In my newest episode of the Blogger Genius Podcast, I had the pleasure of talking again with my friend and social media strategist, Lauren Litt, to discuss the current state of social media and what tactics you can put in place today to explode your business. It's not about followers anymore!

Show Notes:

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Building Authentic Connections on Social Media

One of the key takeaways from our conversation is the importance of building real connections and relationships on social media. Lauren points out that social media success isn't just about going viral; it's about fostering a community and creating authentic connections with your followers. She emphasizes the marketing principles of repetition and the balance of giving versus taking, highlighting the need for consistent content and the importance of providing value to your audience.

A Success Story: The Power of a Dedicated Audience

Lauren shares an inspiring success story of a client who, instead of aiming for a vast audience, focused on a smaller group of engaged followers. This targeted approach led to a successful product launch, underscoring the power of relationship-building and engagement with a dedicated audience.

Managing Social Media Stress

We also touch on the potential stress and mental health impact of social media. It's common to feel overwhelmed, but Lauren reassures us that it's possible to approach social media in a manageable way. She advised starting with small, consistent efforts rather than succumbing to the pressure of doing too much at once.

The Art of Engagement: Quality Over Quantity

Lauren and I explore the nuances of engagement on social media, noting that it varies based on individual goals and content. She stresses that engagement is crucial, regardless of how often you post. For some, daily posting is necessary, while for others, like mom bloggers, one post a week with daily follower interaction can be enough.

Three-Phase Engagement Strategy

Here is Lauren's social media strategy:

• Review your profile to ensure it resonates with your ideal audience.
• Respond to comments and new followers to foster a sense of community.
• Reach out to ideal followers to build authentic connections.

She encouraged responding to those who regularly engage with your content, even if it's just to express gratitude for their support.

Embracing the Personal Touch

We discussed the personal nature of engagement, with Lauren urging me to connect with those who consistently interact with my content. Authenticity is key, and making genuine connections can be as simple as acknowledging someone you regularly see on the street.

The Human Connection in a Digital Age

Lauren highlights the irreplaceable value of the human connection and personal touch in an age where AI and automation are on the rise. Creating a warm and welcoming environment for followers is essential.

From my own experience, I've seen the shift towards meaningful connections with followers. Authenticity and transparency in messaging are crucial for providing genuine and valuable content to your audience.

The Significance of Real Connections

As our conversation wraps up, both Lauren and I emphasize the importance of building real connections and relationships on social media, rather than focusing solely on metrics and numbers. The impact of genuine engagement and the value of showing up authentically cannot be overstated when it comes to creating a loyal and supportive community.

Exploring Social Media Platforms: Facebook's Resurgence and Instagram's New Features

We also discuss the resurgence of Facebook and Instagram's new community feature as potential tools for building community. While Facebook remains a staple for live events and group conversations, Instagram's Threads feature and the new community option offer additional touch-points for engaging with followers.

TikTok vs. Instagram Reels

The differences between TikTok and Instagram Reels were also a topic of discussion. Lauren explains that TikTok caters to shorter attention spans and a younger audience, making it a valuable platform for those targeting users under 30.

Conclusion

Our insightful conversation sheds light on the evolving landscape of social media and its implications for online entrepreneurs and bloggers. The key is to focus on authentic engagement and leverage the platforms that best suit your audience and goals.

Remember, it's not just about the numbers; it's about the relationships you build and the community you foster. So, let's continue to navigate this digit