by Kristi Daeda
Social media gives everyone a megaphone for sharing their expertise on particular subjects, so it’s easy to build up a library of blog posts, tweets, and articles on any subject. But because it’s so easy, tons of people are doing it, with the result that very few people get read or listened to.
If you want your social media efforts to be effective, you need to do more than just say smart stuff. You have to get people to hear it. Here are three tactics to cut through the noise:
-
Talk when others are quiet.
The best time to jump into a conversation with something witty or insightful is in that momentary lull. Online, that might mean that you’re sharing a viewpoint others aren’t, that you’re performing well on specific keywords that others may not be targeting, or that you’re the local expert for audiences that aren’t over crowded. Any time you’re the only voice on a subject, you’re much more likely to be heard.
-
Get a bigger megaphone.
If you want stadium-sized audiences, you have to get to stadium-sized outlets. Target sharing your perspective in places where people gather. In person, it’s speaking at conferences and public events. Online, it’s guest posting on bigger blogs and participating in high-visibility forums and groups.
-
Say something outrageous.
Have you ever noticed how quiet the room gets just when someone spills that crazy secret or makes that really off-color comment? There’s something larger-than-life about an overdose of online personality that can carry you through the monotonous buzz. Try injecting your content with humor, sarcasm, or a rebel edge. If it fits your personality and your audience, it can be a great way to set yourself apart.
Being effective building your presence online is about more than posting how-to’s and product reviews. It’s about creating a personality, a community, and a draw. Apply some creativity to the process, and you’re bound to be more effective.
Wanna get started? Here are some questions to get you thinking. You can scratch down your answers on the back of an envelope, but be as concrete as you can about your goals. You want to make money? Write down how much. Want online superstardom? How many followers, readers, clients, etc. does that mean for you? When you’re done, you’ll have the start of a social media plan. Here goes:
First, what you want:
- What do I want to get out of my time online?
- What do I want to be known for?
- Who do I want to know my name?
Next, since it’s really all about them, what “they” want:
- What does my target audience want from me?
- How can I give that to them?
- How can I get their attention while I’m doing it?
Just a little bit of thinking about how to reach your target audience can make a big difference in whether you get what you want out of the time you spend online.
How will you step up your efforts in 2010? What will you be known for?
Kristi Daeda is a career coach, blogger and personal marketing strategist helping professionals nationwide create their own career opportunities. She is the founder of
LaunchSummit, a free web-based educational event for job seekers, and blogs on job search, management, leadership, networking and more at
Career Adventure.
