I hate social media - here's how I use it to benefit me

Welcome to Questions from my team; where my team at Deakin gets to ask me questions and hold me accountable in answering them.

So here's Question #7:

Well, there's a lot to dissect there.

And I get it - the social media landscape is broad and ever-changing.

Like the Melbourne weather, its unpredictability can often be cause for concern.

And when you're first starting out using social - and by using it, I mean using it to promote your work or build a "brand" - it can be equally as daunting and concerning.

"Should all the content be fresh?"

"How do hashtags work?"

"How do I build an audience?"

All are valid questions, and will (I hope) be answered in due time.

But I've broken up my response into what I believe are the Maslow Hierarchy of [Social Media] Needs - so let's dive right in:

(i) Content

Content is the foundation to social media.

Everything you post, tweet or snapchat is content.

And if you're looking to leverage a social media platform for visibility and opportunity, it is important to ensure that your content provides something of value.

Easy to say in theory - difficult to execute in reality.

So let's break it down real quick;

Does it always have to be new content?

Yes and no - really it's what you define as new.

New can be literally writing an article a day, or a vlog a day.

Or it can be simply writing a post about a really interesting interaction you had with someone on the bus ride home.

Document rather than create.

Don't overcomplicate it.

Can I overdo content?

Most definitely not.

People always ask about frequency:

"Won't people get annoyed if I post too much?"

"What if they don't like it?"

Content creation should come from a personal place first - that is, you're creating because you feel you have something inherently important to say.

Never worry about what others might think of your content, or how often you're sharing it.

If you have 5 interesting thoughts during the day, sharing them all is simply your prerogative.

Worrying about overdoing it is the fastest way to stifling creativity.

How do I ensure that there is value in my content?

This is the easy part.

Do you.

Value is derived from a unique perspective or point of view.

Value from your content is derived from authenticity.

And chances are - if you creating content from the heart, built on passion - no one else has seen it like you.

As my good friend Melina has said:

“There’s an overwhelming amount of stuff that goes into making a human.”

(ii) Hashtags

This section, I believe, should be the least of your worries when starting out.

On most social platforms, hashtags are used to increase visibility.

Although, their effectiveness differs from platform to platform:

Linkedin - pretty effective

Facebook - less so

I believe nailing down value-driven content is the best place to start and hone your process.

But do consider hashtags that relate to the stories you're telling and your personal brand experience.

It's simply another great tool to have in reaching the right people for you.

(iii) Your audience

Garnering and nurturing an audience is the toughest part of social.

Which is why I never make it a focus.

Every person that decides to subscribe, follow or connect should be treated with gratitude rather than just another number to help you grow.

Their attention and time demands your respect.

Which is why - to your specific question about friending people - I never just connect with randoms on Linkedin.

Usually, we would've engaged with each others content or had a conversation through the DM's.

Human connection require a human touch.

So whether you have 50 people in your community or 500,000 - respect is the key.

Because if you thought 12 apostles following Jesus was weird, the age of social media should be even weirder.