It may be hard to believe, but in 2018, social media is still a huge challenge to many business leaders and brands.
One challenge is a lack of immediate ROI. It’s hard to see the impact on the bottom line at first. Another challenge is setting up an internal workflow that enables CONSTANT content creation.
Short-sighted strategies don't work
Many companies think the instant solution to social media success is to just “hire a student intern to do it.”
Generally, I disagree with this notion, not because it’s a bad idea, but because it is short-sighted. Social media strategy is a complex and comprehensive undertaking that requires 365 days of attention.
However, it is true that those under 25 have a more instinctual understanding of maintaining an online presence that most businesses (or really any baby boomer) would kill for - or at least pay for.
Tips from content creators under 25
I’ve been fortunate enough this summer to work with a really brilliant team of content creators under the age of 25 as part of KEC’s Brandcamp Program. I asked them to weigh in on what brands (and their parents) do online that absolutely makes them cringe. They may be young, but they are the pros in this regard, so don’t just take it from me.
1. Be Unique! Don’t just post the same thing all the time, or the same thing as everyone else! -Tanner Burleson, senior in cinema studies at Carson Newman
2. Variety is good. Don’t focus too much on a particular person/topic. If I’m not into it, I’ll feel left out and unloved. *tear. -Tanner
3. Don’t be fake. Be genuine with your posts. Don’t try to be something you’re not. People can see right through that, and it can have a better impact if you are genuine about what’s going on in your life/in your business. -Delaney Boyd, business operations at KEC
4. Quality over quantity. Push out a few meaningful posts rather than a ton of random, meaningless posts. -Delaney
5. Be uplifting. There’s enough negativity in the world. -Brent Hurst, senior in computer science at UT
6. Don't over-market. Don’t be overzealous about marketing to me. I don’t wanna buy something from someone who’s constantly trying to sell me something. -Brent
7. Be visual. Social media is very visuals-based, so use high quality pictures. If you don’t have any, find them! Use resources like Unsplash.com for free stock images that are great quality. -Maranda Vandergriff, creative director at KEC
8. Do your research. There are plenty of tips, tricks and tools available on the internet to help you keep up with trends and keep your content fresh. Don’t be afraid to ask others for help as you learn. -Maranda
9. Keep your content constant. -Joe Doeg, senior in media arts at the Univeristy of Miami
10. Get a new perspective. Think about posts from your audience’s perspective rather than yours. Just because you think something is good doesn’t mean your audience will. -Joe
11. Don't over-sell. Don’t constantly try to sell something. It’s annoying. -Kira Crocker, senior in marketing at UT
12. Think before commenting. Don’t make unnecessary comments on every single post. Aka don’t comment things that they wouldn’t want their followers to see. Make your comments relevant. -Kira
There it is - from the “mouths of babes.” Ignore this advice at your own peril, and if you need help on your brand - KEC and it’s merry band of millennials is here to help!