So you started a blog (or you’re planning on starting a blog), but you’re struggling to get readers that aren’t relatives yet (Hi mom!) The next step to getting your blog posts out into the world is to promote your posts via social media. However, it can get a little overwhelming when there is Snapchat, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Periscope, Google+, and more out there. And even more overwhelming when you don’t know where to begin or what resources are out there for you.
I’m here to help, friends! Here are a few tips to get you started and make you feel a little less overwhelmed and lost on how to get started on social media as a new blogger.
Start With Two Social Media Platforms
I would recommend starting with two social media platforms. The reason I recommend that is because social media is time-consuming. If you’re going to be involved in every social media platform and actually be engaged, you’ll spend way more time there than you will be writing great content (which is probably why you started the blog in the first place – to write!)
Tip for picking your two:
- Where does your audience live on social media? Do you know who you’re writing to? Is it moms? (Pinterest, Facebook) Teenagers? (Twitter, Snapchat) Twenty-something bloggers? (Twitter, Instagram)
- What social networks do you feel most comfortable on? Think about which platforms you’re most inclined to post on. You’re more likely to post most often on the platforms you are most comfortable on. And truthfully, you most likely have your audience on there somewhere. You just have to find them.
Be A Real Person
People don’t fall in love with your blog and layout, they fall in love with you. You’ll hear a lot about how you’re a brand now and how everything you do online needs to represent your blog or business. But don’t be afraid to get a little personal. This is something we’re working on improving on here. I want this space to be about community, but I think you have to get to know people a little better to really feel a community vibe. I’m planning on putting together a series or something to help improve on this, so stay tuned!
Engage In Group Chats On Twitter
Twitter is your best friend when you’re first starting to blog. Or at least it was for me. Share other people’s content and get involved in a group chat. I think the first one I participated in was #lbloggers which was a chat for lifestyle bloggers. The way it works, is there will be a moderator in charge of asking questions throughout the chat. Chats will usually last an hour and there will be a topic prepared ahead of time. You can follow along with the chat through the hashtag.
There are all kinds of Twitter chats. Here’s a link to the times and dates for some popular chats. Explore and figure out where your audience is on Twitter. I’d recommend taking it easy and only engaging in one or two a week, but do whatever works for you. Twitter chats are such a fun way to “meet” other bloggers when you’re just starting out. Everyone is so inviting. Tell people it’s your first Twitter chat and you’ll be just as welcomed as those who chat there every week.
Remember Your Why
It can be a little stressful when you read countless blog posts about how to best start a blog and all the things you should be doing to have a successful one. So when you’re feeling overwhelmed, remind yourself about why you started in the first place. Take a break if you need to. Regardless of what anyone may tell you, social media will always be there when you get back.
Use A Scheduling Service (Sometimes)
Scheduling your Tweets, Facebook posts, and Pins can be the ultimate time saver. It makes you look like you’re active on your accounts throughout the day when you’re busy doing something else. So schedule a lot (especially when you’re promoting your content), but make sure that you make a little time to be present.
As I said before, people want to connect with you, so if you’re making yourself seem like a robot, it’ll be harder for you to make genuine connections. Also, remember to share other people’s work too! Spreading the love is always a good way to gain Internet friends. I use Buffer to schedule my posts, but there are a variety of scheduling services. Do some research to figure out which one works best for you. If you love Twitter, Tweetdeck is also a great one.
Bonus: Shorten Your Links
It’s not an absolute must, but I like to shorten my links using Bitly. When I’m posting on Twitter, this website really comes in handy for me. If you’re scheduling Tweets using Buffer (as suggested above), this won’t affect you as much, because Buffer shortens the links for you. But either way, it looks prettier when you shorten your long link and shows that you know what you’re doing.
Working on social media for your blog can be so much fun! But it can also start to feel like work. Try not to get too caught up in the numbers of social media and try to focus on making true connections. Blogger friends are great to have! It’s one of the best reasons to have a blog. Have fun with it!
Tell us in the comments what you blog about (or plan to blog about!)
