I’ll be honest here. I don’t like social media! I don’t have any social media apps in my phone. (I have accounts across all social media though)
I’m not here to regale you with fairy tales from a social media savant.
Instead, I aim to scribble out a raw, relatable map for budding entrepreneurs and marketers; a map that navigates the labyrinth of likes, comments, and shares towards the treasure trove of an authentic online presence.
And how social media is like for a non-social media guy.
Early Facebook Days
Facebook was much simple and easy to navigate back in 2016.
This was the first time I was starting to learn about social media marketing.
For me, also for many, I believe that Facebook is the first platform that we started our journey with.
Despite purchasing courses that turned out to be scams and facing academic pressures that made learning difficult, I continued to push forward, posting consistently. It wasn’t easy, but I was determined.
For academic pressure I couldn’t continue learning. I was working really hard despite the pressure.
I continued posting on social media.
When I received my first order. Oh gosh that day! I was really happy.
Tip 1: Quality over Quantity
It’s easier said than done. As I was managing an account for clothing business. I needed high quality images that would stand out.
But I’m really bad at showcasing product images. It just didn’t resonate with me.
After a while, I decided to get a Teammate for content production. Then, everything went smooth.
Tip 2: Know Thy Audience
At first, I didn’t know about audience research or creating something like buyer persona. This led me to suffer in ads. I seemed like couldn’t connect with the customers.
While searching on YouTube to solve this issue; I found a video that talked about exactly what I needed to know.
My advice would be for you to go everywhere where your customers hang around. Look what they are saying, in which way they’re saying it. The words they use, how they make fun. Notice everything.
Building a Personal Brand
If content is king, then your personal brand should reign as queen. Early on, I eschewed the robotic, corporate voice in favor of authenticity. (us)
It wasn’t an immediate hit, but over time, my followers attached a human face to the brand, fostering a deeper connection and building trust.
I’ll admit—the ‘personal branding’ cliche initially repulsed me.
But seeing it as a means to humanize my business not only made it acceptable but necessary.
From making videos talking about company news to sharing my personal (and professional) growth in blog posts, every interaction became an anecdote in my brand’s narrative.
Tip 3: Highlight Your Uniqueness
Identify what sets you apart—maybe it’s your storytelling prowess, your quirky humor, or your steadfast commitment to a cause.
This ‘you’ factor is what will magnetize your audience.
This will also become a USP (Unique Selling Proposition) for your brand.
Tip 4: Consistency is Key
Ensure that the essence of your brand is consistently woven through all content—be it your logo, your colors, or your tone.
This uniformity breeds recognition.
I really sucked in this point. Only after hiring people, I could solve this problem.
You won’t know when your content will do well.
You’ll upload a well-researched top-notch content but won’t get much return on it. On the other hand, sometimes you will post something randomly and that will become a hit.
So, you have to be prepared with your weapon, your content.
Content Creation Strategy
I strolled into the social media realm with the naive belief that a single viral video could bestow me with a halo of likes.
The truth, however, unfurls in the daily grind of content curation and a robust strategy.
My epiphany arrived in the form of a content calendar. This rudimentary tool transformed my chaotic posting schedule into a synergistic showcase.
Thematic months aligned with my products and industry trends, while regular features like “Tip Tuesdays” and “Success Stories Saturdays” harnessed anticipation among my followers.
Tip 5: The Power of Storytelling
Facts tell, but stories sell.
Incorporate narratives into your content—they captivate and are more likely to be remembered.
Engagement and Community Building
Creation without reciprocation is a lonely pursuit. I learned this lesson the hard way with my first posts, left stranded in the abyss of crickets. Engagement, I realized, is a two-way street.
I made concerted efforts to respond to every comment, engage in threads, and celebrate user-generated content. (It’s hard often times. I’ve been through that.)
This reciprocation birthed an organic community that not only bloomed around my brand but also flowered into a network of supportive peers.
Tip 6: About Engagement
Every comment is an opportunity to build a relationship. Treat it as a conversation, not a monologue.
Spotlight your followers and their contributions. This inclusion makes them feel valued and fosters a sense of belonging.
Balancing Personal and Professional Content
Social media is the modern amphitheater where personal and professional lives juggle for spotlight.
I wasn’t sure where to draw the line—until I realized, that on my stage, these acts often intertwine.
I found that blending personal (within reason) and professional content resonated more deeply with my audience.
Occasionally sharing my struggles and triumphs allowed followers to witness the human behind the brand while staying within professional decorum.
Tip 8: Personal Touches and professionalism
Don’t shy away from moments that offer a peek into your life. Personal touches make your brand more approachable.
While sharing personal stories can be endearing, always consider your audience and the platform’s nature. Maintain a level of professionalism that’s aligned with your brand’s image.
Dealing with Trolls and Negative Feedback
In my early days, a negative comment was a wound that festered, consuming my focus and dampening my creativity. It took me a while to realize that negative feedback is an occupational hazard—a rite of passage on the digital front.
Patience and a pinch of humor became my shields. I responded coolly, either by diffusing the situation with a well-timed joke or with a dignified explanation.
Tip 11: Keep a Cool Head
Drastic, emotional responses to criticism can exacerbate the situation. Train yourself to take a step back and respond thoughtfully.
Sometimes, a negative comment can house a valid point. Use it as constructive criticism to evolve and improve your strategy.
Leveraging Analytics for Optimization
Numbers have dynamic stories to tell. Initially, my relationship with analytics was haphazard, a once-in-a-while peek at the likes and shares.
But as my strategy matured, I realized that data isn’t just a feedback loop—it’s the conductor of our social media symphony.
Immersing myself in the narratives of impressions, engagement rates, and follower insights enabled me to optimize my content.
Tweaking posting times, refining content themes, and nurturing posts that gained traction allowed me to fine-tune my strategy.
Tip 13: The Devil’s in the Data
Don’t shy away from analytics. They can be your guiding light, illuminating the path to success.
Analyze trends and be willing to adapt your strategy accordingly. The social media landscape is always shifting, and so should you.
Collaborations and Partnerships
The isles of social media aren’t sovereign territories—they’re a dynamic network of crossroads and blossoming partnerships.
At first, I was ignorant of all these things. After some research, I decided to give it a shot.
I started small, engaging with fellow entrepreneurs and digital marketers.
These collaborations, from guest posts to joint webinars, infused fresh perspectives and expanded my reach.
Tip 15: The Power of Two (or More)
Two brands can amplify their voices together. Seek partnerships that complement your brand and together, create more value for your audience.
Ensure collaborations are beneficial for all parties involved. Aim for a win-win situation that facilitates mutual growth.
Evolving Strategies and Lessons Learned
The terrain of social media is not just vast, but also volatile. What worked yesterday may falter today, and the strategic acumen to pivot is indispensable.
Everything I learnt in a paid course was irrelevant after a year.
The social media odyssey is a continual learning experience, a perpetual beta test of tactics and strategies.
Tip 19: The Perpetual Beta
Think of your social media strategy as a ‘perpetual beta’. Be willing to iterate and refine continuously.
Tip 20: Never Stop Learning
Social media is an ocean of knowledge. Stay informed about platform updates, new features, and emerging trends.
In conclusion, my foray into the social media marketing sphere mirrors the quintessential hero’s arc—of growth, challenges, and maturation.
It’s not just a science, meticulously analyzing the algorithms, but also an art, crafting content that resonates with hearts as well as minds.
My blueprint, I hope, serves as a lamp for the weary voyagers of the digital age—a beacon of authenticity in an often contrived landscape.
The quest for an engaging, credible social media presence is not a quest to slay dragons and hoard treasures.
It’s simply a march toward a community that embraces your voice, your vision, and perhaps most importantly, your authenticity.
Through this blueprint, I invite you to script your own narrative—a tale that’s rich with lessons, resplendent with creativity, and anchored in the unmistakable magnetism of the authentic self.
