Don't Ignore the Social in Social Media

Don't Ignore the Social in Social Media

Recently Scott Stratten (#unmarketing) tweeted about the importance of remembering to address the social portion of social media. Mr. Stratten and I don't often agree on things social media, but on this point, he is right on the money. Many times while discussing a clients approach to social media the topic of what to post, tweet etc comes up. Almost without fail clients do not understand the importance of engaging on a social level.

Often times those that understand the value of social media are the ones who show the most interest. Like most people those that start their journey into social media think they need to be broadcasting about what they do. When in fact it is so important that they include a good dose of who they are and what their interests are. I often hear about "social media marketing" I term I have a hard time using or saying. Social media is not marketing in it's usual advertising form, traditional marketing is all about the business and the product, social media is much more, it is an opportunity to attach a human to the business and product. I use the term social media presence over marketing or advertising.

Take for example the difference in these two tweets, (twitter is by far my favorite sm platform). First, the generic "I am at the office" and then the more involved " At the office working, wishing I was [on the golf course, running, home with the family] etc. Don't be afraid to engage your interests and let others know a bit more about yourself.

The point is it is fine to engage and let the public know that you are business and use some of the "traditional" marketing techniques in your campaign, but do not fail to use the social in social media. Social media requires creativity, and thought, it is not as one person put it, "I am just gonna get that Twitter thingy and learn it myself".