Ask These Questions When Using Social Media For Your Personal Brand
“I’m way too busy for social media.”
“I don’t know what I’m supposed to do with social media.”
“Social media is on the way out.”
“I have a Twitter account, but don't post or share any content.”
“I don’t even know where to start!”
“I don’t have anything to contribute or unique to say.”
Do any of those statements ring true for you? “Brand or be branded.” I first heard this from the incomparable J.T. O’Donnell at Talent Connect, LinkedIn’s multi-day gathering of the world’s top leaders, innovators, and influencers in the talent space. J.T. was talking about companies building an employer or talent brand and this concept really struck a chord with me. Moreover, the same concept applies to building your personal brand.
YOU’RE MISSING OUT — SERIOUSLY
The statements above resonate with many people; however, when you consider the average internet user spends an average of 135 minutes per day on social media, it’s clear you should join the digital conversation if you care about your personal brand at all.
Every day, billions of combined blog posts, emails, tweets, status updates, snaps and pictures are generated and shared for the world to consume. If you’re not taking part in this digital conversation, you’re missing out — seriously.
By answering a few questions and implementing some easy strategies, you can be well on your way to utilizing social media to build your personal brand in no time.
WHAT’S YOUR PURPOSE?
Like most things in life, you have to start by defining your purpose. Are you trying to become an authoritative voice, do you want to build brand awareness, or do you want to let your freak-flag fly and have a little fun? Whatever your answer, by first defining what you’re trying to accomplish with social media, you can save yourself heartache later.
Identifying your purpose upfront is like figuring out a roadmap for your content strategy. Keeping that purpose front-of-mind allows you to post content that always stays true to your brand.
WHICH SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM IS BEST FOR YOUR BRAND?
Do yourself a favor: conduct some research to find out which social media platform will a. allow you to genuinely engage with the right audience for your brand, and b. is best for your brand. Not every type of brand and/or business makes sense on all social media platforms.
For example, if you’re a photographer, you better believe you should be on Instagram, which is known for its photo-centric interface. You’re a blogger? I would strongly suggest Twitter due to the brevity the micro-blogging platform allows, as well as the ability to post hyperlinks to your original content.
HOW DO YOU START?
Great question — I wish more people asked this before they created profiles on every single social media platform and then did nothing with them (I’m still looking for you @chrisskaggs). The number of social media platforms available today is overwhelming — not to mention the new lexicon you need to familiarize yourself with in order to use each respective platform correctly — and skillfully.
My advice — start small.
Become proficient at one or two platforms, establish a follower base and build a confidence level with them, and then branch out from there. There really is a skill associated with a strong social media presence — you need time to develop those skills. If you try to come into the social media world full force, you run the risk of failing and more realistically getting discouraged and becoming another casualty of an inactive social media profile.
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STAY THE COURSE & DON’T GET DISCOURAGED
Generally speaking, when someone follows you on social media, they’re expressing an interest in what you have to offer and are digitally saying, “I want to know more.” Don’t let them down — the worst thing you can do is open a handful of accounts, generate some initial content, and then waste away to periodic and/or non-existent updates. It’s not fair to you or the followers who want to engage with you.
Take stock in the small victories and refine your strategy and content along the way. Starting small and focused builds the proper foundation setting you up for social media success. Happy posting, gramming, snapping, tweeting, updating or whatever social media mechanism it is you discover is best for your brand.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Chris Skaggs is the co-founder of BODDHI Branding, a creative agency with a vision to authentically and creatively construct stories to help your brand grow. Digital and social media, branding, recruitment and content strategy are all functions Chris has developed building teams, processes and strategies from the ground-up. Dedicated to giving back Chris also co-founded Leighton’s Gift, a non-profit with a mission of turning a tragedy into something positive. He also serves on the boards of a variety of different organizations. A natural storyteller, Chris’ work and experiences have been featured on CNN, Marketing Sherpa, Thrive Global, CBS Radio, Recruiter.com and Glassdoor. Get connected online, @chrislskaggs.