3 Ways to Use Social Media As a Force For Good
I have a confession to make.
Social media used to stress me out so much that I almost switched careers. While building social media strategies from the ground up for growing startups, I constantly fell prey to the Instagram comparison game, beat myself up when my posts didn’t perform as planned, and became so addicted to the mindless scroll that I used it as an excuse not to get out of bed in the morning.
The result? I wound up with a recurring wish that social media didn’t exist—which is no way to live life as a social media strategist, a business owner, or anyone who cares about growing a brand, for that matter.
Here’s the thing: Can social media be problematic? Yes. Like everything else, does it have downsides? Absolutely. But it isn’t going anywhere. And social media can also be a force for personal, professional, and social good.
“At the end of the day, you have the power to transform social media from a sometimes toxic set of apps to a platform that empowers you and your business while promoting good for humanity and the planet. “
Here are 3 ways to use social media to support yourself, support your brand, and support humanity.
1. Use social media as an outlet for creativity and thought leadership.
Gone are the days when you had to start a blog or pitch an OpEd just to share your voice. Today, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn are just waiting to hear what *your* brand has to say.
Plus as more features emerge across social media channels, the possibilities grow. Instead of seeing these updates like Instagram’s decision to double down on video as a source of stress, reframe them as an opportunity to let your team’s creativity shine.
Is your colleague a captivating public speaker? Get them to talk about your brand on Stories or Instagram Live. Is your direct report a compelling writer? Invite them to try writing the longer, blog-style captions that are now trending in Instagram captions.
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2. Use social media to foster meaningful connections.
I’ve met new friends, new colleagues, and new clients I never would have encountered without social media. My clients have forged brand partnerships that boost audience growth and sales, gotten speaking gigs and new jobs, and made contacts that lead to collaborations both online and off because of the connections they’ve made on Instagram.
And guess what? The more you can connect with your followers in a genuine way, the more you can get them to support your mission, and actually buy from you.
Need help implementing these strategies? Book a Free Strategy Call to start making impact on social media without the stress.
3. Use social media to support causes you care about.
As a brand you have a platform—so why not use it?! Whether you’re a B-corp, social impact brand or simply want to bring more meaning to your marketing, social media can be a powerful tool for building awareness and inspiring action around important issues—like sustainability, wellness, and inclusion.
After leading content for mission-driven brands, I know that you do not have to be a full-time activist or nonprofit to have a socially conscious social presence. In fact, using social media for social good can help you support your audience, support humanity, and support your sanity—all while attracting your dream customers and clients and enticing them to buy from you.
And it doesn’t have to be complicated, either. Start by simply reflecting on the issues that matter most to your brand’s mission and the community you’re building around it. Then make sure you’re giving voice to those issues in your monthly content calendar.
At the end of the day, you have the power to transform social media from a sometimes toxic set of apps to a platform that empowers you and your business while promoting good for humanity and the planet.
So, I’ll leave you with a question: What’s one way your brand can start using social media for good today?
Main image photo credit: Nathan Lemon on Unsplash
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