If you’re a natural introvert, there’s no reason at all to stay away from social media. We’re not necessarily shy, we just often need to wade into something with the word social. But don’t let the word ‘social’ throw you off. Social media sites offer an introvert-friendly platform for introverts to be social on their own terms. You get to interact with others, but keep control at the same time. Many introverts find they get in touch with their extrovert side online. I’ve even been accused of being an extrovert! Imagine that.
As we go into a New Year, consider what social media marketing tips for the introvert will help you the most.
Don’t Be a Hermit
If you’re using social media for your marketing, consistency is important. But if you’re a true introvert, it’s easy to forget that there’s a whole world of people out there to meet. All marketers need to schedule regular social media time and this is especially important for introverts. You can in to your social media accounts at least twice a day to see what’s going on and interact with your friends and followers. Or you can use social meeting dashboards to give you easier control all in one glance. I like Hootsuite but there are others.
Personal vs. Professional
For introverts who are uncomfortable with sharing a great deal publicly, it helps to keep personal and professional life separated. I think this is something why some accuse me of being an extrovert, but I’m just not shy! I have learned that separating business and personal is actually a good idea for all marketers. Only reveal to your fans what you want them to know or what’s relevant to your marketing (for example, your experience in your niche, etc.). This fits right into us being not so all revealing. While it helps to show a little bit of your personal side in order to connect with others online, you can decide to keep it to a minimum. How personal you need to get will also depend on the nature of your market and niche.
Ease into It
If the idea of interacting with people online is frightening to you, dip your toes in first rather than diving in head first. Like all uncomfortable tasks, it takes practice to get good at socializing online. The key is, you can get good at it. Practice commenting, asking questions, engaging in conversation, and so on. Set a goal for yourself to do X number of interactions each day. The more you socialize online on a regular schedule, the easier it will get.
Don’t Force It
There’s no reason to pretend you’re an extrovert. And really why would you? You’ll connect much better to your audience by being yourself. Some introverts feel pressured to be more extroverted online because that’s how everyone else appears, but it’s easier to build connections when you’re being real. So be the authentic you.
Find Your People
Join groups that you’re interested in and that are relevant to your niche. When you do this, you’ll find that there are others online with similar interests and you’ll make connections with them. One new place to consider is Google +, their Communities.This makes it much easier to relate to your audience. You’ll also build important business relationships in a relaxed and casual way.
Find the Best Fit
Some things just don’t feel right. There may be a social network that just doesn’t fit with your introverted nature. For some people, Twitter, which is all about real-time updates, can push you too far out of your comfort zone. Again, if you find a dashboard to manage queuing of posts, you can better manage the direct conversations. But if you don’t like Twitter, skip it and use a different site. If you are online for business, one must be on site is LinkedIn. It’s also a quieter atmosphere for us introverts. While everyone needs to push beyond their comfort zone to grow, it doesn’t mean you need to tackle all the boundaries of that zone at once!
Be Interested and Interesting Will Follow
Interactions on social media often don’t feel ‘real.’ Even though you’re interacting with people, the face-to-face element isn’t there. Some people say that introverts can be easily “come out of their shell” to connect with social media friends and followers outside of the social media site. Once you’ve taken part in the small talk necessities online, you will find it easier to meet with some people in person or even talk to them on chat or Skype. Then, when you “see” them online, you’ll find it easier to engage in conversation. It’s actually got some positives for those of us who like to build close relationships.
If you’re still wary of getting involved in social media, here’s a good confidence-booster. Whatever you’re doing on the site, make sure that you’re adding value. We like taking conversations deep or broad, it’s in our nature. If you don’t feel that you’re adding enough value, find a way to give more. Comment on a blogpost if your new online connection is a blogger. Offer to make an introduction for them with someone they want to meet. Get creative. Be overly generous and you’ll find it easy to make friends and gain followers.
Good suggestions not just for introverts but extroverts as well.
Just keep in mind that when you are involved in a discussion you will be insulted once in a while. That happens to all of us, extroverts as well as introverts, and has nothing to do with us. Sometimes we just come across bullies and people who get a kick out of insulting others. Don’t give up when that happens. Remember that they have just told the whole world that they are bullies:-)
All good suggestions. I agree with Catarina. Social can be intimidating if you run in to the not-so-nice bullies out there. As a true introvert it’s difficult to put yourself out there, but I find it’s also rewarding. You meet some very interesting people you would not otherwise have met, like you. 🙂
Catarina that is something for us highly sensitive people to consider: Bullies abound. Just let them ruin their own world by what they do. Fortunately, in being online since 2005, I’ve only encountered one.
Thanks!
Awww GeekGirl – great point. How would you otherwise meet some fantabulous people? Thanks so much for that compliment.
Susan, that warms my heart to know tips I give work regardless of your energy preference – inner or outer world.
Thanks.
It is about finding the right people to connect with on social media. I agree that there are calmer SM sites such as Linkedin.
I use google+ but haven’t got the communities going yet so I’ll try them
SM has been a God send for me. It has allowed me to be social without many of the inherent concerns I would normally have had. That said, your suggestions are well placed and ones anyone could benefit from, be an introvert or not. 🙂
Very WELL said Mark. Thanks for that wisdom!
Hi Patricia, my wife would call me an introvert, but I have no problem mingling with others.
However, I definitely need to schedule more time for social media. I do post a lot, but I don’t spend enough time getting to know my friends and followers.
Thanks for the great tips Patricia!
These days, I have my main social accounts synchronised. However, there are still some leading networks that I have not yet dabbled with (incl Pinterest). I still have those joys to come 😉
I think for many marketers, whenever something new comes along, it can be difficult to evaluate whether or not it will be worth the effort involved in the learning. That was why I was very late into Facebook; not because I am an introvert.
As a previous commenter (above) said, your tips are equally good for extroverts. Nice article.
Will 🙂
==>Ease Into It, awesome tip! Trying to talk to people used to be a huge phoebia for me and after going to a few meetings to see how things are done I then started to ease my way in by getting out of my comfortable zone and starting to speak up before I even knew I was over my FEAR.
Even extroverts become uncomfortable on social media sometimes. It isn’t easy to engage with others — you may be ready for new contacts but they’re not. Whether you are an introvert or an extrovert, you’ve got to pick and choose the right social networks for you. While I have a presence on Facebook, for example, it’s not my style — particularly for my business. I no longer feel guilty about not being active on every social network.
Toshiba, that’s what it takes to have some comfort isn’t it: ease into things, then MOVE through your fear!
Thanks.
WooHoo! Jeannette. Let that guilt go. We do each have our own style and while we need to first be where our clients are online, let’s also recognize what works for us because THAT increases our value. Thanks.