#SocialMediaTips with the Talking Petty Podcast

Whether it’s during your morning commute, lunch break or dinner prep, podcasts are one of the best ways to make all hours of the day productive, and one that I’m particularly fond of is the  New York City based Talking Petty podcast featuring  #GirlBosses Alyssa and Stephanie! We recently connected on Skype to talk all-things social media (listen to the full episode HERE), and here’s a sneak peak of the tips I shared:

Should people include their social media handles on resumes?

If social media is relevant to the role they’re applying for, then yes!When I speak to post-secondary students, I often suggest that they start creating an online portfolio so they have something to share with future hiring managers. If you're seeking an agency or creative job, make your resume visual and interactive, to  stand out! 

Should your personal Instagram be private or public?

I have three Instagram accounts. My personal account used to be public and I had a few thousand followers, but one day I decided that I didn’t want to share as many private moments, such as family celebrations Alternatively, I wanted a place to share ME during business and travel, so my @wherestara account now features speaking engagements and consulting around the globe. On the other hand, @socialtyvr was created about 5 years ago to document the company as we grew the team. 

How much time do you/should you spend on social media?

Now that I have a team to help support clients and @socialtyvr’s presence, I am less active on social media. This is because I want to spend my time meeting people face-to-face through consulting and speaking. I love taking 15 minutes a day on LinkedIn reaching out to contacts that I want to connect with in person because I believe that taking the conversation offline to build stronger relationships. I'm all about inclusion and collaboration, so choose to spend my time that encourage that feeling, such as events and podcasts. 

Any tips for new bloggers?

  • Use your analytics to determine what people WANT to see. 

  • Make your titles DA BOMB. Take time to curate SEO-friendly topics that will get your audience hooked.

  • Keep it visual. Share imagery alongside your key points. 

  • To promote the blog, split up your top tips into several social media posts. Share them over a month in between your regular programming. 

  • Share your highest ranking blog posts on Pinterest with an awesome image.

Is it smart to pick and choose what social channels to promote yourself to be selective?

Start with uncovering where your target audience is and pick two social media channels they’re active on on. Focus your content and efforts on building close-knit communities on these platforms.

What are some absolute NO’s for social media and marketing that you see?

  • Not differentiating content. Your audience wants to see a variety of posts or they get bored! Look at people online and see what stands out to you in terms of what you love and don’t love. Be active online in order to get a better eye of what’s authentically you and what works for your audience.

  • We love you, but we don't need to "see" you! Share visuals that represent your vibe or value, it doesn't always have to be YOU.

  • Stop posting blurry images! If the photo isn’t the most high quality but you still want to share it, put it on stories.  

  • Spamming, aka too much promotion. Make it clear in your copy WHY the readers should care.

  • Don't be mean and keep the negative stuff to yourself. Don’t forget that what you put online is semi-permanent! Being compassionate makes us all better social media users.

How do you remain focused and true in a world where people get offended easily “outrage culture” and  build a positive online reputation?

Stay in your lane, love what you do and master that skill. The more focused you are on your unique business offering, the more your audience will trust you and want to hear more. Surround yourself with positive people. And finally, take a pause before you post. If you don't have something nice to say, it’s probably best to keep it to yourself.

What are some apps or helpful tools that help amplify your brand on social media?

Tips for connecting and collaborating with other brands?

Align with brands that share your vision, mission, and audience. Go with your gut - if it doesn't feel right, don't do it. Nurture the connection long-term after your initial collaboration by sending check-ins every quarter. Thinking of others will benefit you down the road, and a simple handwritten card holiday greeting can go a long way!

Thoughts on hashtags?

Use 'em or lose 'em. We aim to use 15-30 on feed posts and at least 2 on Stories. 

What makes Social T special?

Everything we do reflects our values: Energy, Efficiency, Empowerment and Experience. I've been in the business 9+ years and the team's been along for the ride for the past five. The team is a big part of our values coming to life! We've worked with almost every industry and don't shy away from thinking differently and creatively. And of course, we LOVE what we do and make sure that our clients, connections, and colleagues are genuinely passionate about social media. 

When is a good time for a brand to reach out and seek someone like you (an agency) for help?

When reaching out to an agency for ongoing social media management, it's important to know that their services and rates are going to be on a different tier than independent social media providers. 

Love the tips but don’t have time to execute?

Social Media ConsultingTara Clark