David Fernandez | Social Media : Branding : Strategy
I’d like to preface this post by stating that I am by no means ignorant to the fact that social media is a powerful tool. Its wide spread reach and influence should be part of any organizational marketing strategy. Social Media content, however, is created by few and recirculated by many. The reality is: social media is powered by humans and by default – flawed.
Perception: Everyone cares about what I am writing.
The Reality: I have 10,000 page views but only 2 people viewed the 2nd page. This means you did not have 10,000 readers, you had 2. Social media has reduced our attention spans to that of a grain of salt. Keep it short and to the point.
Perception: The author really cares about me
The Reality: No. You are a tiny little number of thousands, if not millions, that the author watches increase week over week. Stunned at the fact this number continues to rise, my clicks continue to perpetuate this social media. Why don’t I just read the news like old people? Oh, right – The news is boring. Social media is the shiznit.
Perception: They are my “friend”
Reality: They are not your “friend.” To them you are a pay check. You know how people talk about SEO (Search Engine Optimization)? Congratulations, you are the optimizer. In a perfect world, people would write, tweet and post to better mankind. Let’s not kid ourselves: More followers = more influence = better ranking on the SERP (Search Engine Results Page).
Perception: They will have my back
Reality: They will not have my back. This is not social media – this is reality media. Everybody is talking and nobody is listening. I follow you, and then you follow me. Then, huh? I delete you. Wait a second – WTF just happened? I had 200 followers, now I have 20. Do people write down who they add, just so they can delete them later? Oh boy. Just when people thought technology was over-taking humanity. Humanity surges back with its righteous indignity.
Perception: Social media is fun
Reality: Creating social media content is about as fun as pulling teeth and that’s why social media content is as deep as a kiddie-pool. I am speaking in generalities. There are some authors who’s work is superb. These are the exception to the rule.
Perception: This is Viral (There’s Money in There Somewhere!)
Reality: The only virus you will be getting is a Trojan horse. Going viral is about as common as winning the Powerball. You remember the guy dancing all over the world? How about One guy, one cup? You remember that article that was kind-of good that you bookmarked but can’t find? Those all went viral. I can’t think of one reason to look any of those up again. Who did those? Who cares?
Perception: I’m making a difference
Reality: No you are not. Every time you sign up for Google +, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook you give out all your superficial information which is, in reality, not superficial at all.
