Forget followers, impressions, retweets, and clicks.
You need to listen. You need to engage. You need to be social.
Because if it’s not “social”, it’s just plain “media”.
And the vast majority of social media users aren’t social, and that’s why some have said that platforms such as Twitter are dying.
So how do we get more social, so to speak?
I definitely don’t have all the answers, but here’s three KPIs that I like to use:
1. Number of Conversations “Started” or “Interfered With”
I’m guessing about 99% of social media posts don’t get any response. So spend more time responding to what people are saying or posting and you’ll be ahead of 99% of those on social media.
It’s as easy as starting a conversation or even jumping into one (interfering).
Just look at your social media stream and pick one, and jump in.
Here’s an example of one just from today…
It’s not exactly in-depth, but it doesn’t have to be.
You don’t need an agenda, just start a conversation. You never know where it might take you.
2. Number of Relationships Started
If you’re doing social media right, you’re building relationships.
It could be with colleagues, experts, influencers, brands, or businesses (there’s real people behind every corporate social media account).
I can nearly guarantee that if you build 5 solid relationships in a month, that will get you further than building 5000 followers.
For my twitter account, I create a list for my “VIPS”, or people I’ve had previous interactions with, or want to engage in the future.
And my goal is to keep engaging, and growing, that list.
3. Number of People Met in Person
I’ve always felt that the ultimate goal of social media is to take out the “media”, and just be social.
The best way to do that is to actually meet people in person (or at least via Skype or something).
When you think about it, you’re writing, posting, commenting, and sharing content and topics – whether it be about digital marketing, software, DIY projects, etc. – wouldn’t it be a refreshing change to talk about that stuff with people who share the same interests over coffee or a drink?
If you’re looking for a place to start, check out tenthousandcoffees.com where you can invite people for coffee in person, or virtually.
And if you’d like a chat with yours truly, I’m always up for it, you can schedule a coffee with me here.
Cheers!
Robert