Social Media Marketing is no longer the future.. its NOW!

Most of us understand that we have come to a era where technology is literally running the planet. It is unavoidable! From the toddler kid that has a tablet to the business professional walking around with the latest iPhone. We likewise all understand the importance of social media in todays marketplace. You have witnessed the power of 'Black Twitter' and "freedom of speak" has been taken to a whole new level! Hashtags can start a whole trend that affects buying power (i.e. H&M with the 'Coolest Monkey' hoodie). If you're anything like I was, you think...'I know my audience and followers'. 'I understand what they like'... 'I know what attracts them'. However, I was exposed to Hootsuite.com. This website is a tool that allows you to analyze your social media audience so that you can create more attractive, appealing, meaningful content. After monitoring my LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram profiles for a month... guess what I found??? I did not quite understand the difference of what each sites audience preferred. Additionally, I learned that the content should be cohesive, however I will need to modify each post based on the needs and wants of my audience.

You might ask me 'why this is significant'?? Marketing helps get your product or service to consumers. They must first be aware that your product or service is even available in the marketplace before they can use it and/or purchase it. Furthermore, every company needs to create revenue and a profit margin that allows them to replenish their supply while making some money.

So.. OF COURSE.. I had very different results of all 3 of the social media platforms. On Facebook, I found that my friends and/or followers seems to comment and leave more "likes" on post that involve the completion of higher education, birthdays or upward mobility in my career. I would not have assumed that that sort of content would attract a large number of viewers. If I assumed, I would think Facebook content should be light hearted and fun. However, everyone should analyze their own following. On Instagram, I realized that it may be smart to not have a private profile. After 30 days of a public profile, my followers literally doubled. It seems that I was restricting the audience I could potentially reach on my IG profile because I was concerned about the "instastalkers". In addition, incorporating hashtags into my post message has done NUMBERS for my 'views'. My hashtags allow followers to find me and my post whether they know me or not. Users do not have to follow me to see my post now that I have a public profile. I have learned that the RIGHT hashtags allow you to attract and target the target market for your brand. Finally, I found out that the users in my LinkedIn network 'view my profile' more when I add media to my profile. I have found that expounding upon the duties of my jobs, adding images, videos and volunteer work, make me look well rounded. Furthermore, it allows the viewers to get a visual understanding of my work and educational experience. As a result, I found that the number of 'search results' I showed up in has increased after realizing that additional content was beneficial. I advised everyone to follow the prompts that LinkedIn suggests to increase the 'strength' of your profile. Your next opportunity could be around the corner... you just need to understand how to present your content and what creates a positive emotional response in your audience.