You won’t feel so confused about what’s going on, how it’s going on, and why you’re getting alerts, notifications, and seeing comments, and posts. Most social media platforms are fairly straightforward and easy to learn. MOST. So if you have just a little bit of time, go to youtube and watch a tutorial, listen to a podcast on the platform you want to be on, or enlist the help of a young adult in your life - you can get the basics down fairly quickly. I promise.
2. Proofread your posts. Misspelling is just not fun to read. We’re all human. I misspell at times, too. But misspellings should be the exception and not the norm. If you wonder why people won’t respond to you? It might start with the fact that your post was confusing, misinterpreted, or didn’t come across well because of a lack of punctuation, incorrect grammar, or misspelling of words.
3. In light of number 1 - BE NICE! Ok, so not all people are gifted at spelling. And a lot of older people are getting online and maybe they weren’t wearing their glasses. But be nice if someone misspells or has incorrect punctuation. It’s the decent and civil thing to do.
4. People know more than you think they know. People are aware if you block them (most of the time). They are aware if you set up multiple instagram accounts hoping they won’t follow the other ones. They are aware you used a filter on your face to look younger. People are just digitally smart in this day and age. Especially those young adults who grew up on devices. Be authentic. Be YOU. And if you don’t want that certain auntie to follow you - don’t be on that platform with her, or don’t say those things, or post those pictures. You can look at it as a great way to be kept accountable. You’ll probably regret anything you don’t want someone seeing anyways - so you are better off not posting it.
5. Fact check. Re-posting and re-sharing is easy. But things are so easily altered now. Make sure that photo hasn’t been altered. Make sure that article isn’t “slanted” with their own bias’. If you spread content that people learn is not true or factual, it will affect your word and your reputation in the future.
6. If you want brands to follow you - put your city or state. If you are an influencer and speak at events, are a church, or any type of organization or business - PUT YOUR CITY AND STATE. No one can find you (and no one will take the time to find you), no one will visit or sign up for your event, if you don’t put where you are located. Up front. In your bio or profile.
7. Be unique. If you sell essential oils - you may look at other “oil” accounts and post the exact type of pictures they are posting. But if you want to stand out? Do something different. You can be creative. If you want to be remembered - having unique content will make you more memorable. And never bombarde your friends with messages or group invites to buy your product. If you haven’t spoken to someone regularly and then only message them to join or buy what you are selling - it leaves a sour taste. Trust me.
8. Do what you love. If you have a personal account, a blog account, a website, and several social media accounts - that’s great. Only if you can be consistent and keep up with all of them. Otherwise, shut one down and focus on the other. It’s okay to not be on everything. Just be where you enjoy being. Social media is an online gathering place, and sometimes we just don’t feel like gathering. And that’s OKAY. I do highly recommend being online somewhere if you have a brand or organization - but if you are an individual, it’s okay to opt out. But don’t rely on other people to fill you in on what you are missing all of the time. Okey-doke?
9. Remember that social media is SOCIAL. Talk back to people. Engage. Comment. Encourage. Check in. Don’t just broadcast what you are doing all of the time. I mean, you CAN - but it won’t help you in the long run. People want to know they matter to you. That means growing relationships. That means posting AND talking with others.
10. Social Media gets a bad rap. Yes, there are negative things that happen. Censorship is becoming an issue. People can be inappropriate. But social media is only a reflection of what is going on in people’s hearts. Social media is a GIFT and a ministry. It is a great way to stay connected with people from different seasons of your life, and for some people, it’s the only “connection” they get to others who may understand and care. It’s a great way to stay informed, and although not a replacement for real-life connections, it’s a terrific addition to it. Please don’t discount it just because of some bad apples.
Social media is not going away any time soon. There ARE ways to have private profiles and just connect with close friends. There are ways to filter content you see and hear, etc. And it can be very beneficial as far as knowing what is going on with your local business, or family and friends who don’t live nearby.
If you have any social media questions - please feel free to ask. I’ll do my best to answer them!
