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Wanna Rock Your Social Media? Some Tips on Engaging for Newbies

Wanna Rock Your Social Media? Some Tips on Engaging for Newbies

Engagement is the way to be successful in social media but HOW do you go about being engaging? This is the dilemma of many new social media participants. This post is meant to be a guide to get your efforts started and help social media newbies turn into fans! One thing that you learn along the way is that everyone has their own style, likes and dislikes – there is not necessarily a right or wrong way. Jump in the waters great!

All you experienced social media enthusiasts, feel free to add your suggestions in the comments.

Don’t be a lurker

Social media needs to be social so please join the conversation, you will be glad you did! The most polite way on Twitter is to say “hi” directly in a tweet, not to hijack someone’s existing conversation. If you are Facebook stalking, please like or comment on people’s content. They will be thrilled.

Attend a social media conference or workshop

This is a great way to meet new people with common interests and make great connections. Many cities have Social Media Clubs or activities. Some blogs have links for conferences on the sidebars, check them out.

Find interesting people to follow or friend

Learning the ropes from an experienced person is the easiest way to get acclimated. When I was new, so many people answered questions for me and helped me. I try to pay this forward and help out newer people whenever possible.

Don’t get discouraged

If you encounter one rude person, don’t let that sour you from the entire social media world. There are a few people who you might not want to be friends with and that’s ok; isn’t that the same as real life?

Learn the lingo

If you see someone use a phrase you don’t know, ask them what it is. Every medium has its own language and you need to use the proper terminology to participate.

Attend a chat

Best place to meet people on Twitter in my opinion. There is a chat for literally every topic possible, find something that interests you or is work related and enjoy!

Comment on blogs

Bloggers spend a lot of time writing their posts and some do not get a lot of comments. Please take a minute to thoughtfully comment on the post you just read. Bloggers everywhere will rejoice.

Share others content

Did you LOVE the blog you just read? Comment and share: that is the gold star of the day. If I really like the post, I will tweet it, Facebook share it, LinkedIn update it and Stumble It. Good content is made to be shared, if you like it chances are your friends and followers will too. The same goes for tweets or Google+ content.

Say please and thank you

As in life, manners are very important in social media. Saying thank you always goes a long way and help others when you can.

Do not “borrow” others material

If you didn’t write the thought, please credit whoever did. No one appreciates having their material poached, please make sure that you give credit for tweets by including the original senders twitter handle. You should never “borrow” material from a blog without permission. This includes copying the style of people's engagement to the point of directly using their phrases. Being unique within social media makes all the difference!

Pay attention to details

Ask other people what THEY are doing! Check out their profile, use something interesting to spark a conversation. Nothing interests other people more than YOU being interested in them. (hat tip to Jessica Northey for this one!)

Ask questions!

This is the only way to go! Find smart people, observe and ask questions. You will learn everything you need to know in time. Be patient with yourself and have fun!

Please share your tips for engaging on social media in the comments – I'd love to hear from you!

28 Comments

  1. Once again, it is PEGGY that rocks with her wisdom, excellent tips, and of course, that winning smile. I’d add that if you post a happy photo, like hers, you will be ahead of the game from the start!

    I think joining chats is a great idea, Peggy. Any suggestions (your life depends on the answer to this…lol)…

    1. Aww you are always so kind Bruce! And I agree, a great avatar does make a stellar first impression.
      Cheers!
      Peggy

  2. Hello Hazel I used to read and tweet posts too without commenting before I knew how much it meant to bloggers and the conversation surrounding posts.Happy to meet you!
    Peggy

  3. Hi Hazel – thanks for commenting here! I used to read & tweet too without realizing how much the comments mean to the blogger and the conversation. Lovely to meet you!
    Peggy

  4. great advice for newbies…it is so nice when mentors can help us learn the ropes..

    Thank you Peggy.. you are great !!

    Jodi

    1. Thanks for the encouragement Jodi! I was and still am blessed by so many great mentors, it is definitely the right thing to do and pay it forward.

      Hugs to you Jodi!

  5. If you wanna learn to Rock…  Might as well learn from a Rock Star!  Another super social media post, from a totally super Peg Fitzpatrick! 🙂

  6. I wish I could favorite this! 

    Such kind words Paul – so appreciate them coming from someone that I greatly respect within my social media community. It’s been a pleasure learning along the way with you.

    A truly sincere thanks!
    Positively,

    Peggy

  7. This social media newb thanks you Peggy for this awesome guide 🙂 LOVE this part – “One thing that you learn along the way is that everyone has their own
    style, likes and dislikes – there is not necessarily a right or wrong
    way. Jump in the waters great!”

    1. So glad you liked it Kelli!

      Jumping in is important, right? I think many people are so afraid of making a mistake that they don’t get started. 
      Lovely to meet you.
      Peggy 😀

  8. I found Twitter difficult at first but so worth the time it took to learn and find some friends.

    Thanks so much Tonya – so appreciate your sharing.
    Peggy

  9. Fantastic post, Peg! It’s great for people getting started to have a definitive list like this. I’ve worked with people of all levels of experience with social media and what I love best is when people go from “newbie” to “expert” and to see them grow through that change! 🙂

  10. For Twitter you should add retweet and reply. I put out a lot of news & analysis under #Bartnews I love retweets and I love it when a tweet leads to a conversation.  We don’t have to agree, disagreeing courteously, exchanging views, is just as good. Also, I love it when I tweet music and other fans retweet it.

    1. Hi Bart

      That is fun! Do you tweet Spotify links? I love doing that too. And yes retweeting and replying are very important.
      Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
      Pegy

  11. I truly enjoyed this post!  Engaging, informative and exactly the type of post I love to share!

  12. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Peggy.

    Most of these are common courtesy/common sense ideas. If you behave in online communities similarly to how you behave in offline communities, you will probably work out just fine.

    I think I would place more emphasis on Don’t Get Discouraged. It won’t happen overnight.

    Cheers,
    Marc

  13. Peggy I love this post…you hit every point that us newbies think in our head but don’t ever want to ask out loud..YOu are such a great resource and friend helping others out and remembering when we all just began with our very first tweet.

  14. loved the post! Participation in tweets around social issues takes your engagement level to a new high, you get to hear from people across the globe and that’s just opens up avenues..

    Thanks for the post!

  15. Hi Peggy, I was exposed to you a week or so ago on the webinar for your new book with Guy. I really appreciate how down to earth you are, vibrant, fun and yet such a powerful influencer.
    Lots to learn from you.
    Loved this blog btw.
    🙂

  16. Hi. Heard your interview on a podcast last week where your energyic enthusiasm was infectious. I’m very new to social media and your tips – priceless. Thanx.

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