Tips to be a Successful
Social Media Influencer
Times have changed and having presence in social networks has become important for professionals in communications, marketing and entertainment industry and more, but how to be a social media influencer and get good results? We have crafted a list of useful tips that might help:
1.- Find Your Focus
You must find your niche and focus on it. You must offer fresh, special, valuable content to your followers. If you cast your net too wide, may be difficult to gain the level of knowledge necessary to be considered an expert influencer.
Either focus on one social media industry such as social media marketing or public relations, or on a single platform like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest or Instagram.
2.- Select your channels for social networks
Select two or four social media channels that you’ll cover. Do you like to create videos or are you a writer? Think about the type of content you want and are able to create and publish. More Facebook (various of types of media)? Instagram ( for short videos and pictures)? or YouTube (the most challenging, for videos or tutorials)
3.- Share Valuable Content
Once you’ve determined your focus and have implemented a system for keeping on top of the latest news and information within your niche, start sharing high-value influencer content with your audience via social media.
Create a content strategy. What are your constant information priorities. Why will people be eager to follow you? It must have a value.
If you’re a platform-specific influencer, use that as your primary social network. Utilize the others as well to get even more visibility.
To be considered an influence, people need to see you as a resource. Consider your audience and share content that they’ll find useful. Post original articles, plus posts from other trusted sources. Keep your content organized for easy access so if someone asks a question, you can quickly grab content that provides an answer.
4.- Have a content plan and be consistent in publications
It is important to have a two or three months out plan, prepare it and start publishing.
Do it constantly. Your content must attract people; make it considered and consistent. You know what message you want to pass along, just stick to it all the time, but also look for something new at the same time.
5.- Subscribe to Platform Blogs and Read Interesting Blogs
Social media is unique because it is in constant flux. Stay on top of the latest platform updates, such as algorithm changes, new analytics and added features, as they can drastically change a social channel and the way it’s navigated. Whether you want to be viewed as the authority on a social channel or a broader industry, read platform blogs regularly: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest and Instagram. There’s no better way to keep tabs on any social media channel.
In addition to platform blogs, read other information outlets to gain valuable insights into your niche. Study news, expert opinions and case studies that are published or shared by people you trust. By using a tool like Feedly to subscribe to a variety of relevant industry blogs, you will benefit from different viewpoints and helpful advice.
6.- Build a network of contacts and brands in your industry
Contact other people and brands in your industry. Talk, exchange likes, comments, maybe ideas? Be noted. Build your community. Invite new people. Go to forums, groups, fan pages, etc. linked to your industry.
7.- Set Topic and Keyword Alerts
Reading press releases, news alerts and relevant posts is key to staying informed. When you know what’s happening, you can keep your followers in the know. Since it is impossible to keep track of all of the information from platform blogs and your favorite outlets, invest time into creating alerts directly related to your focus. Two free tools that make it easy to stay on top of relevant news are Google Alerts and Social Mention.If you hope to be viewed as an influencer, you’ll need to demonstrate that you’re always aware of the latest news. Better yet, know what changes are coming even before they’ve been implemented and clue your readers in.
8.- Always promote yourself
The good content always defends itself; you just need to guide the audience to it. Share your content everywhere where it might seem interesting. Provide value. Always.
9.- Populate Your Blog and Share Valuable Content
If you haven’t already done so, create a blog on a publishing platform such as WordPress. Then write blog posts and publish consistently. You should shoot to publish at least two to three times each week.
To stay on track, create an editorial calendar and stick to it. In addition to your own content, partner with other influencers. Interview them, invite them to contribute to your blog or run a promotion together that gets shared on everyone’s sites. Once you’ve determined your focus and have implemented a system for keeping on top of the latest news and information within your niche, start sharing high-value influencer content with your audience via social media.
If you’re a platform-specific influencer, use that as your primary social network. Utilize the others as well to get even more visibility.To be considered an influencer, people need to see you as a resource. Consider your audience and share content that they’ll find useful. Post original articles, plus posts from other trusted sources. Keep your content organized for easy access so if someone asks a question, you can quickly grab content that provides an answer.
10.- Grow and draw attention to your work and content
Then to yourself as the author of it. Unless your plan is to become a celebrity, then you can forget all the previous points. Just stay and shine. People will start to listen to you and follow you. The more people that are with you, the stronger your position will get. Remember, the indicator showing how influential you are is not dictated by you. It is your community who decides when you’re an influencer. Respect it and nurture.
11.- Contribute to Other Sites and Engage Online
One of the quickest ways to gain influencer status is to contribute your unique content to other blogs and publications. Guest posting increases your visibility, bolsters your credibility and increases traffic to your own blog.Seek out the most appropriate social media websites and blogs, research submission guidelines and reach out. After your content is published, let people in your network know. Tweet a link, share it on Facebook, tell your other online communities and add it to your LinkedIn profile publications. Also, keep an eye on your article’s comments, so you can respond to any questions or remarks (both positive and negative).
To be an influencer, you need to be seen. Social media influencers regularly take part in relevant conversations across a variety of networks. Attend and participate in Twitter chats and webinars (and host Twitter chats too), answer questions on Quora and share ideas in LinkedIn groups. Also, engage regularly across platforms. Don’t just tweet, post, comment, like and share. Add your comments and opinions. Sharing your knowledge is how you’ll truly stand out as an influencer.
Develop your expertise and use social media to raise yourself to influencer status. Remember to use your creativity and have confidence in yourself, believe in yourself!