We’ve all seen them, interacted with them and shared their content.
But have you ever wondered what makes them so successful?
What is it about the habits, personality and skill of a successful social media marketer that sets them apart?
Is it their social media savvy, intellect, drive and passion?
Or maybe their willingness to keep pushing forward, even amidst setback?
While social media success can feel mysterious and elusive, it is attainable for anyone.
All you have to do it take a look at the tweets and posts of successful marketers to gain an understanding into the traits that define them.
- Hardworking
- Diligent
- Focused
- Flexible
Beyond that, they’ve committed to incorporating a few basic rules of thumb. These are essential principles that guide their decisions, conversations and strategy.
If you’re ready to put your social media into overdrive and learn from those that are succeeding every day at social media, keep reading.
I promise what I have to share isn’t rocket science.
Below are a few simple principles that every successful marketer knows and follows and you can too. Each one can be incorporated immediately into your daily habits, actions and routine.
Essential Principles Every Successful Social Media Marketer Follows
1. Honesty is the BEST Policy
The foundation for success is honesty, character, integrity, faith, love and loyalty. - Zig Ziglar
Click To TweetBe honest in all of your online interactions.
Whether you’re promoting a client project or tweeting a corporate partnership, always, always, always tell the truth!
If you’re upfront and clear about your intentions, you will never need to worry about covering your backside.
2. Treat Others with Respect
Respect for ourselves guides our morals, respect for others guides our manners. - Laurence Sterne
Click To TweetYour social media followers and fans want to know that they’re important to you.
They also want to know that you respect their opinion. While it might differ from yours, they deserve your respect.
Let them know that you value their insight, opinion and feedback.
Take the time to respond.
Successful marketers know that if you can give people what they want, they will provide you with what you need.
3. Make a Great 1st Impression…Every Time
I influence anybody who is able to get through the chaos of my first impression. - Gary Vaynerchuk
Click To TweetWhile Gary Vaynerchuck might have the luxury of a fumbled first impression, most of us do not.
People are fickle, judgmental creatures. That means you only have one chance to make a great first impression.
Showing up on social media as unkempt, scattered and downright unprofessional is not the message you want to send.
4. Stay Present in ALL Conversations
The point of power is always in the present moment. - Louise L. Hay
Click To TweetWe all have one favorite topic – us. We love to talk about our lives, dreams, goals and plans.
What we don’t like is when someone ignores or discounts what we have to say.
Stay present in your social media conversations. Ask questions and show your interest.
There’s no greater gift to give someone that your undivided attention.
5. Make Everything Relevant
Quality, relevant content can't be spotted by an algorithm. You can't subscribe to it. You need people - actual human beings - to create or curate it. - Kristina Halvorson
Click To TweetSocial media fans and followers want to know you get them.
They want to know that you’ve taken the time to understand who they are and share content that’s specific to their needs.
Be clear, concise and quick to solve the problems of anyone connected to you.
Your fans will thank you and your followers will cheer you for quality content that hits its mark every time.
6. Ditch the Negativity
Negativity is expensive. It costs companies millions of dollars each year. - Gary Topchik
Click To TweetAs the saying goes, you attract more bees with honey than with vinegar.
Working on your demeanor and communication skills will go a long way to improving your results.
People will remember that you were a pleasure to interact with if you provide a ray of sunshine in their otherwise dreary day.
People are attracted to cheerful people. Be that person.
7. Enthusiastically Share Other People’s Content
To build a solid, trusted social network, you need to enhance your original content with other people's content. - Peg Fitzpatrick
Click To TweetEnthusiasm is not overrated hype; it is undeniably one of the most important tools in any marketers toolbelt — and it’s FREE!
Pair that enthusiasm with the power of giving and you have a win-win scenario.
Take a cue from successful social media marketers and enthusiastically share other people’s content.
8. Stay Focused
Focusing is all about saying no – Steve Jobs
Click To TweetAs social media continues to evolve at a lightning pace, it’s easy to let goals get derailed.
Don’t let the latest and greatest pull your focus away from why you’re using social media in the first place.
Know what you’re looking to achieve and stay the course, no matter what.
9. Create a Transparent Brand
A lack of transparency results in distrust and a deep sense of insecurity. - Dalai Lama
Click To TweetFans and followers are equipped with a built in “BS” meter and if they sense something isn’t quite right, you’ll run into one problem after another.
Trust is built over time and through actions as well as words.
Proving that you are trustworthy and reliable through a transparent and open brand is an important factor in a sustainable and mutually beneficial relationship.
10. Pay it Forward
Pay it forward with free compliments. They are returned in due time. - David Chiles
Click To TweetSuccessful social media marketers know that part of their success is due to their willingness to pay it forward.
They’ve tasted success and have no problem sharing it with others.
Whether it’s passing along a tip, words of wisdom or an introduction — take time daily to pay what you can forward.
11. Find Balance
The key to successfully balancing your life with your social media activities involves prudent prioritizing. - Ann Tran
Click To TweetAs Ann says, the key to successfully balancing a robust and happy life with daily social media activity is being smart with your priorities.
Find time to step away from the computer. For one it’s unhealthy to work non-stop. Secondly, it’s a creativity killer.
Believe me, I know.
Final Thoughts
Like many things in life, there is no one-size fits all solution to social media success.It’s up to you to test what works and identify a formula that supports business growth.
What one thing do you feel is attributing to the social media success you’ve seen?
Do it over and over again, without fail. Then begin to add others in until you start to see traction.
Once you have momentum, the sky is the limit!
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