What A Lot Of Social Media Marketing Gurus Won’t Tell You
Perhaps I should have chosen “What a lot of social marketers can’t seem to understand” as a title.
I just finished reading yet another article claiming to have the latest information on how to market on social media sites.
The author even compiled a list of sites that included Digg, Propeller and Stumbleupon, and how to build a good strong list of prospects.
The fact is, and I have said this regarding Facebook before, that the number one product anyone is able to sell on social media sites is themselves.
In other words, they need to build credibility, and let people get to know them.
This takes time, and effort, but none of the gurus seem to be saying anything about this.
Social networking isn’t about adding people to a list, but rather, you being added to theirs.
When someone follows me on Twitter, and I follow them in turn, I keep an eye on their communications.
If all they do is send me info about their latest product, I block them!
I had a ‘friend’ on Stumbleupon who expected me to stumble their blog everytime it was updated, and everytime I went there, I was greeted with a pop up window asking me to subscribe to a newsletter.
No, I didn’t stumble it.
What would that do to my reputation if I sent it to others?
In my opinion, if you really want to build traffic to your website or blog using social networking, get to know people first, and let them get to know you too.
If you have something worth selling, those people may well become the greatest evangelists for your product that you could hope for.
Spam them, and it all becomes a great waste of time…
Allan, I really appreciate what you’re saying here, as so many people/bloggers seem to think the key to successful social networking is having a huge number of friends/fans/followers etc on social media.
If people or fellow bloggers are not able to really get to know you, build a more personal relationship with you, know who you are and what you represent on and off your blog, a large component of social networking is missing. It’s not about the numbers, it’s about the personal connection that is built over time. Good job!
Lins last blog post..Setting Boundaries With Your Adult Children: Six Steps to Hope and Healing for Struggling Parents
Thanks Lin,
It’s definitely not about the numbers, and everyone has something to offer in the networking game. Those that misuse the concept are really the ones that lose out in the long run.
As I say, they thing that people need to promote in their networking is themselves, not a product. That comes later!
Cheers!
You hit on the one point that has been true ever since folks have been marketing online – trust and credibility will always win out over lists and flash.
It’s the unique personality and benefits that you bring to your audience that makes all the difference in the world.
Enjoy,
Barbara
Barbara Lings last blog post..Freeing yourself of fear – how to successfully contact A-list bloggers
hanks for the comment Barbara,
Credibility and trust are something that a lot of people seem to forget.
Building giant lists of people to sell to is pretty useless if they don’t trust you!
Cheers!
100% true. Trust and credibility takes time and effort.