Why finding you on the web isn’t enough

Today I was helping a client design a blog format for a new corporate blog. The web designer did an excellent job designing the layout and the blog was well branded, uncluttered and sleek. It was good. One feature, located at the top corner,was a box with the standard social media linkage tools. Facebook, twitter, digg, YouTube icons–all prominantly displayed and linked appropriately. The idea is for the reader to click on those links in order to follow the company on their Twitter and Facebook accounts, or subscribe to their YouTube channel. Seems like a good idea. The box, labeled “Find us on the web” was in a nice big font and stood out well. 

Something wasn’t right though. The problem was, “Find us on the web” doesn’t resonate. It’s a small detail, but it matters. “Finding us” on the web is something they’ve already done if they’ve reached the blog.  Instead, I suggested the designer change the wording to “Connect with us.”

See the difference?

Find us on the web is final. They found you–the end. “Connect with us” is something more. It calls for a two way relationship that involves giving and taking information, resources and ideas. It calls the user to action and beckons them in. It invites them to do more than just go to the site and read about the services. “Connect with us” is a social experience.

As you’re planning your social media posts and platforms keep this simple idea in mind. You want your followers to connect with you, not simply find you.

Connect with us. Now that’s social.

Why you should start a blog if you haven’t already

Should I start blogging? This is a common question for people just starting to think about their social media presence. Most people, when faced with the option of blogging, dismiss the idea quickly. From their perspective, they don’t have anything important to say. I understand that.

But it isn’t true.

We all have something we are deeply passionate about. Maybe it is your garden, your children, your education or your work. Perhaps it is a cause, something you’ve invested a great amount of time and energy into. Writers will always tell you to write about something you know. Don’t worry about sounding important; instead, write about what interests you. Chances are, your experiences with the things you are passionate about will resonate with someone, somewhere.

If you are blogging for business, try to tie in your passions with your blog. Tell the world, in just a few hundred words per post, why your business has something unique to offer. What is your one thing that sets you apart from the rest? Remember, that uniqueness is you! Your passion, your ideas, your creativity.

So don’t worry about what you’re going to say, just start saying it. Blog away! The world awaits.