How to start/restart a social platform without losing your soul
When you first start a social platform, it’s hard work. It’s frustrating. It’s ‘I can’t sit here and be embarrassed by this anymore’.
So what do you do?
Buy followers, likes and comments?
I can understand why people do that; it’s fast track to ‘appearing’ popular. Which = awesome. Right?
We all want to be awesome. Awesome is cool and it validates you as a human being 😎😬* (this always reminds me of the Black Mirror episode ‘NoseDive’ — watch it if you haven’t, it’s so relevant.)
*emoji use to signify sarcasm is at play here.
But for me authenticity rules the day.
I’m attracted to real; I grew up in a family that covered things up, so now I’m constantly seeking the truth, in everything.
We all want to be awesome.
Social Media started chronologically, it now has to utilise algorithms to make sure everyone gets a fair shot. Love it or hate it, it’s happening because of the sheer amount of people using it, coupled with the companies wanting to make money, it’s tough.
It’s hard and drawn out to grow a platform organically, but it can be done.
Here are a few things I’ve learned in my 9 years using social platforms;
- Knowing where you should be online is a really good start. You don’t have to be on every platform.
- Only use the platforms that your audience are in.
- Look at where your competitors are. Be there too, show your face, get known.
- Post things that reach out emotionally to your customers or solve their problems.
- NEVER hard sell. Ooh good gracious no.
- Post things that are relevant to your audience.
- Posting a lot isn’t necessarily good, unless you’re covering an event or releasing a product. Experiment and test with frequencies.
- Each platform is different; how often you post, hashtags, times you post, pay attention to the individual platform, as a one size fits all approach won’t work.
- The times that are right to post for you will depend on a few factors, including where your audience are based, the product you’re selling. Test and experience with timings.
- Quality over quantity at all times. Don’t just post for the sake of it.
- Don’t give up, if you feel that frustration creeping in, take a break, re-evaluate.
As with everything in life rushing things isn’t actually that satisfying; think eating a delicious cake, taking your time over it, savouring every bite vs shovelling it all down. Building a platform up from nothing can be incredibly frustrating but super rewarding when you reach your goals.
Hello, I’m Nik, I specialise in Marketing & Brand Design for start-ups and small businesses. I also enjoy writing about authenticity, emotional + experience based thoughts and positive outcomes.
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Thanks for reading and don’t forget to hit me up with dem claps 👏👏
