Aaron's Web

Social media practitioner dedicated to the building of communities, nurturing them in the virtual world and bringing them to the real world. Welcome to my little corner of the web.

[aaronkropf]

Following on Twitter

Sometimes I come on here to express my frustrations with people or actions on social networks, this is one of those posts. Today my issue is with people who start to follow on Twitter but then stop following if I don't follow them back. I take issue with this practice for several reason, most importantly because you should be following people because you like what they are tweeting.

It's important to pick the right people to follow, and I strongly suggest you follow someone based on their previous tweets, not because of their volume of tweets. Why? Because you want value out those that you follow. Sometimes I tweet a lot, other days I don't say anything at all because I haven't found anything worth sharing or saying. So, I want to ensure that the people I follow have something worth reading.

When someone stops following me because I haven't followed them back indicates to me that they are just looking to build their numbers. Why? I don't know why anyone would do that, do they think that having a lot of people following them makes them better in the world of Twitter? I don't think that's the case. 

Consider rant over!

[aaronkropf]

I just loved this image. Social media managers are a lot like zombies!!!

[aaronkropf]

What Makes a Great Social Media Strategy?

I have thought a lot about what it takes to be a great social media manager, and how to use each social platform to its fullest potential. Each person has a different take on how one should use social media and present their brand on each network. When putting together a strategy here are a few things to think of:

1. Brand - As with anything social media marketing is all about your brand. Once you know your brand you know how to be present on each social network. When you know your brand you know how to post, what to post, and draw your people onto your social sites.

2. Sales - Using social media is more than just a place to post your sales pitch. It's all about presenting your brand to general public and invite them into your inner circle. When you present a sales pitch you are more likely to alienate your clients. I have seen people push sales on social sites and each and every time I head the term "used car salesperson" thrown around. Is that really how you want to be viewed?

3. Engagement - How are you going to get your fans talking about you? Some brands do an amazing job with this, others not so much. When someone engages with your brand they feel like they are part of your brand and so feel like they need to support you when they make a purchase. 

4. Creativity - This is what creates a viral campaign. When you're creative you'll draw people in, if for no other reason than to see what the next post will be. Creativity is what makes social media fun and interesting.

5. Focus - If you think social media is all about you failure is inevitable. You need to show your love and gratitude for followers/fans. It's not difficult to show your respect to your followers but this is often missed in a social media strategy. 

These are all things to think about when putting a social media strategy together. Does your strategy have all of these?

Bonus: Expert - You are an expert in your field so show your followers/fans that you know more than your competitors. This builds trust and when you have trust people will come to you with their questions and support you. 

[aaronkropf]

Stalking Online

It's amazing how quickly adults are quick to stalk someone online. It's even more surprising when it's a business that you don't work for anymore. I'm always shocked when a social media practitioner isn't aware that their actions can be seen on social networks. 

Since I left an organization people from the department have been repeatedly watching all my actions on LinkedIn. Each time I message them about their actions they don't respond and the last person had to end our connection on the social media channel. Even after talking with the HR department about this issue (several times) things carry on.

To put it simply this is stalking and more importantly it's a way of bullying. Once my time with the organization ended I thought the bullying would finally come to an end. Apparently that's not so.

We spend so much time focused on bullying in the classroom and question why it keeps happening. I suspect that it carries on in the classroom because the adults keep it alive in the workplace. Bullying everywhere needs to stop, and like anything else it needs to stop at the top first.

[aaronkropf]

I got a message telling me this "person" started following me today. I can predict a couple of things about this particular account. 

1. They won't be following me long. Because I refuse to follow them or take them up on the terrible services they claim to offer.

2. They cannot follow through on their promise of getting me 5000 twitter followers in one day. 

I get so frustrated when I see people offering to do things like increase followers, not just on Twitter but also on other social networks. And because of that I think they really should be banned from social networks, typically I report them as spam.

Why should these things be banned? Simply put it's because the followers they claim to be able to get are not those that would be interested in your brand or what you have to say as an individual. They are usually others that have decided to take advantage of the service. If you want a huge following you need to work at gathering a strong following that is interested in you and your message. 

Like anything else you need to work at building a great Twitter community. If you find and follows those that are interested in your message and brand, then tweet relevant information they will follow you back. even if you only have a hundred or so followers you'll be better off with that group than with thousands of followers that don't really care about what you have to say.

To address the second issue all I'll say is this - if she can get me 5000 followers in just one day why does she only have 1095 followers? 

[aaronkropf]

I am NOT a Guru!

The term Social Media Guru gets thrown around a lot. It seems like anyone and everyone that claims to have skills in area of social media is called a Guru. Why is that? Does it prove something to someone? Or is it, as I tend to believe, that it makes the person feel good? We don't go around calling other professionals a guru, unless of course they are a Guru in the true sense of word, so why do it with social media folk? It bothers me on many different levels (which is a rant for another time). But please stop this practice, I beg you. Rather than calling me a guru call me a practitioner, it's the word I prefer because social media is something I do. I do social media and help others understand social media and use it to the best of their abilities.

[aaronkropf]

Understanding the use of each social network platform is important. And perhaps more importantly it is vital that you understand who your different friends are and their likes/dislikes. Understand that if you've sent a game request or app request and your friend hasn't responded to it please don't keep sending it. They aren't interested, and it's important to respect that. 

When it comes to hashtags, that's TWITTER NOT FACEBOOK. That's why it's important to keep those things separate. Your tweets don't have a place on Facebook...with few exceptions. Hashtags are meant to keep your tweet short and used to categorize tweets. They don't work on Facebook so when your post is made up primarily of hashtags please don't share it on Facebook...keep it on Twitter.

A vague post drives people nuts and doesn't allow for social interactions because all too often people don't know what you're talking about. Social networks are just that...social, so be open about what you're posting anywhere.

The last one needs no comment!

[aaronkropf]

How Often Should I Tweet?

This is a question I get asked all the time. And it's not one that is easy to answer because I don't think there is a clear simple answer. I know some people who tweet everything and link all their posts so whenever they check-in of foursquare or use another social network it will also be tweeted out. And I know others, like myself, who go days without tweeting.

Generally speaking I think if you have something to say or something you want to tweet do it! What is stopping you from tweeting something you'd like to share on the network? As long as it fits with you or your brand go for it. If you don't have anything to share don't contrive something, people can generally detect fake and insincere. 

Things happen so quickly that if you're someone that posts a lot it doesn't matter. It's not likely anyone will read all of your tweets, unless they take the time to check out your profile. This is only a problem if you don't tweet often. But don't let that discourage you. That's the great thing about social media, you can use it as you see fit. As soon as you feel like you need to do it so many times it looses the charm and becomes a chore. Don't let that happen.

[aaronkropf]

It's Easy to Forget!

I thought everyone needed a bit of a reminder because we have become so complacent with social media that we forget something that is important. I'd hate for someone to get in trouble or create controversy because they forgot! This post is something I want you to remember because it is...

When you are posting something on Facebook/Twitter/Tumblr/LinedIn etc. it's PUBLIC. Not only is it public but these social networks all allow for friends/followers to comment to it. This might seem like an odd thing to say but I think everyone has become so complacent with social media that we forget that what we say is public and could have result in positive or negative consequences. 

Let me give you an example of why I've decided to write this post. I'm not going to use any names so as not to implicate anyone in what was said/posted. An acquaintance made a comment (however indirect it may have been) about awards that require people to vote on the winner. This comment came right on the tail of a group being nominated for a couple of peoples choice awards. So, many people were sharing the excitement on being nominated and thereby encouraging friends and family to vote. Well the comment made was saying the award was one nobody ever heard of and the group probably nominated themselves and therefore the posts regarding the award should be considered spam. 

Initially it was thought best not to comment but then decided the issue should be cleared up so someone from the group posted (on their friends comment) what had actually happened. The response was rude and completely uncalled for as they started by say, "Sorry 'name' I forgot I tagged you in this post...oh wait I didn't." Then it went downhill from there.

This individual clearly forgot that anything they posted on Facebook goes out to all their friends because it's posted publicly for all their friends to comment they shouldn't react like. It was shocking and I was taken aback by it because I thought this person understood Facebook better than that. It's best to approach anything you post as being posted for public consumption and open for comment.

So, remember that next time to post on your social networks. Social media was created for interaction and engagement. So, if you post something don't be surprised if someone comments on one your posts. And you might not even know who is seeing it. This is just something for you to...

[aaronkropf]

Ever wonder why you should be concerned about your Facebook security settings? Look no further than this video.

[aaronkropf]

A little social media humour thanks to Ellen DeGeneres to kick off your Wednesday morning. Any comments you would add to the list? Let me know in the comments. 

[jerwilki-deactivated20121225]

LinkedIn has recently launched a new way of showcasing a person’s skills and expertise, by allowing your peers to endorse those skills! This may sound a bit familiar, Klout started doing this by aggregating your social channels and creating a list for you and then having your peers endorse you...

[aaronkropf]

Are you a retailer, that has wondered what Pinterest can do for you business? Look no further, more people are making their purchasing decisions based on pins from friends rather than via Facebook. 

I questioned the validity of Pinterest as a great marketing tool but the research in this article goes to prove that it provides more sway than a Facebook post. I was just encouraging the students at the Stratford Chefs School to use this social network as a way to promote themselves and I guess it's something retail business should be taking full advantage of as well. 

This also goes to show that visual is more powerful than the printed word. We've known that posts with images get more likes and comments than those without on Facebook for a long time. By providing the image on a Pinterest board is more than likely to increase sales than by talking about it on Facebook. Will this be what moves retailers from Facebook to another social network?

[aaronkropf]

This article provides some great suggestions on ways parents can help deal with the issue of cyberbullying. It's important for everyone to take a look at this and understand the issue because it's not only happening among the teen and preteen populations, which really is a sad commentary on society today. For this to stop we must be willing to talk with this at home with family and friends, those support groups are what make survivors of bullying of any type.

Social media can be a source of good but we are hearing way too often these days about it being used to bully. I'm sure over the years we will hear many reasons for this but it needs to be made clear that using social networks to bully aren't different than bullying in the real world.

I was bullied growing up and had thought about suicide, tried it once. What helped was knowing that I wasn't alone. Stepping up and being that person to befriend someone in need, even if it makes you unpopular is what will save lives and help bring an end to bullying. Everyone has it in them to help take that chance and don't another person become a statistic like this girl - 

Are you willing to take a chance and stand up against bullying?

[aaronkropf]

Foursquare - Biggest Pet Peeve

Unlike some people I have no problem when check-ins on Foursquare are synced with their Twitter, Facebook or other social networks. Especially when a note is connected with the check-in, such as an explanation for why you've checked in to that location or it's part of your marketing efforts (in which chase you should also have a reason for the check-in). Rather, it's those that check-in where they work or volunteer. 

So, why exactly does this bother me so much? Simply put if you're checking in when you arrive for work or a volunteer shift how are customers/patrons/etc to become the mayor? Half the fun of Foursquare, for my friends and me anyway, is competing for mayoralships of locations we all frequent. When you have workers/volunteers using Foursquare on a daily basis your customers don't have a chance of becoming mayor. 

Now some might say this isn't a big deal, and do some extent it might not be a problem, especially if the location doesn't offer something for the mayor. I say it is a problem because as I mentioned above half the fun is getting the recognition as the mayor of a location. How can customers become the mayor when your employees and volunteers check-in every time they arrive? They cannot because many customers don't come everyday to (unless you're a coffee shop).

To curb this I tend to recommend to the businesses I work with that they include something in their social media policy to make sure this doesn't happen. I'm not suggesting that you prohibit those connected with your business to never check-in but make sure their check-in isn't involved with their work/volunteer hours. So, include something about them being able to check-in to the location when they are there outside of work hours. If they are there to shop/attend an event/brows/etc. In fact you should probably be encouraging it so you can gain more exposure for your business on this network, because being listed is only half the battle. 

To put it simply, keep Foursquare fun by using it for what it was intended for - letting friends know where you are so they can join you if they are also in the area.

[aaronkropf]

Why I Keep It Simple

Can a company or organization do too much on a social network? How does someone decided when too much is just that, too much? Why have some pages become so over crowded with apps, posts and other items that are often missed? These are questions I've been struggling with for quite sometime and why I strive to keep social networks that I work on simple. 

First I think we need to dis-spell the myth that simple is somehow bad. I really don't know why it's come to this but I think it has hurt society in many ways. When things get complex they become difficult and many times a challenge to maintain. It all seems to be because of this idea that we have to be better than the last idea, or most recent campaign. I truly believe it is time to put to an end to this. Let your company/organization speak for itself not the bells and whistles.

Simple for me means eliminating landing pages and huge campaigns. Too often all the energies I see spent on social media is on those campaigns and landing pages rather than posting information that I want to know about your company/organization. Get rid of this stuff and focus on what you have to offer me as a consumer. I want to know what makes you different from your competitors and I want to engage with you. If I start communicating with you I am more inclined to trust you and give you my money.

These posts can include video and photo but should be asking questions and challenge my thinking about you. If this cannot be done maybe it's time to reconsider your presence on social media. It all comes down to being creative in the ways you engage me (but don't make me jump through hoops to do this) and do not sell to me. I don't need to be sold to, I need to know why you, and I need you to talk with me not to me.

Don't spend so much time or creating huge social media campaigns, it's seeing these that discourage small business from jumping into social media, but engage me and your other followers. Talk with us, and you'll have us as dedicated users of your products or help spread your word if you're an organization.

[aaronkropf]

The Twitter List

I'm often asked how does on keep track of all their followers on Twitter? I have several little tricks to knowing what to read and where to look but one that so few people really know about is the list feature on Twitter. This is a brilliant feature and I wish more people actually knew about it. So, I thought I would spend sometime on this post talking about Twitter lists.

WHAT ARE LISTS? Twitter lets you group people in anyway you want. I have several different groups based on; interests, locations, topics, and type of businesses just to name a few. These lists then group the followers you place in each group under one search. Meaning you don't have to go through all the tweets to find the ones you are particularly interested in at that moment, rather you go to the desired list. Note, you can even put those you aren't following into a list.

HOW DO I PUT FOLLOWERS INTO A LIST? This is really easy but note that it does take time (the more followers you have the longer it will take) but it is well worth it once you've done it. Just follow these simple steps:

Click on "Following" tab once you've logged into Twitter. This can be found on the left side under "View my profile page" section (upper left hand side).

Click on the function button (beside blue "following" button) it's the button containing the image of the head.

Select "add or remove from lists..."

If you've already created lists check the box/boxes you'd like to add that follower to. 

If you need to create a new list click the "create a list" button.

Fill in the following fields; "List name" and "Description" then decided if you would like the list to be public or private. 

Repeat until you have all the followers you'd like placed in lists.

WHERE DO I FIND THE LISTS? Click "Following", under your profile (left side of the screen) click on "Lists". Select the desired list on the right side to read the tweets from those in that list. 

I hope you find this feature helpful and useful.