Are Your Social Media Efforts Futile?

A countless number of people are now using social media as a way to keep in touch with their loved ones without having to make plans to actually see them. It has become such a big part of people’s lives and now, even companies have joined in, using social media to boost their marketing efforts. There are a lot of posts on social media sites that are purposely for fun and are rather trivial such as photos of cupcakes or pets in wacky outfits. However there are also bonds formed through that medium through the desire to stay in touch. Social media can be a powerful tool for purposes outside of sharing a laugh and can ultimately be a lucrative endeavor.

Know why you are using it

Your purpose for using social media decides your use of it. Whether you are using it to promote a business, to advocate a cause, or just to connect with peers, there must always be an intention behind it. If you are just using it for the sake of using it or being up to date, you might as well forget it. Social media websites often have a target demographic. For professionals that want to reach out to other executives or employees and maybe find other opportunities, there is LinkedIn. Twitter has proven to be a great source for breaking news and by following the correct people; you will have access to the best articles and other internet content. A RingCentral blog post shows that social media is effective for advertising efforts by tweeting links to their blog articles, keeping their links relevant, and by simply finding the best way to promote their brand through analytics and performance monitoring. Individuals who are more of the artistic type can rely on Pinterest to help them find sources of inspiration, while sites like DeviantArt help writers and the like.

It is called social media for a reason

“Antisocial media” does not really have much of a ring, does it? The main objective of social media is for its users to get social and interact, be it exchanging ideas, spreading information, or even building trust. You can use it converse with your followers, connections, and “friends” by replying to posts that pique your interest. You may also give someone relevant advice or just leave a post of encouragement when the time is right.

Do not be a bully

There is no manual on how to do social media the right way but there are some guidelines that may be necessary. People tailor their profiles on social media sites to suit them or whatever purpose they have but there is no reason why mutual respect should go out the window just because it’s online. Avoid using social media as a platform to promote bad blood, either against a brand or an individual. Have some boundaries and do not reveal sensitive information just because you feel particularly spiteful.

Pursue your cause

There is no right or wrong number for how many times you should update and write new posts but if you have a definitive reason for joining a social media site, continue your effort by regularly updating. Post relevant things that would help further your cause.