Quite often, I hear social media “experts” make stupid references about certain technologies or services that completely delegitimizes them in my mind. If you really want to be a leader in the social media world, here are a few common sense items that you should absolutely understand inside and out.
If you don’t and you’re calling yourself a leader in the industry, then you’re misleading people. Simple as that. To those of you who truly are innovators in the social media universe, you will probably see this list as borderline adolescent… but I’m sure you can appreciate the motive behind the list.
So are you real or fake? Here goes.
1. Do You Understand the Difference Between a Facebook Profile and a Facebook Page?
A few months ago a somewhat prominent marketing firm created a Facebook Profile for a product they were backing. Unfortunately for them, users wouldn’t befriend a cup of coffee. Profiles are for living, breathing humans. Pages are for businesses, products, or other marketable entities.
You might think what’s the big deal? Well, if you create a profile for your business, you will max out at 5,000 friends (assuming you can convince people to accept your request). A page, on the other hand, is limitless.
2. Do You Have More Followers Than You are following on Twitter?
If you claim to be a social media power and you’re still following more people on Twitter than are following you… Well, you’re not as great as you think. Twitter power users often times will not follow you if this is the case.
It’s better to have 500 quality followers than 10,000 automated robot followers. Confucius said that I believe.
3. Does Your Blog Have Its Own Domain Name?
Unless you’re one of the VERY FEW exceptions to the rule, having a blog address like “socialmediablog.wordpress.com” will not work for you. Fork over the $10/year and get your own domain name. It’s a highly worthy investment.
4. Have You Heard of Mashable?
If you haven’t heard of or frequently check out Mashable.com, then you’re not a social media leader. Subscribe to it or favorite it. It’s a must for all the latest social media happenings.
5. Do You Use a Twitter Client?
While technically there is nothing wrong with using Twitter’s website to post the majority of your tweets, a real social media king would definitely have a desktop client and a mobile client. Download Tweetdeck, Tweetie, Echofon, Socialite, etc.
6. Do You Understand and Use RSS Feeds?
To stay on top of what’s going on in social media (or any industry for that matter), you need to make good use of RSS feeds. Learn to use them. Learn to explain how they work to a friend. Know what “RSS” stands for.
7. Do You Know Tumblr, Friendfeed, Whrrl, Posterous, Last.fm, etc.?
Even though they may not be of use to you personally, understanding what the ‘other’ social media sites offer is imperative. Facebook and/or Twitter are not the answer for everyone and every niche. Know this.
8. Are You Always Connected?
As annoying as this may be to your in-person friends, you must stay connected to the heartbeat of social media. Get a smartphone (iPhones really do rule at this point). Having that constant access and connection is vital.
9. Are You Available and Responsive?
To be successful, do your best to contribute bidirectionally to your community. Even if you have thousands of followers on Twitter, respond/retweet/mention other users. Give love to be loved.
10. Do You Have a Network?
Quick, name 5 bloggers in your niche. Have you had a conversation with them? Have you guestposted for them? Do you know their strengths and weaknesses?
Don’t be afraid to connect to those with the same goals as you. Don’t see them as competition, but as friends. Creating a network of like-minds will help you tenfold as you create your persona as a social media force.
