Four Ways to Use Social Media Effectively

When you get into Social Media for the first time it can be rather overwhelming. Blogging, twitter, forums, Facebook, Linked In, Flickr, Stumbleupon, and the list goes on. It just all seems to be a bit much; especially when you are new to the Social Media game.

How does one find their place in the realm of Social Media?

Easy! You need to get in where you fit in, determine what your goals are, know where your audience is, and learn how to use your chosen platforms effectively. Here is the really easy part…you don’t have to be all over the place to saturate your name on the internet. That is a bunch of hype. Just ask Mitch Joel or Chris Brogan, two highly respected individuals in the Social Media world. I follow these guys and a few others and never have I heard them say that you have to all over the place. They promote strategic social media marketing that works and "all over the place" is not strategic in the least.

All you need to do it hook up with a group of like-minded people who are all about connections, helping others, and loving what your business represents With people like this in your corner word about your business will spread like wildfire.

Stop setting yourself up on every social media network out there. It is a waste of valuable time. Instead you need to focus on four aspects that mentioned earlier in this post.

Get in where you fit in

The bottom line is that not every social media platform is for you. Some people love Facebook and swear that is works for them. Others love Twitter and make that same die hard statement that the Facebook lovers do. You know why is works for them? Because they found a place that fits their goals for using Social Media that also works with their personality. So, in essence you have to find a place that fits you. There is no other way to say it.

What are your goals?

You have to determine why you need or want to get into Social Media and Networking. If you are doing it for business, marketing, or ministry purposes you need to be very strategic. Just remember in being strategic you still need to be relational. The new marketing strategy is all about relating to your audience. So sit down determine what your goals are and how you plan to use Social Media to help you with increasing your bottom line.

Know where your audience is

In discovering your audience you must first know your target. What is your bull’s eye? You cannot join Twitter looking for homeschoolers and follow only Internet Marketers. I am not saying that you should not follow people outside of your chosen niche, but you do need to make sure that you are hitting your target in your social networking efforts.

Learn to use your chosen platforms

With most Social Media platforms, there is no way to mess it up unless you hit "delete my profile". The most you will do is use an application wrong. Now if you have a blog and you want to play with code, please be careful because you can mess that up big time. Find a professional to help you with that if you are not familiar with it. For the most part you can play with Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and others to see how they work. But if you feel uncomfortable walking uncharted territory just find a Social Media Consultant or virtual assistant to help you on your way.

These four keys are very important for your social media marketing. I for one only use a few chosen platforms: Twitter, blogging, podcasting, and Facebook. I just don’t have the time to be all over the place and I have learned that it really does not increase my bottom line at all.

Take the time to map out your ideas with a Social Media expert or on your own by studying the various platforms available.You will find that by going forward with a plan will help your endeavors all the more.


LaTara Ham-Ying, is the founder and president of Integrated Woman Ministries and it's umbrella organization, Integrated Concepts for Living. A published author, Christian Transformation coach with an emphasis on mindset reality and online marketing expert and trainer, LaTara helps the female entrepreneur build, brand and be from the inside out for a better life and a more effective business.