I value traffic from social media more than that coming from Google. Those coming to my blog from social media are doing so because my content was shared by someone they trust.
With that in mind, here are a few dos and don’ts:
Dos
- Ask questions
- Share other blog posts and news stories, ones that aren’t your own
- Use it to learn and meet others
Instead of telling your Twitter audience that you’ve published a new post, ask them their opinion on the core topic you covered in a blog post. Asking a question engages your Twitter followers and solicits their experience.
Listening is more important than producing content when it comes to networking online.
Don’ts
- Talk about yourself
- Look at social media primarily as a place to promote your blog
- Only use automated sharing
The key for lawyers though is using social media the right way. Otherwise, you’re just going to alienate people on social media.
Start by following and listening
If Twitter is new to you, it is much easier to listen than to open your mouth. Look for people you know and trust who are using Twitter. Follow them. This may include lawyers from coast to coast, reporters, authors, and leaders in your local community. Do a Google search on the best people to follow on “X” subject. Look at who Twitter suggests you may want to follow.
Start to get seen by favoriting a tweet, replying to a tweet with a comment, or retweeting items you believe your followers would find of value.
Create lists
Following everything everyone you follow tweets can be like watching all 500 channels on DirecTV all at once. By creating lists of people sharing relevant people and people who you would love to get to know, you can manage what can feel like noise.
Share items on Twitter, with attribution
Feedly and Flipboard allow you to share items on Twitter directly. Attribute the item you are sharing to its author by including the author’s Twitter handle. The author will see your Tweet leading to possible engagement. Engage those people you’d like to get to know who is following you, favoriting your tweets and retweeting items you’ve shared. You can do this via Twitter, LinkedIn, or even email.
Use one account
Social media works when you are willing to be social – personally. Information moves socially based on trust. Trust is developed by getting to know each other as people. Relationships develop socially, person to person, not company to person. It’s why personal Twitter accounts work better than corporate or law firm Twitter accounts.