This post was most recently updated on March 26th, 2014
I have been writing a lot lately about blogging and social media. In the past two weeks, I’ve hear from some fantastic bloggers telling me different reasons that they didn’t feel comfortable on the social media platform.
Now, that got me thinking! I love these folks and they are superior bloggers. So, here is a little help for my friends who are kind of shy or may need a little push to get on social platforms.
It is important because the Google bots are sweeping up not only the content and SEO structure of your blog, but these little robots are picking up how much you are socializing.
So, here’s the answers to some of the questions I’ve received from folks.
Q: What can I say on Facebook or Google+ besides sharing blogs I have read?
A: Anything! Think about what you are interested in. Just keep in mind that this is a place where we want to be social.
We are not selling, we want to get to know other people. So, for example if you have an interest in fishing, post a picture of you catching that big fish!
Talk about the pleasurable experience you have while being in the open air, ask anyone if they like it too, etc.
What I’m saying here is that you can share part of your self that you may not write about on your blog.
Took a great picture of something? Share it!
Not a shutterbug? Go over to Youtube and find something that interests you. It can be those cute cuddly animals, a funny video, anything appropriate that you find interesting. Share it around and see if others find it interesting, too.
Ask a question. This should get you plenty of responses. It could be something simple like “What was your favorite toy as a kid?”
Now, don’t expect 100 responses at your first shot. If you want to use this type of engagement, you might try posting a question of the day. My friend, Adrienne Smith does this, and I look forward to answering her question every day. It’s fun!
Q: Should I post an inspirational photo?
A: If you are in the Self Development niche, I think that would be appropriate. It can be encouraging. If you are not, something funny that can resonate with any niche. You can even be a techie and share a funny techie quote or cartoon.
Q: How do I know if what I post on social media would be pertinent to my niche?
A: It doesn’t have to always be pertinent. You are on social media for just that…being social! There are no rules here except one: be yourself and be positive. You will be surprised how many people outside of your niche want to become your friends.
These are the folks you should socialize with, too, because you never know where it could lead. If you are a plug-in designer, I might enjoy socializing with you even though I am all thumbs when it comes to technical things.
I will become your friend, get to know like and trust you. When you mention to me later on that you have designed the latest and greatest plug in, I’m likely to check it out to see how it might benefit me. Hey, I may even purchase it.
Q: What if no one presses the “Like” button on Facebook…or worse …what if they don’t comment?
A: Just start doing it. It may take time for people to see you and recognize you, but eventually it will happen. It still happens to the best of us on social media. Sometimes you won’t get a comment or like. But push on, don’t give up.
Q: I don’t have any time to be on any social media platform.
A: Please consider that those Google bots are never going to find you if you are not on social media. You can be on them all, or pick and choose one or two. Be consistent! I know I’ve said this time and time again, but all you need to do is get on your favorite social media site at least twice a day, for 10 minute intervals.
I’m sure that 20 minutes of your time is worth playing nice-nice with the friendly Google bots. Scan and like other people’s messages, too. Comment on them. Post something and then get back to it later to see if people are liking or commenting.
So, there you have it, my answers to some of the questions my readers have asked me. I hope this helps, and will give you a little push. You, too, can achieve top ranking with Google by improving your social interactions online.
Blessings,
Donna
Donna –
Thanks for this one. I personally love social media. Twitter is like a lot of traffic with all of us honking our horns and waving at each other. Google+ is like an international airport with everyone showing their favorite pics and stories. Then there is fb which is where my readers and I share up close and personal stories of our private concerns.
I have to be careful not to let it be a time thief, but it is an important part of my blog, because it keeps my fingers on the pulse of what people want to know.
Your blog is fresh. I love your to-the-point and easy to read style! Thank you for reminding us of the leverage of social networking. It’s not just visiting, but also building our blog traffic!
Have an awesome week!
Karen Hoyt
Karen Hoyt recently posted..The Ins and Outs of Life
I agree with your point that we can post pretty much anything. There are so many different things to post on social media. I like images, quotes, fill in the blanks, other people’s blog posts or other relevant articles, personal posts, videos and questions mostly. I agree that posts don’t always have to be totally related to your niche . . . they can be things from your life as well. However, I do think that interacting with people who are your target market is important. That also applies to which social media platforms you choose. I agree with choosing 1 or 2 or 3 . . . but based on where your market hangs out.
Leanne Chesser recently posted..Stories of Gratitude
Hi Leanne,
It’s always where your market hangs out! But then sometimes you start making a relationship with someone you share an interest with and Boom..it is a start of a good friendship and who knows…maybe even a business partner.
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Baby Boomer Bloggers
Twitter: iblogright
November 15, 2013 at 5:31 pm #
Hi Donna, I must say I love this post. Some people are afraid of even writing about how they feel on social media forgetting that you can never be too serious in life, sometimes you do not know know if that little question or fun picture you shared would lighten up someone’s day. And also some bloggers do not like connecting with other bloggers outside their niche and it is bad because one day, somehow that friend might just be a blessing to you. I like the way you laid out your questions and answers. Thanks for this informative post.
Regards
~Bob
Olili Bob recently posted..Feedburner feeds not up-to-date ? A simple way to fix this problem
Well I’m sure glad you liked this post!
Just like you said that sometimes going out of your niche and relating to others just might be a blessing to us. It’s happened to me over and over again.
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Baby Boomer Bloggers
Hi Donna,
I love the advice you give in this post, but I am one of those who struggle with social media.
For me, it’s the time element that I battle with. I find it often takes me more than 10 minutes just to respond to comments and mentions, thanking people etc. – and if I then start posting and sharing stuff, it does involve a much greater time commitment. But I hear what you’re saying – I’ve probably just got to get more efficient. It would be so much easier if there was just one platform!
Thanks, Donna 🙂
Susan Neal recently posted..A Blog Commenting Problem – Can You Help?
Hi Susan,
Oh yes it would be easier if there were just one platform. But keep in mind that we don’t have to be on them all.
We need to pick the one’s we are comfortable with and be persistent with our messages, likes, comments and shares.
Once you time yourself for being on each one, it becomes easier. Don’t stress it because it is all for fun…hey that’s why we call it social!
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Baby Boomer Bloggers
Hi Donna,
great questions and answers.
Yes, if we want more likes and comments, your suggestion to start doing it is a great one.
It facinates me how many people don’t get that their time investment in social media will get the Google bots to find them.
Social Media has very quickly become more commonly know over the last few years. I wonder what’s next?
I appreciate your information!
Thank you for sharing your expertise!
Cheers,
Yorinda
Yorinda recently posted..It is All done for Us
Hi Yorinda,
Sorry for the late reply! Yes, what we do on social media does have a strong effect on our Google ranking these days.
These days being the strong point here. It is always changing and we do have to keep up with it.
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Baby Boomer Bloggers
I did not know that the google bots scan our social media platforms! I use to post different things on my fb page but I didn’t get much interaction so I stopped. I’ll ha e to try it again and press on. Thanks!
arelis cintron recently posted..It’s our anniversary!
Yes Google does that now. It is not only our blogs, but all social media that we are on that counts.
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Baby Boomer Bloggers
Twitter: cheryschmidt
November 10, 2013 at 9:54 pm #
Hi Donna! This is great advice I was just talking about this yesterday with a gal I met on FB she said she didn’t want to start putting anything on her timeline that didn’t go with her niche.
I added a welcome pic something I do when someone invites me to be their friend and she deleted it. This is what she told me when asked her why?
I then told her that FB as well an all social media sites are to be social and if she intended to draw anyone to her she needed to share what does other then BUSINESS!
I am going to go share this one on my timeline perhaps she will see it and if not I can give her a hint to check it out HEHE
Great Post Donna Thanks for sharing.. Chery :))
Chery,
That is too funny! Some people just don’t get it do they? I’ll check your Facebook he he he.
It is a silly mindset for her because as we make connections in a light tone on social sites, you just never know what may lead to a business opportunity.
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Get Rich Quick Is A Lie
Hi Donna,
These are excellent tips! I have found that social media is a great place for people to get to know you and vice versa. Of course you mentioned Adrienne, I love her and she’s a real pro at this. I have learned a lot from her. Questions are excellent “attention getters.” But I have found that anything I post of a personal or funny nature has received quite a bit of interaction as well. The key is, just to be yourself!
Thanks for sharing these, Donna!
Have a great week!
Ilka
Ilka Flood recently posted..How Big is Your Rolodex?
Hi Ilka,
Oh yes, I see you around all the time on the social media sites. You do get lots of likes and also comments.
I know I do! It’s fun and light and a great way to get to know one another.
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Get Rich Quick Is A Lie
Twitter: Amis Interactive Communities
November 10, 2013 at 8:28 am #
Donna, I get what you are saying about opening up to others and be real. I do that even on my blog and that is what I created it for, my voice to the world. I share my daily adventures in ways that will motivate and empower others just to get involved with life it self.
Now, social locations says it all. Just make new friends and reunite with old ones. Great place to apologize to those long forgotten family members of all ages they are online now. Then keep in touch using various methods to make it fun.
Hey, now you can update that Rolodex and get to sending those Christmas cards out on time this year.
Thanks you Donna for keeping us aware of what is going on and how to share with where.
William Amis recently posted..Preparing for the worse!
Hi William,
Isn’t it great when we re-connect with long lost friends and relatives? I’ve connected with some long lost clients via social media and have reunited with them. It’s great!
Making new friends is one great experience for me.
I know how much you share your heart on your blog and it is fab!
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Get Rich Quick Is A Lie
Well no doubt social media is really important to get more referral traffic. But i feel like i’m distract while i use facebook or other social media, so i made myself to use it for a time extent.
thanks for the tips.
Singh recently posted..What are the Benefits of Using a Unified Email Management System?
Twitter: GarSpecialties
November 8, 2013 at 5:07 pm #
I have trouble with all the social media available out there, but I do realize the importance of SEO. I started putting up quotes and sayings on Facebook, but would ask a question. I am starting to get interaction which is making me want to continue with Facebook, which has been the least desirable for me. I have been working on Google+ and Linkedin. I am seeing an improvement so social media whether you like it or not is worth it.
Arleen recently posted..What Color Means to Your Corporate Identity
Hi Arleen,
I love LinkedIn! I always called it my “secret weapon” and then ignored it for a while.
I came back to it a few months ago and my phone cannot stop ringing. I’m just sharing other people’s posts on it and my own. I put up one or two sayings and BOOM…People are calling me from years ago for appointments.
On Google+ I’m starting to get a little creative. I make my own sayings on a background and its being shared and liked.
I’m making such a fuss over Social Media lately because of those good old Google bots crawling around.
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Leveraging Social Media
Great tips, Donna! I need to beef up my social media presence. It’s been on the to-do list for some time but I need to make it a priority. I’m the best on twitter, although that can still be improved. Facebook is weak and I’m embarrassed to admit that I haven’t set up my Google+ profile yet. So much to do but I know how important that social media presence is. I know twitter make a huge impact on my blog and need maximize my presence there and other social media sites.
Shannon recently posted..Blog Round-Up: Week of November 4, 2013
Hi Shannon,
As long as you know where your audience is (Twitter) and it’s working for you, that is great!
We cannot be on them all – unless we clone ourselves lol. Don’t feel badly about not setting up a Google+ profile yet! You just have to focus on what works for you.
Thanks for stopping by,
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Leveraging Social Media
Twitter: domainsflow
November 7, 2013 at 1:57 pm #
Hey Donna,
You did it again – inspiring piece of content. I found myself in a couple of your questions. 😉
The problem is I always forget the point of social media – being social. Such a simple yet effective form. I noticed that putting images is very powerful way of getting people’s likes, comments…
It’s also an interesting tip to share what’s on your mind right this moment or ask something like Adrienne does. Definitely worth a try!
Thanks Donna for sharing this post with us.
~Dragan
Dragan Palla recently posted..What The Electrical Conference Taught Me About Presentation
Hi Dragan,
Lately I’m stressing the point of being on social media because at this time of writing, Google Bots are fluttering around and seeing what we are up to and how social we really are.
When we have a good input on the social media platform, Google gives us a piece of the pie!
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Leveraging Social Media
Wow!!!! Superb article and you actually gave me solution to most of my social media queries. I too hesitate to share my work on social media platforms but your answers have help me a lot.. Thx again and keep writing such informative stuff… 😀
Pooja Sehra recently posted..How to Install and Upgrade to Windows 8.1 Pro from Windows 8 Pro?
Hi and welcome Pooja!
I am so glad this helped you out. Your work is really needed to be shared on the social platforms, and I hope to see you there!
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Do You Blog Strictly Within Your Niche?
Twitter: marquitaherald
November 6, 2013 at 8:11 pm #
Great tips Donna. I do think it’s important though to be where your target audience is and that may – or may not – be on Facebook. It really makes no sense to spend the time focused on building an audience on FB if your market is hunkered down on Google+ or Twitter. For example a surprising amount of the traffic for my PG blog comes from Pinterest. Like many aspects of business, social media is a balance act and it’s just smart business to invest your time where you’re going to see the greatest ROI for the effort.
marquita herald recently posted..Could You Be Standing in Your Own Way?
Hi Marty,
We do have to know where our audience is. It may take a little trial and error at first, but when we do, we pin down where we need to be hanging out.
Yes, Social media is a balancing act, but when we start finding out which platform is working best, that is where we can put more time.
Thanks for your feedback,
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Leveraging Social Media
Twitter: MyGrlyPrts
November 6, 2013 at 1:03 pm #
Awesome tips Donna! I have to agree, if you’re unable to partake in social media, you and your blog/website will barely get noticed. I know it’s sometimes hard to do and I’m way behind on my commenting but, the biggest thing for me, is networking. I force myself to make time. Sometimes I’m less successful though 😉
Bren recently posted..Dealing With Depression and Having a Great Life Despite It
Hey Bren,
If there is one person I always see on Facebook it is you Bren! Yes, sometimes we do have to force ourselves to network, but from my eyes, you are doing it well.
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Leveraging Social Media
Twitter: lorrainereguly
November 6, 2013 at 12:58 pm #
I have found that the best was to approach social media is to just be yourself.
Posting regularly helps, too, since others will come to trust you, and see you as someone who is involved and reliable.
Lorraine Reguly recently posted..Are You A “Pro” Blogger Yet? Use 20 Blog Post Must-Haves and Become One!
Hi Lorraine,
Spot on girl! As long as we are being ourselves and being consistent, that good old “know like and trust” kicks in.
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Leveraging Social Media
Twitter: workingonthego
November 6, 2013 at 12:04 pm #
Hi Donna,
You have made some excellent points in this article . I really like your point about asking questions as it can be a great way to get to know your customers and what they like as well. Also make ones posts helpful and fun that people are interested to see your updates.
Thank you for your advice.
Rosemary
Hi Rosemary,
Well, you made it through to the comment lol. Glad you did. Yes, asking questions is a great way to encourage people to give an answer.
As long a we keep it fun and uplifting, we can have a blast!
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Leveraging Social Media
Twitter: DavidMerrill101
November 6, 2013 at 10:52 am #
Good tips, here, Donna.
I don’t use Social Media a whole lot. I guess a lot of that is because, like you write about here, I don’t really know what kinds of things to talk about, or what to post about.
I do better with FB groups because we talk about business, methods, strategies and all that. When it comes to being social… I get tongue-tied.
So I’ll keep your advice in mind. Thanks.
David Merrill 101 recently posted..Building A Sales Funnel | Part 1
Hi David,
Yes..this is my husband! I know you are on FB a lot with your groups. But not the social butterfly.
I also know you share content from others. But what you don’t do is get out there and mingle.
I know you well so I challenge you to do one post on Facebook a day! I’ll be watching you from across the room lol.
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Leveraging Social Media
Google and other search engines have finally find a way to turn humans into robot and vice versa 😀 … Some of us has already lost our sense of humor.
Thanks for bringing back mine with this article 🙂
I hate to admit that for the past few months, I barely do any other thing on Facebook and G+ other than sharing links from the blogs I have read and of course, I do that without even visiting the social network itself.
Some of my pals, who are writing me on social networks, sometimes feels like I’m ignoring them on purpose, which isn’t the case.
I simply don’t know what else to do, when i get there.
Hi Ebenezer,
Yes, indeed Google has us thinking like robots…that’s a good one!
Sharing on social media is great! But don’t worry about what you say there. I would suggest that you go to one site like Facebook for instance. See what’s going on and if something catches your eye that you find interesting, click the like button. I’m sure if you are really interested you can leave a short comment.
Then be brave my friend! Initiate something. It can be a quote, or a question (they work well) eventually you will find, like anything else in life, it will become easier.
Be well,
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Leveraging Social Media
Hi Donna,
I always thought that when you are in a niche you must go and socialize only with people that are like minded and in your niche. I always thought you must carefully avoid niches that are very different than yours.
If you are in the WordPress niche, for example and you are interested in plugins and CSS and php, what’s the use to socialize with people in the Food niche?
You seem to have a different approach. I will meditate on this.
Have a wonderful day
silviu recently posted..How to Record a Podcast and Pay Nothing
Hi Silviu,
It really depends on your niche. Yes, we do need to stay with people in our niche, but if we are bloggers, then those techies out there are needed too.
I’m not saying that we need to take everyone and anyone, but if they have good content that can relate to your readers somehow, it is fine to keep your niche a little open.
It is all up to the niche we already have. I do blogging and self development which to me, goes hand in hand. I have many blogging friends that are techies and may only write about WordPress, well that goes hand in hand with what I do.
As for recipies? Hmmmm
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Leveraging Social Media
Twitter: Daringblogger
November 5, 2013 at 7:03 pm #
Hey Donna,
Being yourself and being consistent – that’s the key 🙂 I restarted my social profiles a while back (Can’t say I don’t regret doing that, but it is all for the best), and I am still in the process of building my profiles.
It is frustrating, especially on sites like FB (It helps to keep our expectations low, at least in the beginning). Results take time and consistency, right? 🙂
I have dedicated 2 30 min blocks for managing my social media profiles (I am doing okay, but I think I can do better). I am in the process of finding good communities within each site (Unfortunately, I am not finding any. All communities are filled in promotional links. I do understand that it does help to increase traffic, but I am not motivated to be active in such groups).
Anyways, thank you for sharing your tips, Donna 🙂 Appreciate it!
Hi Jeevan,
Oh I know what you mean about finding good communities! There are so many that dump and run!
I admin one for a friend and all I do is keep telling them to look at the rules on top of the page!!!
All they have to do is to comment on one lousy post and syndicate it. But they usually don’t. I have to be the tough gal who will threaten them and take them out of the group. But that’s ok by me. I’m just doing a friend a favor.
Finding a good community is difficult, but it is all trial and error. I found some good ones….3 or 4 but that’s enough for me to handle.
Have a wonderful week,
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Leveraging Social Media
Twitter: Daringblogger
November 10, 2013 at 8:00 pm #
Agreed. But, people are just selfish aren’t they? (And everyone is so eager to conform to the rest of the community!).
Even if one person decides to post something, to become active, he/she may not get the results they expected (and that discourages more people from trying to become active).
Can you share them? I haven’t found a good one yet. Thanks, Donna 😀
Hi again Jeevan,
I find in some communities they are, that’s why I opted out of them. But I do have a few where there is total reciprocity and they are great.
And yes, we may not get the results expected, so we have to tweak it up a bit. One cannot get discouraged quickly. It may time some time, but eventually, you get into the flow of things.
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Get Rich Quick Is A Lie
Hey Donna,
This is a clever topic to write about. A lot of people either don’t see the value of social media or they are intimidated by it.
I’m glad you mentioned the Googlebots. This is a great reason to get more involved with social media, and it’s not like it’s the most difficult thing to do. I like that you point out that it’s not all about your business, but you personally.
Like the old cliche, “people do business with people, not companies”.. It’s all about being personable with others. Once you do that with consistency, then you’ll start to see the benefits from all the new relationships you created.
Thanks for sharing!
Absolutely Sherman!
Yes, I did have to mention what those Google bots are up to these days. I just took for granted that everyone knew about it. But, they didn’t. So, this is why I wanted to give a little “push” to my readers so that they can climb the ladder!
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Leveraging Social Media
Donna, I agree. Social is very important to your blogging efforts. I have problems coming up with things to say.
I just say whatever. You would be amazed at the conversations going on.
However, I just get involved with the ones I can relate to.
That’s it Michael!
Getting involved with ones you relate to is important. It is a great start to get to know people.
You have so much to say that I can read from your blogs, that I’m sure you can think of something, or even share a news report related to one of your blogs.
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Leveraging Social Media
Donna, I am finding more to share because of people like you leaving insightful comments on my blog.
It makes me think more. thanks
Awww….thanks Michael
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Leveraging Social Media
Twitter: AdrienneSmith40
November 5, 2013 at 12:33 pm #
Hey Donna,
I’m blushing here because I read through your comments too so thank you guys for all your kind words.
I’m one of those that was shy too and I’m a big people person. But it’s intimidating to me because what you put out there online stays there so you have to watch what you say and like you said, remain positive.
In the beginning no one will probably see your stuff or respond to it but you have to reach out to others and comment on their stuff too. Like you said, ask a question or share something you enjoy. Look at other people’s profiles and comment on their stuff too.
I post a question each weekday on my Facebook personal page, my business page and one on Google+. They’re all different because I have different people on each of the sites. It’s a great way to start to get to know people and it takes time to build up but it will. As you said, it’s just fun.
You have to be consistent and I know that Sylviane’s problem is that she isn’t. Time is not on her side so you can’t get upset by no results it you aren’t putting in the effort to get them. It’s just that easy.
Great share and I know others will find this helpful. We have to start somewhere right!
Enjoy your week.
~Adrienne
Adrienne recently posted..How To Easily Insert A Tweet Into Your Post
Hi Adrienne,
OOPS…I was meaning to tell you that I mentioned you here, but then I just figured I’ll surprise you he he he.
The reason I did is because you are so consistent with social media, you are my role model. Hey, I gotta give credit where credit is due right?
I know how busy you are but you handle it in such a great way. You are my DMO QUEEN Girl.
As I stated, I do look forward to your Questions of the day.
Love ya gal,
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Leveraging Social Media
Twitter: harleenas
November 5, 2013 at 8:19 am #
Hi Donna,
I couldn’t agree more with all that you’ve written 🙂
I liked the way you put up the post in a question-answer way that makes it easier to read and relate, especially for those who have a problem understanding how to leverage the social media. I think the only way to keep your fear or hesitation aside is to just go ahead and do it!
The same goes for those who wonder what they should share on the social media networks. It could be anything that you feel like and you know is going to start off a great conversation, just as you mentioned. Oh yes….I do love Adrienne’s interesting questions too, though I honestly keep away from them.
I think that’s because I don’t want to spend more time than I already do and literally have to run – away from Facebook at times, or else my profile is full of 80-90 notifications whenever I am on it, which is twice a day at least! I guess that’s because I share my posts on various FB groups too, so checking out those and replying to the comments, or thanking the people involved is in itself an uphill task for me. Speaking of myself, I prefer to sharing others posts or else putting up inspirational picture quotes, which are more than enough to handle. The likes or reshares come with time, and even if they don’t, which is rare for those who have a large friend’s circle, it shouldn’t bother you much because you are sharing what you want to and that’s what matters at the end of the day, isn’t it?
I think being yourself and just opening up with people, interacting with them, is what’s the best part. And you really don’t have to worry about being within your niche, not on the social media at least! I never see any of that, instead, look for people who click with me, isn’t it?
Thanks for sharing. Have a nice week ahead 🙂
Harleena Singh recently posted..4 Steps to Wisdom and Happiness
Hi Harleena,
I love your inspirational sayings on Facebook…I look forward to them. You are all about self development and those inspirations enhance it. Plus they are so beautiful.
When I come across it I stop and do like and comment. Sometimes I do have to share if it hits my heart.
I know we need to stick to our DMO. We have to focus on what is important first and then spend time on social media. But I see you every day and I think you are doing a great job!
I like to share other people’s posts too. When I go over to Google+ I’ll see you there, or I’ll see you have shared my post there. I Like to give a plus and a thank you.
You are doing great girl!
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Leveraging Social Media
Twitter: bloggingconsult
November 5, 2013 at 7:13 am #
Hi Donna,
Keeping, maintaining and keeping up to date with published posts on the social media is a great challenge for me.
I’m at work 8am -6am, then usually get home very late, around 9pm…so where’s the time to start going through my social accounts for updated posts on them; it’s really an herculean task to achieve.
Dare recently posted..SEO best practices to remove deleted posts and blog from Google search
Twitter: Lisapatb
November 5, 2013 at 6:48 am #
Hi Donna, I sometimes freeze when I see I get no reaction on one of the social networks on something I’ve posted. I try different things and mix it up.
I have found that Facebook folks like funny or personal things. Twitter I can almost do anything though I notice different times of day come into play too.
I really haven’t given much thought to Google+ though I use it almost daily. I like posting to different circles and sometimes to public.
I love taking pics and sharing them of nature – some do very well on various networks.
Social is becoming more and more important for SEO and being found alone, great tips Donna!
Lisa recently posted..Relationships or Quality Links – Which Matter More To You?
Hi Lisa,
Oh I love the pictures of nature you have been sharing of those autumn leaves!
You know, I had a new client come to me because of my images. I like to take pictures of nature too and with my IPhone it is so easy.
Someone did a search on pictures, then came to my blog. Go figure? Those bots are sure working hard these days and I like it.
It gives us, the little guy, some recognition.
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Leveraging Social Media
Twitter: kgauraw
November 5, 2013 at 2:07 am #
Excellent article on correctly using social media for online entrepreneurs, Donna I enjoyed the way you took the Q&A approach to this guide and it really is awesome because I see that you do the same thing everyday. You are speaking from experience and that brings credibility to what you teach here.
Thank you for setting a great example and then sharing about it.
Regards,
Kumar
Kumar Gauraw recently posted..Inspiring TED Talk By Rita Pierson – Every Kid Needs a Champion
Thank you for your kind words Kumar.
If something is working for me, I share it. Why the heck not right? I wish I could be on all social networks, but I focus only on two or three.
Just the other day on LinkedIn, one of my blogging buddies asked me “Why do I see you everywhere?” Beats me!
Today someone called for a consultation because they seen me, went to Youtube and seen videos of me and my husband and got that “Know like and trust” factor.
The more we put ourselves out there, the more people will come to us. I like doing business that way. I just can’t chase people down. I rather have them coming to me.
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Leveraging Social Media
Twitter: suejprice
November 5, 2013 at 1:37 am #
Hi Donna
Great post. I was aware of the bots and social media and this is a great reminder. I have been told it is more important now to show on social media than worry about SEO. Not sure if it is true but I like the idea.
I hang mainly on Facebook and lately more and more on Google+ and LinkedIn. I love your answers and I think it is a way people can get to know us. I find when I share anything about animals I get a lot of comments. I guess there are some people who do not like them but seems a lot do.
Thanks Donna
Sue
Sue Price recently posted..Who Is Empower Network For?
Hi Sue!
The SEO days are long gone. Yes, we do need a little, but when it is over loaded Google won’t play with us.
Google wants to see people being social. Those bots are keyed in to that, so the more we share, the better friend we make with Google.
I do notice that people are attracted to cute baby animals. It’s a great strategy. Most of us love it. Those who don’t ….well, they can walk away.
See you on our Thursday night meeting,
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Leveraging Social Media
Twitter: wiarbu
November 5, 2013 at 12:17 am #
Hi Donna…
Yes, share part of yourself… so that’s what I’ll do here in these
brief comments.
I have been using DM on Twitter to pray for a man with prostate cancer.
He is now done with the radiation treatments and is on the mend.
During his diagnosis, his treatment and now recovery, he has relied on the Twitterverse to keep him encouraged.
I don’t always have time for social media. I keep a fairly tight schedule, but I do contribute when and where I can to bless others.
That’s where I see the power of social media. I have also been blessed to connect with many wonderful people through social media as well… people just like you.
Have a BE-YOU-TO-FULL (beautiful) week!
Bill
William Butler recently posted..I Dare You To Do These 12 Things
Hi Bill,
When I’m at your blog or see you on the social networks, you radiate Kindness! I know you have a strong belief in God and so do I.
That’s what attracted me to your blog. You are not afraid to mention that three letter word. When I see you on Facebook, it is uplifting because of your random acts of kindness.
What a great way to reach out to someone via twitter to pray for them. That’s what I LOVE about Social Media. We notice someone needs help and prayers are with them. Yes…I do believe in the power of prayer!
Thanks for being so kind!
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Leveraging Social Media
Thanks for sharing these social media FAQs with us Donna!
Although I needed to hear all these answers, the ones I needed for sure was #3 when it comes to Facebook. I don’t know if I’m posting too much or not enough. I want to share as many jobs as I find but don’t want to overwhelm folks either.
Oh and thanks for telling me about the Google bots checking my social media presence…I’m definitely going to step up my game. You’re right about Adrienne, she is awesome is being social isn’t she?
Hope you had a great weekend and started the new week on a great note! See ya in the socialverse 🙂
Corina Ramos recently posted..Monday Work-from-Home Job Lead Madness
Hi Corina,
I see you on Facebook and looks like you are doing fine…maybe a tad more will pump you up?
When we post something up there, it can get lost in the shuffle sometimes. So posting 2 to 3 times a day I think is great!
But we have to remember that we need to go over to others and like and comment. Hey, I’ve seen you do that lol.
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Leveraging Social Media
Twitter: notnowmomsbusy
November 8, 2013 at 10:59 am #
Thanks for that Donna. I think a little more presence on Facebook won’t be so bad. Just shoot me a message if I’m over doing it, lol 🙂
I have noticed when I post on Facebook it’s way down the stream…duh that should have been my first sign, lol. :).
I’m not an active “liker” or “sharer” like most folks on Facebook, I’ve got to work on that too :).
Man, I’ve got some work to do, lol. Thanks for sharing this post with us Donna! I just know it’s answered everyone’s questions. Happy Friday!
Corina Ramos recently posted..Countdown To Black Friday Giveaway
I will keep an eye out for you Corina.
Gotta like and comment on others in order for them to reciprocate.
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Leveraging Social Media
Twitter: BarbaraCharles
November 4, 2013 at 9:14 pm #
Hi Donna,
Wow! Never thought about the Google bots not seeing me on Social media. Never gave it a second thought. Thanks for updating me on this. And the suggestions and advice are pertinent. Some things I just don’t think about.
Great post. Stuff I needed to know. As usual, you are dead on!
Thanks,
Donna,
Barbara Charles recently posted..How A Blogger’s Writing Style Can Attract and Keep Your Audience
Hi Barbara,
I know that mind of yours and how it works so perfectly technical. You are so great at that.
Yes, the bots are picking up not only our blogs, SEO, and back links. They are also measuring how much engagement we are doing on Social Media.
I would say that Facebook and Google+ are great places to be now a days. But who knows when they will change again? lol.
For now, it is important to be on the social networks as much as possible.
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Leveraging Social Media
Twitter: sylvianenuccio
November 4, 2013 at 8:52 pm #
Hi Donna,
I think you said the key phrase, be YOURSELF. If you feel that you have many questions about what to do is because you’re not being yourself and you’re asking what, what, what… as if there was a specific answer…
There are not any specific answer, it’s do what you are. As you mentioned, our friend Adrienne has a routine and it works great for her. Now if we just try to all copy her, that’d make no sense.
As for me I don’t share as much as I would like because of time issue for the most part, and second, at times I share some cool videos and I see no one watching them, so I’m like, what the heck? LOL!
In any case, we need to be social on social media and it needs to become natural, and it will get to be fun!
Anyway, great post Donna and I’m sure it will help some 🙂
Sylviane Nuccio recently posted..Living, Writing and Making Good Money as a Freelance Writer
Hi Sylviane,
If we can all be as organized as our friend Adrienne, it would be great. I love her style of engagement and also how disciplined she is sharing on Facebook.
But if you tried it once a day, people would start to catch on to the videos you share.
I think it all comes down to persistence!
-Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Leveraging Social Media