Put the social in social media

Social media allows businesses, organizations, and individuals to share content and make connections with a wide audience using nothing more than a digital device, a connection to the internet, and a social media platform such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or Instagram. You likely accessed this blog via social media.

Social media, unlike traditional media such as newspapers, magazines, and television, allows for interaction between users. It is this interaction that puts the “social” in social media. Traditional media delivers communication in one direction. Social media promotes multi-directional dialogue.

The most effective use of social media goes beyond delivering or consuming content to building relationships. Think of it as a conversation rather than a monologue. Conversations that are mutually beneficial – questions are asked and answered, problems are identified and solved, and interests are expressed and nurtured. Via social media, audiences are able to influence content-creators and businesses. Social media has now become the #1 way businesses provide customer service. Social media is powerful when it is social.

What does it mean to be social on social media? It means going beyond being a passive observer. Simply scrolling through a newsfeed is minimal engagement. With today’s algorithms the less you engage with content the less control you will have over what appears in your feed. For example, with nearly 5 billion pieces of content posted daily, Facebook’s new algorithm prioritizes posts for your newsfeed based on what will lead you to have “meaningful interactions.” In other words, when you share a post, comment on a post, or react to a post, it will prioritize similar posts for your future enjoyment.

Your level of engagement also determines how far-reaching social media content travels. Unless a post has interaction, it will have limited reach. Therefore, your engagement not only influences what you will see but also what others will see. If you want to promote quality content, engage with it!

The time devoted to social media averages almost 2 hours a day. To make that time productive and useful, be selective in what you give your attention to and then become an active participant in the conversation. The more you contribute the more you will benefit.

Our current tip series, “5 Tips for Using Social Media for Impact and Influence” will wrap up in a couple of weeks with a blog post covering all five tips, but this week’s tip – “Be engaged” – deserved its very own post. In case you missed the tip, here it is:

Hint: If you want to see these tips every Tuesday, follow nutrition communicator on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NutritionCommunicator/

If you want to see all of the tip sheets, visit the resources page and click on the pink button: https://www.nutritioncommunicator.com/resources

One of my goals for 2019 was to be more engaged when I’m on social media. I now make it a daily goal to not just read posts that professionally interest me, but also show my appreciation by reacting or liking, writing a comment, and sharing or retweeting. At first, it felt awkward to put myself out there, but with practice it comes easier and engagement has broadened my influence and impact.

As a content-creator I can attest to how rewarding it is to have engagement with my community. When people like a post, or better yet, leave a comment or a question, I have a much better idea of what my audience wants and needs.

As a profession, food and nutrition professionals have an important message to share. Social media is an ideal channel for reaching far and wide with our message and countering the misinformation that is so prevalent. If you are on social media – increase your influence and impact – be engaged!

How could you be more engaged on social media?

“Focus on how to be social, not on how to do social.” ~ Jay Baer

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