Your Social Media Profiles and Why They Matter
Pardon my soapbox moment. This is a mini rant on a topic that I feel very strongly about. Sorry, I can't help it. It needs to be said. Again. It's 2015 and social media is everywhere. Lots of people are doing it and as an artist you should seriously consider it as one of your marketing outlets. But the way you do it can either help or hurt you.
Think of this: your social media profiles are a little window into who you are, or at least the brand you want to portray online. They are the first impression you make when it comes to meeting people that could be friends, colleagues or clients. Your profiles send a message, before you even tweet a word. So when you choose your profile picture, tagline, etc., do it with purpose and use everything in your profile to your advantage.
Social media is about connections and about [drum roll] being social (these are some of my thoughts on the topic) so don't lose that chance to be social by giving an awkward first impression. Here are some basic tips:
- Use the profile description to tell people something. I get people that follow me that have left this blank. Don't do that. How else are we supposed to know how awesome you are and that we should follow you back?
- Don't write in hashtags. It's lame and only these guys can make it funny.
- Add a profile photo. Whatever you choose, make sure it matches with the impression you want to give. Funny, corporate, artsy, whatever - just pick something that sends the message you wish to send.
- Avoid the automatic responses. I just followed you on Twitter and you're already selling me something or trying to get me to like your Facebook page? I don't even know you!
Okay, rant over. Now, what to do? Here are two excellent sources:
Writing, it's a learned skill. This book is OUTSTANDING in delivering straight-forward tips that will improve your writing. She even breaks down writing for different social media outlets. The entire book is filled with good stuff - no fluff whatsoever!
The Art of Social Media by Guy Kawasaki and Peg Fitzpatrick
These two KNOW social media and this is another book that delivers the best tips for all of it. To the point information, nothing more.
Now go ahead and look at your social media profiles and evaluate them. Do they represent who you really are (or want to be)? Do they make a good impression? Awesome. Thank you for reading my rant.