10 Types of Social Media Updates—How Many Are You Using?
A few days ago, I spoke to a group of a thousand plus real estate professionals on the topic of Platform. I walked them through my five-part framework.
As usual, I ended with fifteen minutes of questions and answers. I got my usual top three questions:
Where do you find the time to build a platform?
Should I build my platform around my corporate identity or my personal one?
How can I get more blog readers?
However, near the end of the session, a gentleman asked a question that I have never had anyone ask.
Can you give an example of what you might post on Facebook or Twitter? I don’t know where to start.
Hundreds of heads nodded in agreement. I was suddenly aware of how much I had assumed!
If you’re new to social media and want to build a following, I want to give you several quick examples of the kinds of things you might post.
These are not blog post ideas. (By the way, I have published 13 Blog Post Template as a bonus for joining Platform University.) I am talking about posting to services like Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, or Google+.
So, here is a list of ten types of social media posts, along with examples from my own Twitter account.
Share a resource. You can point people to a news item, a blog post, a website, a software tool, or anything else you think would be helpful to your followers. Share the link to the resource.
“Everyone Should Start an Online Business (or How You Can Be Your Own Patron)” @jeffgoins | mhyatt.us/10FWhKY
— Michael Hyatt (@MichaelHyatt) January 20, 2013
Repost another’s post. Occasionally, you will read something from one of your friends or someone you follow that you just have to share with your friends.
RT @stevetn: [New LinkedIn Post] How to craft a voicemail message “Effective Prospecting Voicemail Tips” | LinkedIn mhyatt.us/10uSvP6
— Michael Hyatt (@MichaelHyatt) January 24, 2013
Make an announcement. Whenever you post something new to your blog, select winners in your contest, or start a new business, tell your followers and provide a link for more information.
We’ve had a tremendous response to #PlatformU. Don’t miss the Early Bird special. Only $20 a month | mhyatt.us/T7bj9z
— Michael Hyatt (@MichaelHyatt) January 23, 2013
Reveal something personal. This is what humanizes you and makes you real. It is also what connects people to you and builds trust.
Here I am with my brother, Greg, and my sister, Cathy. I’m the oldest. Greg is the youngest. twitter.com/MichaelHyatt/s…
— Michael Hyatt (@MichaelHyatt) January 14, 2013
Ask a question. One of the beauties of social media is that you can crowd-source your research. Use the “wisdom of crowds” to do everything from finding a great restaurant to solving a specific problem.
Anyone know how to solve this @skype video problem? Thanks. mhyatt.us/TwVnv3
— Michael Hyatt (@MichaelHyatt) January 2, 2013
Provide a discount. If you have an opportunity for your followers to get a deal or save money, share the love. Just be careful you don’t use this as an excuse for spamming your followers.
Bluehost is running a special for my readers. Full website (or blog) hosting for just $3.95 a month: mhyatt.us/WfMXJE
— Michael Hyatt (@MichaelHyatt) January 24, 2013
Reply to a question. Remember that first and foremost, social media is intended to be social. It’s all about the conversation. This means you need to reply to questions people ask you if you are to be taken seriously.
@normdunaway You can find the Bluehost setup instructions here: mhyatt.us/NqPU61
— Michael Hyatt (@MichaelHyatt) January 24, 2013
Report what you are doing now. This is something also humanizes you. If you are doing something particularly interesting, share it with your followers. It’s often useful to include a link to a photo.
I’m sitting on the front row, about to hear my good friend, @andyandrews, speak to a crowd of 2,000. So excited!
— Michael Hyatt (@MichaelHyatt) January 22, 2013
Offer your congratulations. Use social media to celebrate the accomplishments of others. Don’t make it all about you. Be generous with others and you’ll find it comes back to you.
Made my connection. Thank you @americanair. Your service was outstanding! So grateful.
— Michael Hyatt (@MichaelHyatt) January 23, 2013
Wish someone well. Whether it’s a simple “happy birthday” or “congratulations on your promotion,” social media provides a way for you to call attention to the people you care about.
My buddy, @therobertd is about to break into Amazon’s top 100. Check out my review of his new book: mhyatt.us/UkGjzm
— Michael Hyatt (@MichaelHyatt) January 3, 2013
I’m sure I have only scratched the surface. But hopefully, this will give you some ways to get started or expand your social media repertoire.
Question: What have I missed? What are some other types of social media posts you can make? You can leave a comment by clicking here.
