Can I be honest with you for a second? Running social media used to be the least favorite part of running my business.
But that’s because I didn’t understand it!
I was constantly trying to figure out what to post. Every time I’d get board or had a couple minutes with nothing to do, I would pull out my phone and start scrolling.
But is that the best use of my time?
No way!
I knew that had to be a better way.
This January 1, 2019 I did something I don’t usually do. (or… at least stick to!) I made a New Year’s resolution. This year I would embrace social media in my business. I would learn everything I could and I would NOT smack talk social.
To be fair, I’m still playing with new ideas and learning every day. However, I’ve over the past year there are three things I’ve discovered that have made a huge difference for me!
I believe these things can help you too.
The more entrepreneurs I’ve talked to, the more I’ve realized, this isn’t an issue unique to me. It’s something so many of us struggle with!
You have something to share with the world! I want to help you do it. 🙂 Walk with me friend.
Post with Purpose
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve sat in front of my computer thinking to myself, “What am I going to post today?” Then I think of something random, choose a photo and hope it connects.
I don’t know about you, but that’s not really the way I approach anything in life. Why would I do that with social media?
That’s when I decided I needed to be posting with purpose. I needed a plan.
The “Five Fan Faves” were born.
My Five Fan Faves are things couples can expect to see regularly and look forward to seeing more of! Now instead of random posts, I have five things I cycle through. This creates consistency and allows your tribe members to get to know you better.
You may be thinking… “Just five things? How does that work?”
Once you have your five core things, you can brainstorm different subjects or mini-series that fall under each of your Five Fan Faves.
For my visual people out there, here is what my initial list looked like.
Five Fan Faves #1 Weddings
-Sneak Peeks
-Anniversary or Wedding Day Posts
-Vendor Highlights
Five Fan Faves #2 Engagements
-Sneak Peeks
-Favorite Locations
Five Fan Faves #3 Watson Adventures
-Our Story
-Watson One Offs (Adventures/Funny Stories)
-Travel
-Kronos
-Things I like
Five Fan Faves #4 Entrepreneurs
-My Story
-Tips & Tricks
Five Fan Faves #5 Brides
-Engagement Tips & Tricks
-Wedding Day Tips & Tricks
-FAQs
When you take the time to brainstorm these things, you create a roadmap so that you can post with purpose all year long, create consistent connection and save yourself time.
Scrolling vs. Engaging
Be honest for a second. How much time do you spend scrolling through social media? When I started paying attention, I was… shocked.
This got me thinking. If I’m going to be spending time on social media, I want to maximize the time I’m on it.
The more I thought about it, the more I began to like the idea.
What if instead of mindlessly scrolling, I was intentional with my time and choose to engage at a deeper level with the people on my feed?
I love it when couples/followers comment on the things I’m sharing! I decided to do these three things to engage instead of simply scrolling by.
#1. Comment on posts. Sure, it takes a little extra time. However, it allows me to engage with couples outside of “work” and share personally with them. I get to show them that I’m more than a wedding photographer and I view them as more than a client.
#2. Respond to comments. Just like taking the time to engage with clients. When clients choose to engage with me, I want to respond! I’m excited they relate or loved the latest blog post. The best way to let them know, is to respond to them.
#3. Don’t post & ghost. Respond to engagement in a timely manner!
I don’t want to be on my phone 24/7. I want to be fully present wherever I am. However, I also want to respond to couples engaging with me!
When I post, I try to post at times when I know I’ll be at my computer for a few minutes. This way when someone does engage, I can maximize that excitement by responding right away.
Have a System
Friend, this is huge! The best way to combat wasted time on social media is to develop a system. When you have a system, you can post with efficiency and you don’t have to wonder what to post.
For me, the blog is the start of my system. Most of my posts on social media are to highlight a new sneak peek up on the blog or other type of blog post.
A lot of this can be planned in advance! This year I sat down in January and again in August to plan out what I wanted to share online and when.
Yes. You heard me right.
In January, I planned out every blog post through the end of July.
Just a couple weeks ago, I sat down and planned out what my blog calendar would look like through the end of the year.
Have I ever changed my mind? Of course! Engagement sessions got rained out so sneak peeks were moved. I lost interest in a topic or felt like topics were too similar, but I had a plan to adapt. I didn’t have to wonder what I would post next. I was able to sit down and write one blog post or the next three in one sitting!
While you may not have a blog, how can you take this system and apply it to your business?
Being able to schedule out your work on a calendar is huge! It’s a roadmap. It gives you accountability in your business and it can give you peace of mind.
I believe this so much; I have something for you. If you’re ready to up your social media game, download my personal social media calendars for free. My gift to you. 🙂
You have something to share with the world! Maximize your time on social media to make it happen!
Much Love Friend,
PS. I love hearing from you! Share with me where you’re at and what you’re working on. 🙂 I’m always curious!
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