Time for those social media basics, my blogger friends. When I shared with y'all that I work as a social media coordinator, one commenter suggested I create a social media guide. Sooo...that's what I did. These are the basics. Like the bare bones of social media. I could get into a million different things, but let's start simple. These are things I learned the hard way, after much work. Don't be me. Learn now.
Related reading: How I Earned $15,000 from Blogging in 2017
Title your photos - Keeping your photograph title as IMAGE_2342 is easier than naming it, but did you know photos have SEO value? Make sure you title your photos. For example, my photo title could be "SocialMediaBasicsforBloggers" or "SocialMediaTips" instead of "IMAGE_5953." When people are searching online, they are more likely to find your post & it will rank higher. Always title your pictures.
Use hashtags - Seems like a cop out, right? All those annoying hashtags. Nope! It's absolutely essential. Use hashtags on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc. You never know when or who is looking for certain hashtags. I use hashtags on my Twitter all the time. Last week, two brands reached out to me about products. Now I'm munching on some vegan jerky & some sort of sport drink. Now who's laughing? Hashtags will help you.
Post regularly - This is what I did wrong for two years. I posted sporadically -- maybe once a week. My bad. You want your posts to rank higher in searches. Your post on how to style beanies from 2 weeks ago is irrelevant when someone posted about that yesterday. Keep up with fresh content. I recommend 2-3 times per week to start off.
Post about relevant topics - Be it the controversy about the Coachella 2015 lineup or the score of the latest football game, be relevant. This doesn't have to be for 100% of your posts, but chances are someone out there is looking for what you have to say. A couple months ago, I posted about my experience at Comedy Central's @midnight taping & someone found it, emailed me, & asked me questions about it because they were planning to go.
Set up profiles on all platforms - So you want to be a travel blogger but you don't have an Instagram or Twitter? Why not? You need them all. Note of warning: not all social media platforms are created equal. LinkedIn may be better for small businesses trying to connect with other businesses, while Instagram is great for artistic folk who want to share their photos.
Don't buy followers - Throughout my time as a social media manager, I've tried various methods for different companies. Buying followers is lame! I do freelance work for a vegan raw superfood bar company & they have 80,000 Facebook fans, but only 2 people like any given post. This looks really bad. Really, really bad. It's better to just have true 198 fans than 5,000 nameless bought likes.
Use a call to action - A call to action is to entice your readers to focus on another course of action. Instead of "Bye. Thanks for reading my recipe," create a direct call to action at the end of your posts. Here's a better one: "Follow me on Twitter for more healthy recipes & fit tips." Obviously, gear the call to action to your readers & what you have to offer them.
Focus on engagement - Take notice of engagement & active users versus followers or page views. Many of those views are spam anyway. The referral link often ends up at some random irrelevant site. That's just to get you to their site. They succeeded. If your posts get 1,000 views but no comments, that's something to think about. Engagement is one the key factors of social media.
This social media basics series could go on forever because there's a million more segments & a million different ways to do things. If you're interested in more social media guides, let me know. Do you have any specific questions? The topic of social media is so vast, if you have a particular need you want addressed, that actually works better. :]
Which of these social media tips & tricks is news to you? Do you know most of these already? :]
Use a call to action - A call to action is to entice your readers to focus on another course of action. Instead of "Bye. Thanks for reading my recipe," create a direct call to action at the end of your posts. Here's a better one: "Follow me on Twitter for more healthy recipes & fit tips." Obviously, gear the call to action to your readers & what you have to offer them.
Focus on engagement - Take notice of engagement & active users versus followers or page views. Many of those views are spam anyway. The referral link often ends up at some random irrelevant site. That's just to get you to their site. They succeeded. If your posts get 1,000 views but no comments, that's something to think about. Engagement is one the key factors of social media.
This social media basics series could go on forever because there's a million more segments & a million different ways to do things. If you're interested in more social media guides, let me know. Do you have any specific questions? The topic of social media is so vast, if you have a particular need you want addressed, that actually works better. :]
You may also want to read the DOs & DON'Ts of Leaving Blog Comments.
Follow me for more social media tips:
Such great suggestions! I am so you mentioned quality followers versus just a number. I would much prefer engagement from a small group than a large count with no interaction. Great post!
ReplyDeleteAnna
alilyloveaffair.com
Engagement is essential. If nobody is engaged, ask yourself 'why?' :]
DeleteSo happy you posted this list! Definitely will be utilizing a lot of these tips for future posts :)
ReplyDeletewww.recalcitrantgirl.com
Glad to help.:]
DeleteGreat and on point recommendations!
ReplyDeleteMostly agree with posting regularly and reader engangement.
x
Stella from a A Shiny Place
Hope it helps you grow your blog!:]
DeleteOooh, this is all very helpful! Thanks for sharing! I will definitely be pinning this post. :-)
ReplyDeleteKisses from Buenos Aires xx
http://amateandarottweiler.blogspot.com.ar/
Ooooh nice. Thank you for reading. :]
DeleteThis is a super helpful post! I've definitely struggled to maintain a presence on all social media platforms, but know it is necessary to being a successful blogger. Thanks so much for sharing these tips!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely necessary -- just ease yourself into it & explore. :]
DeleteThank you for this! You're blog is beautiful, and as lame as this sounds, when looking at your site for the first time yesterday evening I thought to myself: now this is a blogger I need to learn from. You're fabulous, but its even more wonderful that rather than keep coolness to yourself, you work to share that love with the world.
ReplyDeletexoxo,
Natalia
themodernsophisticate.com
Thank you so much, Natalia. That's so kind of you to say. I just don't want someone else's journey to be as hard as mine. I have the guidance to share. Why not? :]
DeleteI wish I knew these tips when I first started out! Great advice, and also - happy new year! xxx
ReplyDeleteHayley-Eszti
www.hayleyeszti.com
Happy new year! Wish I knew these too. >.<
DeleteThis is a really great post Carmen - lots of great tips!!
ReplyDeleteJessica
the.pyreflies.org
Thanks Jessica! :]
DeleteLove this post, Im always looking for ways to improve in social media and this really helps, thanks!
ReplyDeletewww.stylebyavery.com
Glad to help. :D
Deletelove everything! great photos :D
ReplyDeleteVisit my blog? xx Miss Beatrix (http://missbeatrix.com)
Really helpful and informative post. This is extremely important.
ReplyDeleteI really love these tip! I'm going to start naming my photos!!!
ReplyDeleteMelanie @ meandmr.com
Yes, yes, yes!! :]
DeleteGood tips! Thank you for sharing! :)
ReplyDeleteI find that hashtags are great on instagram - I use a lot of them, and I like searching the ones I use to find people with similar interests to mine! :) Cant' say I've ever really gotten the hang of twitter though haha!
Away From The Blue
2015 Wardrobe Inventory Linkup
Exactly! I'm searching for hashtags, so it's safe to assume bloggers & brands are too. :]
DeleteThe image name tip just blew my mind. Thank you so much! I will definitely be using that. Thanks for the helpful hints :)
ReplyDeleteTheatricality by Mariah
Mind blown! Haha. Happy to help. :]
DeleteVery interesting and helpful!
ReplyDelete♥ Vera | Verally
These are some really great tips! I definitely need to make my tweets more regular and refer back to my blog often
ReplyDeleteReinventing Neesha ♥
Yes! Tweets only have a lifespan of 18 minutes!!!!! :O So Tweet regularly.
DeleteAwesome tips! I'd give your a hug and a high five if I could. Would you settle for an invisible thumbs up? Silliness aside, great post.
ReplyDeleteTexas Jak
www.novermyhead.com
THUMBS UP! :]
DeleteThank you so much for the tips! I definitely need to use more hashtags on my twitter! x
ReplyDeleteBeyond the Velvet | Fashion, Beauty and Lifestyle blog
You'll see a difference!:]
DeleteYour tip about titling photos is really interesting! I never knew that! Will try that from now on. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteLaura | Laurakathren
Yep, photos hold SEO value. I didn't know that initially either. :]
DeleteAhh fabulous, such helpful tips! I hope you will be sharing more of your wisdom ;) xxxx
ReplyDeletewww.lipglossandpaperbacks.blogspot.co.uk
I most definitely will, especially if it's useful. :]
DeleteGreat post! Your tips are very useful. You just convinced me to make an twitter account for my blog :)
ReplyDeleteDo it, girl. :]
DeleteSuch a lovely post Carmen! Its so thoughtful and so knowledgeable! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteXx,
Nilu Yuleena
BIG hair LOUD mouth
Thanks for your kind words, Nilu. :]
DeleteI really hope this will help you all! Thanks for the tips carmen :)
ReplyDeleteGreat tips! I know nothing about social media so this was helpful. I will be adding titles to my photos tonight. I had no idea that made a difference. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThe Doctor Diva
It makes a big difference. :]
DeleteNever heard of people buying followers? I'd rather have "real" readers that actually enjoying reading my content than just up my numbers. I don't think I would feel any type of "success" lol. Great post. xox
ReplyDeletehttp://www.rainbowsandunicornsblog.co.uk/
Many, many people buy followers to make their page look more active -- they will soon realize it does the opposite. :p
DeleteThese are such wonderful tips! Especially as a new blogger. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeletexo,
Jessica
www.fortheloveofbubbly.com
I definitely needed that, thank you very much! :D x
ReplyDeletesimplifypoison.blogspot.com
great tips x
ReplyDeleteStefanie | Casualllyawkward | Bloglovin
These tips are amazing! I have to admit I am a bit of a Social Media addict...aren't we all?!?
ReplyDeletePlease check out my latest Blog post :)
http://betsyloopylou.blogspot.co.uk/
Happy 2015 to you all
x
A great post, thanks for sharing :)
ReplyDeletexx
http://losaway.blogspot.com
I loved this post! So helpful!
ReplyDeletexx E∆
LietoDie
Thanks for these great tips girl, lots of newcomers (and even veterans) could really use these to their advantage! For myself, it took me a while to get on board with hashtagging but now I'm afraid that I'm too addicted to hashtagging haha. Oh well, it does get me some engagement in the social media community! Also, love the idea of adding in a call to action and I need to write on more relevant topics (event-related or season-related). Thanks for getting my blogger brain juices flowing!
ReplyDeletexx Debbie
www.whatdoffydoes.com
Hashtagging is good! Never fret about using them liberally. Hope your blogger brain juices are flowing in the right direction. :]
DeleteI'm a new blogger and this is really helpful thanks!
ReplyDeletewww.thereview33@blogspot.co.uk
This is such a helpful post, thanks Carmen! x
ReplyDeleteAntonia | Fifi and the Diamonds
This list is spot on! And it came at the right time, as I'm just now getting my blog and clothing business off the ground. I will definitely be taking notes. Thanks Carmen! :)
ReplyDeletewww.vintagealleyblog.com
Great Tips! Definitely agree on the relevant topic posts! I just did one on the Golden Globes! xx Rena Kiss and Make Up- Beauty Blog
ReplyDeleteGood on ya! :D
DeleteGreat post Carmen! It's super useful to hear these things from someone who does it for a living. I'm just learning by trial and error as I go along! My favorite part is definitely the engagement, and chatting with people who stop by...I like the call to action tip and will use that next time!
ReplyDeleteJill
Latest Post: Flat Belly Myths Debunked + Life Changing FODMAP Diet
Engagement is key & that's something I didn't focus on for a long time. :]
DeleteSuch an amazing post girl. And I'm so happy that you mentioned engagement versus numbers - quality really is more important than quantity. That being said, I would love to hear even more from the people who do follow me. Also, I NEED to get the ball rolling on the whole Twitter, Pinterest thing. I focus mainly on insta and I'm not sure that's good!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the amazing tips and happy Tuesday!
K.xo
http://www.rarelytakenseriously.com
All are beneficial. I say take 1 hour a week to start up your Twitter & Pinterest. :]
DeleteHey Carmen, this is such a helpful post. I have noted many things and will try to act upon them all, specially the posting regularly one! Thanks for stopping by my blog & leaving your link. It was lovely to discover your blog. Keep in touch. xx
ReplyDeleteZubia | The Bedside Dreams Diary
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Zubia. Hope you stop by again. :]
DeleteSuch a great post and very helpful tips!
ReplyDelete~Tatiana
We Shop in Heels
80k FB fans and only a few likes?!? That's crazy! I didn't even know you could 'buy' FB fans. Guess I shouldn't be so surprised. It seems like they've thought of everything these days.
ReplyDeleteLove this post. Any plans to do more social media advice posts? Like best practices for the different outlets?
V
Life+1
Yes! I will keep this series going & focus on various sites. :]
DeleteVery helpful
ReplyDeletelisaxbeauty
I never knew about adding a title to your photos. I have to shamefully admit that i usually just leave mine. Well not now! Thanks for all the great tips; you really do learn something new every day. :) xx
ReplyDeleteOooh girl, make the change. :]
DeleteThese are some awesome tips!!!! I've been trying to work on naming my photos instead of doing the lazy game haha! I need to post more relevant tops something that will really get my readers talking hmmm. These are so helpful!!! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteJasmine :)
colorubold.blogspot.com
Relevancy is important because people are searching for it. I did a quick Coachella write up the day the lineup was released & people searching for it kept coming to my blog. :]
DeleteThese are some great tips! I'm going to have to start using better names for my photos and I love the idea of adding calls to action. What a great way to link your blog and social media pages!
ReplyDeletehttp://mollyandstacie.com
Exactly. It keeps them coming for more. :]
DeleteI like the call to action tip. I do try to ask a question at the end of my posts but i'm not very good at suggesting relevant links or suggesting they follow on twitter. To be honest when people ask questions in their posts I always comment about something else anyway, but that's just me! Thanks for stopping by on my blog btw. :) x
ReplyDeleteAmy at Amy & More
Great post, Carmen! How do you differentiate your posts for Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc? And do you have any tips on best times to post, posting all at the same time vs. spacing them out, etc? I'd appreciate your advice, as I'm always trying to learn and improve at social media!
ReplyDeleteIda at http://cantwaittotellyou.blogspot.com/
Such a helpful post , great !
ReplyDeleteWould you like to follow each other ?
Kisses
Emily from PTT
Very interesting post. I love your blog! I hope you will like mine.
ReplyDeletehttp://instagram.com/ladyfur?ref=badge
http://www.welovefur.com
Omg I never knew that about naming your photos! I'm mindblown haha. Brilliant post with great tips! Thanks for writing it :)
ReplyDeleteCaitlin Crawford
- xoxo
Great post, Carmen! Thanks for all the awesome tips!
ReplyDeleteGreat tips! As a new blogger it is really hard to know when I am doing something right on social media or how I am doing something wrong!
ReplyDeleteAnnie
http://www.somethingswellblog.com/
Great post! People always forget to change their image file names. I also love not buying followers, this dilutes your content because they will not consume it.
ReplyDeleteChris
chriswebbtucson.com