Being social on social media is about more than just posting; it’s about actively engaging and building genuine connections with others. Think of it as a two-way street, where you not only share your own content but also participate in conversations and contribute to a community. Here’s a breakdown of how to be more social on social media:
1. Engage Actively and Authentically
- Don’t “Post and Ghost”: Once you’ve posted something, stick around for at least 15-30 minutes to respond to comments and questions. This shows your audience that you value their input and encourages more interaction.
- Respond to Everyone: Make an effort to reply to all comments and direct messages, if possible. Even a simple “thank you” or a quick emoji can make a follower feel seen and appreciated.
- Start Conversations: Use calls to action in your posts. Ask questions, like “What’s your favorite part of this?” or “Tell me about your experience with X.” This gives people an easy way to engage.
- Interact with Others’ Content: Don’t just wait for people to come to you. Actively like, comment on, and share posts from accounts you follow. This builds goodwill and makes you a more recognizable and trusted member of the community.
- Join Groups and Communities: Participate in relevant groups or forums where people share your interests. This is a great way to find like-minded individuals and contribute to discussions.
2. Be Human and Relatable
- Share Your Personality: Let your audience get to know the real you. Share behind-the-scenes content, personal stories, and even your mistakes or challenges. This builds trust and makes you more relatable.
- Keep it Real: Authenticity is key. Don’t feel pressured to always be perfect. People are often more engaged with content that is honest and unpolished.
- Mix it Up: Don’t just post about your business or a single topic. Share things that inspire you, useful tips, or even a funny meme that’s relevant to your audience. The 80/20 rule is a good guideline: 80% of your content should be valuable or entertaining, and no more than 20% should be directly promotional.
3. Use the Tools of the Platform
- Go Live: Live video is a powerful tool for connection. You can use it to teach a skill, do a Q&A, or simply chat with your followers in real-time.
- Use Stories and Reels: These features offer a more casual and candid way to share your life. Use polls, quizzes, and question stickers to encourage easy and quick engagement.
- Hashtags: Use hashtags strategically to increase your reach and help new people find your content. Use a mix of popular and niche hashtags that are relevant to your topic.
- Mention Others: When you share content from another creator or partner with a business, mention them in your post. This can increase your visibility and lead to them reciprocating.
4. Practice Good Digital Etiquette
- Be Respectful: Treat others with kindness and respect. If you disagree with someone, engage in a cordial and logical conversation.
- Think Before You Post: Remember that once something is online, it’s there forever. Avoid posting anything that is overly negative, inappropriate, or confidential.
- Proofread: Take a moment to check your spelling and grammar. A polished post can make you appear more professional and credible.
- Give Credit: If you share content that isn’t your own, always credit the original source. This is important for building relationships and respecting intellectual property.