I am NO expert. Again I repeat, NOOOO expert! From the outside looking in, people think I know more than I do, and for that I say thank you:). I’m glad I make it look simple. But it isn’t.
Here’s a few pointers from an issue of Essence about social media usage.
Anything I’ve learned, I know because I researched it, talked to someone who did it, and went through a lot of trial and error. A LOT…and there’s a lot more to come, I know. I’ve lost entire posts, had plugin mishaps, made grammatical errors, and even crashed my site (cost a pretty penny to get it back up and running). So there will be some tips I cannot share with you because I don’t know what will happen to you.
However, the following helped me, and might help you:
- Invest in a good internet connection. Having a fast and steady internet connection is of the utmost importance when you intend to make a living out of social media. I mean, surely you would not want your internet to crash whilst you are uploading something or even vlogging right? A high-speed and stable internet connection is thus, not only required for the smooth functioning of the page but also essential for the purpose of marketing and garnering traffic on your site. If you are looking at something fast and stable for yourself, you could take a peek at Verizon, AT&T, and suddenlink internet packages on third-party websites such as HighSpeedOptions.
- Follow bloggers/vloggers doing what you intend to do. I’m not saying copy their style; be a unique individual. But you can see what works for them and maybe some of it will work for you or can help inspire you’re own way of doing things.
- Think about your niche. At the point of typing this, it’s still something I’m working on but it will help if you have that ONE main idea that you want to focus on and leave it at that. It may be harder to secure a following if you’re all over the place with your topics.
- Network with others in the field. Again, something else I’m still working on. My career for 8 years has been in the education field as well as, for the past 3-4, writing for magazines/doing interviews…networking with people who blog or vlog is not my expertise. But I have made many friends in this short time. By making friends genuinely, I have people out there who share articles I post, watch the videos, and even those who send me items as gifts to review or help advertise. I’m very thankful for them!
- If you’re interested in making a little side money (and eventually a living), check out sites like Google Adsense and PepperJam. There are MANY more options, but I’m only sharing with you those I have used in the past. To learn more about these, you’ll have to read more on the individual sites and be patient….trust, blogging/vlogging isn’t a get-rich-quick-scheme.
- How did I gain 2600 Facebook likes and 600+ Youtube subbies in less than a year? It’s that “n” word again: NETWORK. Add to that content that people want to see/read, and you’ve got a hit! You clearly cannot beg people to check out your page, but you can kindly ask once, then walk away. If they like it, they’ll be back. Everything ain’t for everybody. So you have to accept that there will be people interested in what you’re doing and others who could care less. And that’s okay!
- Be official. Have your ducks in a row: an email account that you frequently check, business cards for events, update your site fairly often, and be about what you talk about!
Love what you do, and do what you love!
Be honest about your abilities and go with what you know. Trying to be someone else or trying to do something solely because you think it’ll make you some cash, may not workout in your favor.
Follow my journey!
And I’m out!
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