Most people do two things when it comes to social media: waste time and react.
OK, that was a bit harsh and over-simplified (who do I think I am?). Sure, some good, fun connections are made. And maybe that’s all you want to use social media for. But I believe there is so much potential for people to make a difference.
It’s one of my passions to see you use social media for your goals – to be purposeful with your online presence and make something happen.
Social media presents some great opportunities and also some great threats – opportunity to spread our message and creativity, but a threat to any and all productivity.
You’ve been there – scrolling through your social networks seeing what everyone is up to. Before you know it, the day has been wasted tweeting, liking, poking, stalking, and gossiping.
You need a strategy or you may never accomplish what you’re capable of.
So today I’m going to share my strategy. I’m constantly learning, developing, and experimenting, so I can’t promise that next week I’ll do the same things, but this is what I currently do everyday (except Sunday).
I recommend you try these 5 things as well:
1. Define Your Goal
My main focus is writing for my blog everyday, providing content that helps people. I want to contribute helpful information that leaders can apply.
I’ve decided my blog is my “home base”. I use my social networks to promote my blog because I believe in what I’m writing. Decide what your goal is for social media – whether it’s blogging great content, an email newsletter, tweeting helpful tweets, or something maybe not a lot of other people are doing.
This is one of the best ways I fight my tendency to hide – hide from doing anything remarkable. Yea, it’s a lot of work. Yea, I feel like I have nothing to say sometimes. But I still do it. So can you.
2. Read Other Blogs
I like to read a lot of blogs. All I know about social media and blogging I’ve learned from intense reading. Everyday I fire up my Google Reader and seek to deepen my knowledge of worship, social media, blogging, business, productivity, technology, and leadership.
I recommend you become best friends with your RSS reader and subscribe to the best content. You’ve heard the phrase, “Leaders are readers”. They prepare for the future by increasing their knowledge today – constantly learning, constantly developing.
3. Comment on Other Blogs
I always comment on a few blogs every day. I like to appreciate bloggers for their writing, connect with them, and contribute to their online communities. Not only does it grow my blog, but it enables me to have conversations with some amazing people that I would never have otherwise.
4. Schedule Tweets
When I come across blog posts that I think my followers will appreciate, I schedule them using HootSuite. I have found HootSuite to be the best Twitter app out there, simply for this feature. Scheduling my tweets has kept me from tweeting all day long and wasting a lot of time.
Not only does tweeting great blog posts encourage your network, it also blesses the blogger and strengthens your relationship to them. Every blogger loves RT’s and mentions via social networks. Just sayin’ :).
5. Engage With People
The best part of social media, by far, is the connection you have with real people. As I mentioned in this previous post, it’s so great when Twitter friends become real friends, when social networks become ministry partners in spreading the Gospel. It’s special.
Don’t just throw your content out there and ignore everybody. Build community.
Question: In what ways are you making a positive difference online? Share what you’re up to. You can leave a comment by clicking here.
In closing, I wanted to offer some great resources for further reading. These guys are top notch:
- Bryan Allain’s 29Ebook – sign up for his BlogRocket email newsletter and get this free ebook. Amazing.
- Jeff Goins – How to Stop Wasting Time on Facebook and Join a Real Community.
- Michael Hyatt – How to Use Google Reader to Keep Up With Your Favorite Blogs
Good stuff, David. I think I struggle the most with “Defining the Goal”. Especially because I want to connect with DIFFERENT people (eg; Dads, Friends, Worship Leaders, Pastors (non-music), and just all round “cool people”) – any suggestions?
I think it may be helpful to concentrate your efforts on one particular “niche” for now. I’ve found that when I try and spread my focus too much, nothing really gets done well. Not saying you can’t simultaneously connect with all those people, it just may help to focus on one for a time. And sometimes connecting with one attracts the attention of others. I explicitly say my blog is for worship leaders but I have a bunch of non-worship leaders who read it. Make sense?
Good post, you’re mentoring bro!
A problem for me is information overload – I just can’t take it all those blogs in, and they’re good, useful ones. Your strategy?
How do you schedule tweets w/ Hoot suite?
I have a probably 10-12 blogs that I read EVERYTHING they write and I also comment. Other blogs I skim. I try and get my blog reading done within 30 minutes and I’m probably subscribed to around 90 blogs. Sometimes I don’t get through all of them. I would suggest you pick your top 10 that are the most beneficial and skim the rest.
I use the Chrome “app” for Hootsuite. I like that I can have a separate tab open right next to my Google Reader. Makes the process faster. I just click on “schedule a message”, paste the tweet and schedule it for whenever. I actually did that with one of your posts today.
Wow…I just started taking my blog growth really serious about…uh…2 weeks ago! lol…which is right about the time I comment on your blog and some other that I was intrested in…I read Bryans 29ebook thing and was fascinated..
I feel like a brand you blogger. (even though i’ve done it for family and friends for 3 years!). So it’s kinda difficult for me to put myself out there you know?…
I’m kinda stuggling cause I don’t think any body “else” is gonna care or read about the funny thing my little girl did. Or my Top 5 favorite things to do out side! lol…so it’s a bit scary.
But Wow! the responsive i’ve gotten from commenting on other blogs is overwhelming! it’s been great…
Thanks so much david for making a feel apart of your blog! cause most of the time I feel like a teaspoon of water in the whole ocean of blogging!!!
Consistency is key, Arny! Keep it up. If you every have any question about blogging don’t hesitate to ask. I’m glad you’re a part of my blog!
All your points are right on. I use my site as an online ministry. Whereever God wants to take it, I will be fine with it. But I do my part to try to promote it and everything…
Keep it up Brandon!
Ok, I have a confession to make. I don’t tweet. I have no idea how to tweet. And I feel like since I’m so far behind that asking for help would only bring me shame lol. But, after reading this post, I feel like it’s something I should be doing to help me continue to network with people. So, tell me, David, how many “hail mary’s” do I need to recite for my lack of tweetness? 🙂
Not only do you need to recite 4,000 hail mary’s, you need to come to Pittsburgh and hang out! 🙂 Seriously, bro, you should start a Twitter account. Report back when it’s done 🙂
David
Great feedback and strategy. The most difficult thing for me is trying to keep up with others blobs and content. I find it more via twitter now because my rss reader is often neglected.
I hear you, Fred. I guess I may prioritize blog reading more than most. I take some time every morning to read through. It can be very demotivating, though, when you miss a few days and there’s over 400 unread blogs in your reader. Ugh 🙂
That’s when I declare RSS bankruptcy and hit “Mark All Read”.
I have been bankrupt numerous times 🙂
love this Fred!
Great tips, David!
Thanks Jeff. I’m learning a ton from your blog. Keep it up!
Thanks. I’ve also found it helpful to make topical Twitter lists of people to potentially retweet. Keeps me focused.
Thanks for the tip. Haven’t tried that yet. What kind of lists do you keep?