If you’ve spent much time in the social media world, you may have noticed 2 different types of accounts – ones with fewer, but high quality fans and followers and ones impressive amounts of less engaged fans and followers. These definitely aren’t the only 2 options, and a combination of both is what everyone wants, but if you find yourself in one of those two categories, this post is for you.
Quality…
Strengths:
Quality followers and fans have an interest in your brand. Maybe they’re users of your brand. Maybe they’re part of an industry you want to break into. No matter who they are, there is a give and take – they learn from you, and you learn from them. You interact with them because they provide value to the conversation. They respond. They share. They can’t be faked. You don’t have to ask them to list you on Follow Friday. They’re the kind of followers that get the “Cheers” theme song stuck in your head (or maybe that’s just me).
Weaknesses:
If your numbers aren’t growing, potential followers may not take you seriously. Not everyone realizes the value of engagement. They may write you off at first glance without bothering to listen because your numbers aren’t as impressive as others. You can’t really brush it off by saying it’s there loss, because you want others to get involved in your conversation.
Quantity…
Strengths:
Quantity makes you look good. It takes you back to high school and student council elections or the vote for prom queen. It makes you feel popular. It makes others respect your opinion under the assumption that so many others do. It can be real or faked. You can purchase followers. You can follow everyone you’ve ever met, and most of them will probably follow you back.
Weaknesses:
A lot of people know your name, but are they actually listening? What if you’re just another pretty Twitter face in the crowd? Are you seeing any actual benefits from your social media efforts? So many social media metrics revolve around engagement, influence, and interaction, because that’s pretty much the point of putting yourself out there. It doesn’t do any good if no one hears you.
Quite obviously…
You want both. So remember these things:
1. It takes time, patience, effort, and persistence. If you get discouraged easily, you’re going to miss out. If you take the easy way and gain many meaningless followers, you’re going to miss out.
2. You can’t be shy. Go after what you want. Start conversations with people. Sometimes they won’t respond. Sometimes they will. Make sure you they have to make that choice.
3. Set goals. How do you know if it’s working if you don’t have any benchmarks? Be realistic with what you’re trying to accomplish. 100 followers might be small for an entertainment company, but it might be a large milestone for a small, niche-focused business.
4. Be optimistic. Don’t tweet in defeat. Keep on keeping on. “Insert other clichés here.” But seriously, too many people give up on social media way too early in the game. Things don’t happen overnight. Maintain a positive attitude, and continue striving for your goals.