In a world full of 24/7 social media access, how can you be heard? This week our Master Your Story podcast guest is Tracey Werner, founder of BlabberMouth Communications. Tracey discusses ways to engage your social media audience to get your story heard. In addition we recommend the the following top 5 tips.
Simplify Your Message. If your message is complex, don’t expect it to spread.
Your first job is to edit your message down to the bare essentials. What are the facts? Can you use the most simple language to get your point across? Could it be misinterpreted?
This doesn’t necessarily mean you should be super-brief, but it does mean that you can crystallize your ideas and make sure you’re very clear on what the recipient should understand, take away and do.
Find Your Space
If noise is getting in the way of your message being noticed, don’t add to your problem by choosing the most busy times and locations!
Yes there will be more people who might potentially see your messages at peak times, but you have to weigh that against the fact that there are more competing messages at those times too.
The same with venue. If everyone else is competing for attention on a certain site, in a certain group, presenting in a certain way, you need to test to see if an alternative time, location or format is going to work better for you.
Use Appropriate Channels
Following the previous point, where and how you present your message is as important as what you say.
Rather than just stating your facts, perhaps you need to tell a story. Pulling at the heartstrings with a human interest narrative often has more impact than a set of bullet points.
It might be that all you need to do is zig when others zag; for example, use short headlines when others are wordy, or a long headline when everyone else is brief. Perhaps others only use text and you can use video. Break out of the mold and find your place to breathe.
Spread Your Message. When you’ve honed your message, don’t be afraid to spread it.
Don’t think you have to stick with one medium. There’s no reason why you can’t go with all of them. Re-purpose your content into whichever packaging is required.
Get it into the hands of colleagues, contacts and friends. These are your seeders and sneezers who will start the viral process.
Get Help
Stop thinking solo. You’re not going to be able to get much reach on your own.
Reach out and ask for help. Pitch your message directly to key influencers.
Yes, some will reject you. Some will listen, then not follow through. But it’s a numbers game, and worth the effort.
Don’t make it about you or your mission, make it about them and their audience.
Explain briefly what the hook is and why they should care, tell them how to take the next step and leave it for them to come back to you.