"FAITHFUL FOLLOWERS"

                               

                                              Making the Most of Social Media



            We all know what it’s like to have dependable people in our corner. No matter what the issue may be, they are loyal to a fault, when we need them and call upon them for aid, they come.

            Now, I know not every person we send out a distress signal to will come when called. However, there is always a faithful few who will never let us down and will rescue us, if needed.

            Okay, I know our personal network of friends doesn’t necessarily work the way social media does. But it got me thinking about social media overall.

You know how it works, I friend you, follow you, like your page, posts and so forth. And we call this networking.

            Not a real friendship, nonetheless, still a useful tool, especially when you have something in common with other users. You share some of the same characteristics.  Generally, your base is devised of likeminded people, with a common interest. A structured community of faithful friends.

We can all relate to this on a personal and professional level. Because it’s important to have a structured system that allows us to have friendships without commitments.

            All right, so maybe this is a selfish approach to making friends and keeping them. But social media wasn’t designed for lasting friendships. It’s a communication and advertising tool, for people with a purpose. An instrument used to let the world know, hey I’m here. I’m networking, like my work and please share.

            Everybody and their brother are on one form of social media, be it Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. It’s a way to see and be seen. Whether you have something to say or sell.

            Social media is the way to leave an impression, hopefully, a great one. We all know that word of mouth is still one of the greatest forms of advertisement. And as a plus, through a vast network of followers, you have the potential of reaching millions of fellow followers.

            For one thing, it increases brand awareness. Let’s use writing as an example. You just released a new book and trying to get the word out about it. What better way than announcing it through one of the aforementioned mediums of social networking?

            Where you can post an image of the product, give a brief synopsis and purchase information, get this, all free and transmitted across the world-wide-web with only a few keystrokes.

            Major businesses, do it every day. One of the best advertising platforms there is. How many times have you been on your page, checking out the sights, and on the very next scroll upwards, there is an advertisement just waiting to make your acquaintance? And why not?  It’s the best way to target potential customers and ones already established.

            Also, if you have a website that you wish to share information, social media ad’s is a way to increase your web traffic and visibility. They are inexpensive, you set your daily allowance and before you know it, you become a popular brand.

            I could go on and on about the benefits of social media, but I think you get the general idea of its purpose and how it works.

            The plan is making the most of all social media outlets, allowing them to do all the hard work for you, while you generate leads, boost sales and influence more people to partner with and hopefully start trending or going viral. This is a good thing, although it sounds dangerous.

            Remember, some of our most loyal fans are faithful followers, and to keep them in our corner, learn to make the most of what social media has to offer through faithful followers.