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In 2014, I am seeing a lot of people who were strong content marketers in the past are slowly changing their tune.
A number of these social media experts are reposting content from 2013 or prior years. My advice to you is make sure you know if the information you are reading is current or being regurgitated from the past. Also, check out the information closely. Is the post really saying anything new or could you have written the same information.
I really think it says something about the current confusion of where people are at with respect to social media marketing. I , myself have experienced success on social media and can point to some return on investment with respect to higher revenues and additional clients. In addition, I have been able to meet some outstanding people on social media and I am working to build more on those relationships. I still think we are in the infancy stage and we need to see how all of this fits together.
Social media cannot be ignored, but it is only one piece of the pie. I think the past few years, many consultants have tried to make us think if we were not using social media we could not be successful in our businesses. Content marketing is important and marketers need to find ways to help keep their marketing information in front of people.
With one month almost in the books in 2014, here is where I see things headed with respect to marketing and social media marketing.
Companies need to really work at developing deeper connections on social media sites. DEVELOPING ADVOCATES FOR YOUR BRAND should be a goal. In fact it may help you more than bringing someone on for a one-time transaction. Linkedin is a great platform for this.
WE NEED STRONGER MESSAGES FROM COMPANY EXECUTIVES. Company Exectuives need to get more online and be the face of their company. Right now, the young people are posting a lot of information on Twitter, Linkedin and GooglePlus. These people are looking for ways to move up in their companies. Executives need start changing the way they think and get into the game, before the game passes them up. Many exectutives are reaping the benefits of their personal brand and becoming more of a face of their company.
The need for innovative content, (Content drastically different than the normal content) is desperately needed. I have found that making some simple updates to current profile pictures, backgrounds and information have really helped keep my message fresh with readers. In addition, people need to speak louder and from “THEIR OWN PERSONAL EXPERIENCES” more. I have found tremendous results with this last item. I saw a few other people doing this and you can definitely see a shift in the people who are taking their social media experience to a new level.
Own the process! – What do you want people to know about you? What type of information would you like to know from others? How will you grow in your own professional learning in 2014? What do your clients want more of in 2014? ARE YOU MAKING EFFORTS TO SHARE, CARE and CONSUME INFORMATION?
The only way you will succeed is to SET GOALS AND DEMAND MORE. I don’t understand why a lot of people are letting up in 2014. It seems to be a disturbing trend. Focus on the items mentioned above and you will see the results of your success. Keep trying things out! Rememeber there are not cookie-cutter solutions here.
Image courtesy of Naypong / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
