10 Steps to Online Success
As I discussed in my last post, understanding how to enter and utilize social media, social networking, blogging, online communities and a number of other channels can be extremely challenging to newcomers and seasoned professionals alike. Once you master the tools, understanding the power they have to generate and drive successful word of mouth and recommendations for a brand then becomes more obvious. The 10 steps below will provide a beginning to your exploration of this online space and will help you become part of the change happening in communication all around you.
1. Think about all the platforms available for interacting online. Read about what they do. Choose the ones that appeal the most.
2. Start a blog. It doesn't have to be award-winning, but it will give you practice in creating effective and engaging content. Look up search engine optimization (SEO) and make sure you connect your blog to sites like Google, Technorati and IceRocket. If you're going to write something, you have to let these guys know you even exist before your post will come up in anybody's search.
3. Decide how you want to position your 'brand' to the pubic. You should have a consistent screename on all channels, whether you're using your real name, an avatar, a company name or a slogan.
4. Start listening. Do a search for popular blogs in your industry. Look at their blogrolls. Sign up for an RSS feed reader like FeedDemon or Google Reader to keep them organized.
5. To help build your list of followers within each social media platform, search for topics that interest you within that application. See what comes up and where it directs you. Look at what people are talking about and join the conversation. The process can be slow, but this is how you will gain an audience.
6. Talk about what you know, what you love, and your thoughts about the future of whatever industry you're claiming to be a part of. People with the same interests will be listening and hopefully, responding. Now the conversation has started. With a little practice, you'll learn how to be strategic in your engagement.
7. Be transparent about why you're writing or recommending something. Check out the upcoming changes from the FTC and WOMMA's website for more information.
8. Be yourself. Just because you are now using social media doesn't mean you've stopped being human. People want unique personalities and respect honesty.
9. To be a serious participant in the online space, devote a certain amount of time each day to playing the game.
10. Once your social media palette has been set in place, it's time to get strategic. Begin engaging your followers on Twitter, your friends or fans on Facebook and Flickr and the readers of your blog. Leave comments. Re-tweet and direct message. Share sites with friends. Experiment with new applications.
Remember to talk to real people, in real-life. We aren't computers. Share what you're learning, ask questions--interact in person. Keep a curious mind and make all of this fun. Oh, and remember that you have a life too. It's okay to shut off your computer or phone. The world won't end. Promise.
Congratulations, you're now part of the conversation occurring online! Go tweet about it.
