You want to get into social media, but you have no idea where to start. Do you just jump in to Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+, and the various other sharing networks? Sounds like jumping into the deep end, I think. Doing an excellent job with one of them rather than doing a mediocre job at four sounds like the way to go. Now, where do you start?
When I started into the social media whirl, I followed the advice of Scott Stratten of Unmarketing – @Unmarketing (the book and the concept) fame. Scott says,
It’s the “no barrier” to communication from Twitter that really sold me. Since both LinkedIn and Facebook are permission-first sites, I need to “know” you before getting to know you, which makes no sense when you’re trying to meet other business owners.
I use Facebook and LinkedIn as secondary levels. Once I’ve gotten to know someone on Twitter, we can go to the next level on either of those two sites because I now “know” them.
So that’s what I did.
It takes time to build these relationships. You categorize (“list”) people you follow into those you learn from and those you socialize with; those you want to know as a business prospect and those who tell you about their favorite mobile phone app. Scott continues,
“Social media doesn’t change the fact that relationships take time. You truly do get out of it what you put in. It’s tough at the start. ….You have to have faith in the conversation. It seems like no one is listening at first, but trust me, we all are.”
You’re probably anxious to get started. I’ve listed some good places below for tips, both blogs and people to follow on Twitter.
- TwiTip Blog by ProBlogger Darren Rowse. Twitter Link @ProBlogger
- Tweet Smarter Blog by Dave Larson. Twitter Link @TweetSmarter
- Twitter Resources from the source. Buttons, widgets, logos, and more.
- “How to Improve Your Twitter Profile“ by BRAD HARMON
- “Mom: This is How Twitter Works“ by Jessica Hische, a light-hearted look at explaining Twitter
- “Twitter in Plain English“ video by Common Craft – Excellent!
- The best guide I know: The Tao of Twitter by Mark W. Schaefer, who also does a wonderful blog and Twitter site @MarkWSchaefer.
Best wishes for your success on Twitter and all the social media networks you join.
Let me know how it goes!
About Sally EricksonErickson Creative's Sally Erickson is a WordPress website builder, specializing in evaluating and improving business websites for more leads and better profits. Making better websites everyday…. connect with me on Twitter and FaceBook.
