“Social media makes me sad.”
That is a real quote from one of our favorite clients, and the reason why she didn’t want us to create a social media campaign for her totally kickass company that would totally kick ass on any stream: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
“What? Why?” You know we had to ask.
Long story short, her bad mood was caused by a perfect storm of following the wrong accounts for long spurts of time, and second-guessing what she had to offer the mediums. She determined there wasn’t room for her contributions.
Wow, was she wrong.
See, we explained to her, passive consumption of social media – and also, of the entire internet – brings about feelings of inferiority and underground confidence levels. Not good.
But do you know how to avoid all that? Easy: Actively contribute your own voice. There’s an audience waiting just for you. Here are a few ways to contribute:
- Provide fresh content. You’re the only you out there, and we know you’re doing cool things, even if you might not consider them cool. Listen: There’s an entire Instagram account dedicated to the detritus a dad finds in his kid’s pockets at the end of each day, and it’s wildly popular. There is room for your detritus. Your audience is curious and hungry for more. Feed them.
- Share your findings. There’s an old wartime quote that goes “If you see something, say something.” It’s true for suspicious activity and social media! If you find something interesting or thought-provoking or just plain entertaining, share it with your followers. Chances are, they will be moved by it, too.
- Spread the love. Retweet, like, heart, and always give credit where credit is due. Kindness often gains more loyal followers than any gimmick out there.
- Stay active. You don’t show up for work every other Wednesday at noon and maybe a Friday here and there, and expect to keep your job. Show up reliably on social media and your followers will do the same.
Consuming too much social media is no doubt bad for your health and may be the reason for your sour moods. There’s a right way to social media, and we at The Found Gen are eager to show you how. Follow us. We promise not to make you sad.