Me, a perfectionist? No way! Ok, maybe a little. I prefer to say that I'm highly motivated to do everything I do with the best intent and results. I really REALLY strive to deliver on everything I teach. I actually write every post you see from me on our blog. I actually do the things I write about and show results and effort on a daily basis. I am very rigid about this. I am passionate. I have integrity. It means a lot to me.
SOCIAL MEDIA IS SOCIAL... HELLO!
We know, or at least we should know that social media is supposed to be social. We know, or at least we should know that everyone has different ideas, methods and approaches to their social media marketing tactics. One thing that's difficult for me is to see direct marketing pitches. Let me explain.
We're in the wedding business. We should all be talking about our companies, products and services in our timelines. We should all be getting into conversations about our companies, products and services with our fans and followers. We should share interesting, relevant and valuable information about what to do in our streams. At the end of the day, that's why we're on Facebook and Twitter, right?
But I'm referring to the new follower who never engages with you at all... EVER! You know the one who posts on your wall, invites you to random events on the other side of the world. The one who does things like mentioning you on Twitter with a pitch and a link. Yeah that one! You know the one. So freaking annoying, right?!
This frequent fail in social media has caused me to be cautious and sensitive to our pitches in OUR social media strategy. However, there has to be a balance. I was totally unbalanced. I was on the other end of the spectrum. Being friendly and nice and not pitching much about Backstage Bridal Pro Academy. ME! I screwed up my own rigid social media plan!
SHOOT ME NOW!
So how did I know I was doing it wrong? You will not believe this. It's tragic. But here goes...laid out for all the world to see...judge...spit on! {this is where I take a few deep cleansing breaths and press on}
A friend, {like my actual friend not just a social media friend} who follows me religiously, was speaking to me about her endeavors. Then she asked "So what have you been up to?" So I begin to dig right in on Backstage Bridal Pro Academy because of course she knows since she follows me so closely and all. And...she had no flipping flapping idea what in the world I was talking about!! {BLASPHEMY! SAY IT ISN'T SO!} I proceeded to explain and she said...wait for it, wait for it...
"OMG! I had no idea this is what you've been up to. This is amazing! I haven't heard about until now!"
Can we say OUCH? Or better yet, can we say DEFLATED! *picks face up off of floor and the egg that was all over my face as well #sadface
FAIL on my part. I'll take that. It sucks. But it is what it is and I'm humbled once again. Ah well. Lesson learned. I truly failed our social media marketing strategy, tactics and methodology. I became so over sensitive about our message being too loud that I turn the volume all the way down. I was failing at getting our message across to even our most supportive audience. Not good. And even worse, those that know me well did not even know what we do as an organization. FAIL FAIL FAIL!
3 LESSONS
1). Although you should never be over eager to pitch your products or service, you must ensure that your message is getting across to your audience.
2). The people you have built relationships with should never be the LAST in your audience to understand what you do.
3). Build relationships, help other people but ensure that the value of your brand, product and messaging cuts through.
I've spent the last few weeks pondering where our messaging was so far off that it got to this point. We're implementing some changes to some things internally and personally with our content and conversations to remedy this. When people that you know and like don't know what you do, you may need a little bit more media in your social media. I am utterly embarrassed, yet motivated to ensure the enormous value that Backstage Bridal Pro Academy delivers to the wedding industry gets heard!
What changes to your social media strategy and engagement needs a little bit of an adjustment? Do your relationships know what you do?
EVALUATE, ADJUST, EXECUTE!
At the risk of swinging back to the left a bit too far, I'm going to ensure that I give an opportunity for you to know exactly what Backstage Bridal Pro Academy does for wedding industry professionals, such as yourself by having you click HERE! Learn more about this amazing, groundbreaking educational experience just for wedding pros like you!
Great post. I imagine many of us fall on our faces in regards to our social media marketing, so you're definitely not alone. I have also made some changes to both engage my audience more with relevant "conversational" content as well as pitch our services. To be social, one has to foster the ability to engage and reciprocate and unfortunately, a lot of us pro's aren't doing to well at marrying the two. Thank you for the eye opening post.
ReplyDeleteThis is truly an WAKE UP post! Thank you so much for this. Been so busy handling everything else, but neglected how social media helps build relationships. I truly appreciate you that you do!
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