I often follow the same person or business across various platforms — Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn — so I never miss what they’re up to. I like to comment and get into conversations with the account owner and their followers.
But, sometimes my @ tags and comments fall on deaf ears.
Once or twice is no big deal, but when none of my engagement is acknowledged, it’s like a virtual, “I really don’t care about you” from the social media account owner.
Let that sink in.
Here’s a quick story with a lesson for anyone who uses social media.
For months, I’ve been tagging a specific business on Facebook and Instagram with kind comments about their products. On Facebook, the conversations flow. I learn new things from other readers. We help one another out.
On Instagram, the account is stagnant. It’s like the account owner has turned their back on their faithful followers. I feel ignored. It’s actually making me not want to engage on Facebook either.
I guess that’s the trickle-down effect.
If you’re a public relations pro, small business owner, marketer or advertiser who understands the value of earned media and user-generated content, you’re cringing right now at these missed engagement and business growth opportunities fading day-by-day into cyberspace.
The lesson here: If you’re going to have a social media presence, manage it.
Check-in. Respond. Engage.
The days of having an account on every social media platform simply because it sounds like a good idea are over. If you have a feed and want to grow your audience, you have to interact.
Do you have social media accounts on platforms that you no longer use? I wonder how your audience on those platforms feels? If you don’t have the time and resources to manage multiple platforms, don’t. Find one or two you enjoy, and resonate with your audience, then make them amazing.
Show your audience you care by being present.
Never miss a post from Web Writing Advice. Get email updates by subscribing. As a bonus, I’ll send you my free e-book, 18 Ways to Increase Online Writing Productivity and Earnings.
Note: This post was last updated on October 31, 2023.
