Forget about all of your business development or growth goals and focus on this one thing. Right now. The most important tactic in any social media or marketing strategy is consistency. I’m sorry it isn’t more groundbreaking or exciting than that, but it really is that simple.
The most effective social media marketing/business growth tactic is to develop a consistent writing habit. Share on X
I learned this lesson when a mentor of mine challenged me to focus on consistently doing one thing that would move my business forward in a measurable way. As a marketer, I know that a blog is the engine that drives it all forward, so I decided to publish at least one blog or article every single week. This was nearly two years ago. Since that time, I’ve published nearly 150 pieces of content. Writing has simply become a part of what I do on a weekly basis.
I have even taken significant steps towards reaching several of my personal and professional goals, some directly as a result of my writing, though some were more indirect. Directly, I am proud of the modest brand I’ve built for my business and myself. Indirectly, I’m certain that the habit has made me better able to serve my clients, as well as more effectively connecting thoughts. Here’s how you can do the same:
Step 1) Choose a focus.
Spoiler Alert: This is not where I tell you to pick something you’re passionate about. Instead, I would like you to choose a topic that your target audience is passionate about. Now, you get to become passionate about it. Learn everything you can about the subject, so that you can speak with authority and provide value to your readers and followers.
Step 2) Commit to writing a little every day.
This part is key, even if your writing never sees the light of day. Keeping a journal is a fantastic way to train your brain to put thoughts into words. And while we’re on the subject of journaling, most people will tell you to write for yourself and not for others to read, but I find it impossible to not write as if someone is going to read it one day. It doesn’t matter either way, so don’t overthink this part. Just write.
Step 3) Enlist the help of others.
I have several accountability partners that make sure I keep to my writing commitments, which was really important in the early days, when I had no readers. Having someone look over your work before you publish it can be very helpful as well. Enlisting help from others can only make you better at your craft.
Following these steps will create a consistent writing habit that will advance your social media marketing or general business growth goals more than anything else you’ve done.
I challenge you to start today.
Great post, Reade. And I agree with you – consistency is the most important in anything. Show up repeatedly, do the work, and see results.
Thanks so much Adam. Couldn’t have said it better myself!
Hey, Reade. I always enjoy and learn from your posts; but this is my favorite of yours to date. My brain is racing, wanting to back you up on every point.
I’ve been blogging now for 4+ years. At first, I was overzealous and was writing a full out blog post, no fillers, every day. I’ve since pulled it back to a manageable once a week (Fridays), in addition to writing here (Thursdays). But those posts take many hours each to write. I started my blog to keep me focused on writing as I worked on my first book, and to build an audience who would be getting a taste of what’s important to me so that they’d be eager to read the book when it came out. But despite the small group of enthusiastic regulars (all friends or people who knew me), it was slow going at first, that’s for sure. It came down to hardcore discipline to keep it going. I often struggled with wondering if that huge chunk of time (20 hours a week at that time) should be spent elsewhere based on the “ROI,” so to speak. But I kept with it.
And I’m so glad I did. I can almost see the way the graph of growth looks in my mind’s eye – the slow curve along the bottom that seems almost horizontal, and then the drastic curve and upward shoot, which only really happened this year (actually, I think I’m in the pocket of the curve right now).
Suddenly (or so it seems), I’m getting new followers in droves. Every post generates great comments and discussion (something I’ve been shooting for from the beginning, wondering what the “secret sauce” was for all those bloggers who had managed it).
Here’s what really floors me. About a year ago, I did a Google search for “best advice” – a keyword combo I was after. When I got to page 40-something on Google, I quit. It was hopeless. About a month ago, after having been consistent, tidying up one little SEO aspect here and one there over time, I got the whim to do that search again. I was on page 10. Two weeks later, page 8. Currently top of page 6. And while there’s little practical difference between being on page 5 or 500, it’s measurable and exciting movement that’s reflective of that exponential curve happening. (My analytics also informed me that I was page 1 for “best post so far on facebook” and on page 2 for “best advice blog.” Crazy.
Simultaneously, I’m noticing that book sales are following the same curve, as are speaking opportunities.
I say all this … well, first, because it’s pretty exciting! … but also to give a fleshed-out story to your claim for anyone on the fence about it. CONSISTENCY PAYS OFF.
Of course, it’s been about more than just blogging consistency. It’s being diligent about learning and improving SEO, being consistent and improving skill with social media (thanks in part to your posts here!), engaging with others and building community. But all of these would be useless without that central, consistent blog at the center of it all.
Erik,
First of all, congrats on your recent success, but more so for your years of hard work. I’m glad to see this concept has some “social proof” out there and I thank you for it.
It really does come down to just being disciplined to show up every day and put in the work, day after day, year after year. I happen to believe what the Bible says about reaping what you sow.
Thanks again so much for reading and for the kind words. Keep up the good work and let me know how I can help!
Reade, I’m not just schmoozing here – your weekly posts are things I take to heart and practice. Some are good reminders, while others introduce one new element I hadn’t thought of. So you’re helping already. (Though I am moving soon, and may need to call upon your help with the piano…).
Wow, a piano…you know, I think I might be out of town that day… 😉
Such a great reminder that consistency is key. It’s been fun watching the engagement grow on my own site as I become increasingly consistent. Reade, you are so right. Consistency is the foundation. All of the other growth strategies depend on it!
Jed, I’m glad its worked for you. This whole team is the model of consistency!
awesome article. I can’t wait to read your next one.
Thanks, Dad!