Social Media and You

     People use social media for many different things. It can be used to update people on your life, find out about other people's lives, or even find places or things you may like. Social Media is an outlet for people to connect with others and express themselves as much as they want. The things we post and tweet about give others an insight into our lives and our minds. Because of this, people can use these channels to be funny, persuasive, informative, or just frank. These different purposes are examples of what many people struggle with. How do I use my social media? Will people actually like what I post? How can I contribute to the conversations and not just add chatter?

    These are the questions many people and businesses are running into as they begin developing their social media strategies. I believe there is a thin line that can be balanced by both companies and individuals when looking at their social media channels. To have a successful channel, businesses and people must know when to add to a conversation and not just create chatter in the space. Businesses must create a character and personality to their social media channels that can be relatable for people to want to engage with. This is why it is easier for personal social media channels to create engagement. People know what they are going to get, whereas a company must create the character.

    M&M's is a great example of a created character. Their marketing strategies use their M&M characters to engage with the customers. Ms. Green is their current spokesperson on twitter, and she is a sassy and to the point personality. This allows the company to use this persona to engage the audience. Having this distinct personality makes people want to engage, because they know what to expect and can interact with what seems more personable. They use jokes, ads, videos, discount information, and recipes to engage with the audience. They balance the jokes and sassy sayings with informative information like recipes and videos, so the business can be grown. This balance is key to keeping their social media presence alive and engaging.

   The same principles that companies use should be used by individuals. Don't just add chatter to the space, try and be unique and engaging. Add to the conversations going on and create materials that those around you may like. See your social media as an outlet to let others know what interests you or creates questions. What is funny to you, or what makes you tick are both great things for people to use in their pages. Be you and express to the world things that are engaging to you!