Social Media Tips for Expert Authors

Wrapped Up in Your Own Social Media Web?
Did you know a spider’s web isn’t just one mass of sticky silk? The threads that join at the center of the web aren’t sticky at all! Spiders strategically use this thread to navigate in and out of their webs without getting caught like their prey.
Similar to a spider’s web, experts can get trapped in their own social media web because it’s either a time-consuming obsession or they don’t have a strategy and get wrapped up in the details. Experts who know the safe thread from the sticky thread are the experts who flourish in their social media efforts.
Here are 5 strategies you can use to safely and successfully navigate in and out of your social media web presence.
POPULARITY: Keep an Ear to the Ground
Don’t spread yourself too thin by attempting to have a presence on every social networking site available. Concentrate on those with the most popularity for your target audience, i.e. it’s fairly safe to stick to major social networks like Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest. Keep an eye out for where your audience goes to avoid being the sole guardian of a dead space no one visits anymore.

SOCIALIZE: Post, Share, Discuss, and Comment Your Way into Their Hearts (and Minds)
The key to remember with social networking sites is the platform was designed to network and to socialize. Successful networking is done on an individual basis to build a connection. You maintain that connection by socializing and sharing your unique insight and position. Be yourself and share your most compelling insights, not just on your profile, but engage and appreciate your audience to encourage reciprocation.
SIGNIFICANCE: All Things Great and Relevant
People want to be in the loop that’s relevant to them. They want to know what’s going on, what’s available, be included in the conversation, relate to other people, know what’s happening, and more. Become a beacon of positivity and share the things you like and even love. Audiences tend to lean toward the relevant and positive, rather than the negative and irrelevant.
BALANCE: There Is Such a Thing as Too Much of a Good Thing
Ever logged into your own social networking accounts, saw your wall flooded with irrelevant posts by others, and had that feeling of “not you again!” Always place quality over quantity. Find that balance you need to prevent yourself from being ignored, unliked, unfollowed, etc. Find the sweet spot between too much and too little. Consistently post a variety of items on a variety of topics (e.g. 1 photo, 1 text-based post, 1 link, etc.) to keep it fresh and avoid inundating your audience with 1 type of post that’s easily ignored.
FOCUS: Don’t Measure Numbers, Measure Involvement
You can have heaps of followers and still have no success in your efforts. This is a result of focus on numbers and not on quality involvement. The amount of people following you is less important than how you actually interact with them. An engaged audience is an active audience that will help spread your credibility and message. Focus on your immediate audience (those actually listening) and more followers will brighten your future.
There you have it! Locate your audience and show your appreciation for their participation. Reciprocate with positive, relevant content to strategically navigate in and out of your social media web.
Want more social media strategies for Expert Authors? Discover how to share your articles on Facebook and Twitter as well as on Pinterest.