No matter what you do, everyone seems to be urging others to become involved in social media: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, podcasts, forums and blogs. In the November 2010 issue of The Writer, for example, there's an article titled, "Business Freelancing: A copywriter's guide to social media," while Creative Jewelry featured "Social Media: How to Show and Sell Online."
With all the newbies online, here are 5 common mistakes I've seen:
1. Treating all social media the same.
In presentations and articles, all social media sites are lumped together, but each one has a different audience and personality. Why does this matter?
First, you'll be happier with the results if you know what to expect from each one. I know, for example, that if I want to find out the latest beading contests, I should hop on Twitter or certain beading forums. However, if I want quotes from jewelry designers for an article I'm writing, I should try Facebook first. Your own results will vary.
Second, some programs let you post the same update to several places at once. While this sounds like a great time-saving move, I've seen some odd results. For example, a back-and-forth conversation on Twitter about underwear choices appeared on LinkedIn, a business-oriented site. That rather personal tidbit appeared out of context, surrounded by other people's updates—promotions, job title changes, meeting notes, and conference announcements. (If you're worried that the CEO at your company doesn't know your name, this could be a strategy for you!)
2. Not updating or participating regularly.
If you do decide to end your blog, write a good-bye post to let readers know. It's a nice touch to offer links to similar blogs that your readers might enjoy. You can also delete the blog entirely.
3. Spreading yourself too thin.One way to avoid #2 is to start with just one social media site, preferably the one your friends or colleagues use. This way, you'll have someone to help you learn the system. The rest of the social media world will still be there later.
4. Using it only for self-promotion.
It's fine to mention your latest article or new necklace for sale, but hopefully that's not the only time you're posting. Why should readers should follow you or read your blog? Are you offering tips, reviews, inspirational quotes, thoughtful or entertaining commentary, beautiful photographs, contest or conference announcements, links to helpful websites?
You also should be responding to other people's status updates, tweets, and
blog posts. Remember, it's called social media, not selfish media.
5. Giving away personal info.
Did you know that Twitter is searchable? (The Library of Congress is even archiving it for posterity.) Your Facebook and LinkedIn profiles could be public, too, depending upon how you've set the privacy settings. It seems like a small, friendly world online, but you don't know who is viewing your information. I've seen posts on Facebook with prompts like "post your birthplace." That sound innocent enough, but your birthplace is actually a key piece of information for identity theft. Then there's the folks who announce to their thousands of Twitter followers that they're leaving on vacation for a month and are worried about their collection of expensive sports cars. A little common sense goes a long way.
What advice do you have for social media newbies? What did you learn the hard way?