So What Does Social Media Engagement Really Mean? – Reade Milner

 

What does it take to really create engagement among your social media followers?

Everyone talks about it, but does anyone really do it? I mean really do it? I’d venture to guess that most don’t for the simple reason that it takes too much work. Plain and simple. True social media engagement takes a lot of work. Good news though. It may take work, but it’s pretty simple.

So, what do you have to do? Easy. Just respond to every tweet, reach out to every new follower, and get into as many conversations as you can that is related to your core competency.

Allow me to simplify. Just follow these steps.

Step 1) Be personable

Every time someone follows you on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, or whatever, reach out to them personally. Ask them how you can help them, specifically. For example, if @TomBrady follows you on Twitter, you should send something like, “Hey @TomBrady, thanks for following! How is your off-season training coming along? Any way we can help?”

Step 2) Be responsive

If anyone reaches out to you, mentions you, or @Replies you, for any reason, you better not let that go unanswered. This is, easily, the most overlooked opportunity, when it comes to social media engagement. Besides it being common courtesy to acknowledge people when they address you, it’s an easy opportunity to start a meaningful conversation.

Step 3) Be helpful

Get involved in conversations whenever possible. Again, very simple stuff. Make a daily habit of commenting on a few posts by other people. We’re not just saying hello, however. Lend some expertise. Give away value and don’t expect anything in return.

Another way to get involved in conversations is to use Twitter.com/search, choose the advanced options, and search for keywords related to your core competency.

 

Social media engagement isn’t rocket science. It’s simple hard work and focused attention.