I thought that title might catch your eye! This is a subject worth writing about because I’m starting to think that people really do not know that this is the strategy that they are using. I was hoping that as the absorption of social media increased – we’d all mature into the use of social media and the etiquette that comes with it. But alas…clearly not.

Now, raise your hands if you have seen some of the businesses or people you are connected to on social media doing this:

• “Please like my Page, I have liked yours” (random somone posting on your Facebook Page, no introduction seemingly necessary)
• “Hello from your newest liker, please like my page in return” (same as above)
• “Hello there everyone. Come over to my Page where we do this [text].” (someone posting as a Page on to someone else’s Page)

We are all trying to grow our following on the various platforms, but the only true and authentic way to do this is to have a strategy and to do it organically. As I always say to my clients (and frankly anyone that will listen): Do online …as your would in real life. In business especially – how you communicate is a strong indication of how you relate to people and a subtle sell of how well you will look after a client/customer. How many clients do you think you would get if you knocked on their doors and whined that you would like to sell them something? And please could they just give you money and let all their friends know they bought from you…so you could make some more money? Yeah I thought so…was the door slammed in your face?

To be honest, this activity (for me) is just as annoying as ‘Sell Before They Listen‘, there are some businesses that will purely use their access to social media to seek out ‘clients/customers’ for themselves by either making posts on competitor’s pages (on Facebook for example, or commenting on blogs) or trying to sell their wares by spamming anyone who does follow them. (By using Facebook updates, emails, etc to inundate them with buying opportunities).

Outcome: Spammers (as I would class these people) do not last long on social media, but they do make an impact, just not the one they want though! Be very clear about what your intentions and purposes are for using social media, before you decide that all you want is to directly gain new clients. If you wouldn’t do that particular activity in the normal course of business – then don’t think that you can do it online – you are still dealing with people…and it’s just not acceptable professional behaviour on or offline.

The crux to successful social media strategy is in knowing that it is based on the value of your Social Graph and therefore your reputation as it is perceived amongst your peers, fans and followers.

Know anyone who could do with reading this post? Please do share it with them! Do you have a question about how to properly grow your following on social media – pop it below – I’d be happy to help.

Image kudos: jorgophotography / 123RF Stock Photo