Social Media: How to Use It in a Way That Works for (Not Against) You

When you get a chance, check out “Marketing: 96 Amazing Social Media Statistics and Facts for 2016”. Just knowing that billions of people use social media and nearly everyone has at least five different accounts is enough to make you realize that social media is powerfully influential and not going anywhere any time soon.

A lot of good comes from using the platform. You can connect with people you would probably never met any other way. You can grow your brand and market products. You can keep up with family members and friends all over the world.

At the same time, it needs to be something that you use to enhance your life rather than rule it. And just how can you make sure you keep it all in balance? Good question.

1. Don't start off your day online

There is such a thing as having an internet addiction. One sign is that you are on it every hour of the day (minus when you’re sleeping…maybe). If you can’t imagine getting up in the morning and NOT looking to see who sent you a DM on Twitter or who didn’t like what you sent on FB or Instagram, it may be common but it’s not healthy. Devote your morning time to getting your day organized, eating a healthy breakfast and exercising, if possible. Whatever is on your social media accounts can wait. Don’t allow it to distract you or worse, make you late.

2. Turn your notifications off

If your notifications are always on, it’s a wonder you can get anything done! Although the feature might initially seem convenient, the constant beeping or buzzing is only going to tempt you to constantly look at your phone. When you’re on the road, at work or asleep, turn them off. You’ll be able to concentrate better that way.

3. Go online with a point and purpose

Time is precious. It’s also fleeting. Everything you do should have a point and purpose to it. This includes your social media activities. Whether you’re using it to build your brand, network or connect with those close to you, remember that what you say is written in “pen” not “pencil”. In other words, what you share online is permanent. Think about why you’re about to post something. Ask yourself if you’ll regret it the next day. If you’re not sure, wait. Even with social media, your actions need to have a point and purpose to them.

4. Avoid oversharing

Please don’t follow celebrities lead and tell all of your business online. For one thing, sometimes they are doing it as a publicity stunt (some actually do believe that “all publicity is good publicity”) and secondly, many of them have enough money to where they don’t have to worry about getting fired from their job if they say something that’s inappropriate. A lot of companies and even landlords look on people’s social media accounts to determine if they want to work with them or sell them property. Long story short, oversharing can cost you. Remember that.

5. Be consistent

Whoever said “Consistency is key” is right. If you are using social media for professional reasons, you need to create a consistent presence. That will develop trust which will help to create loyalty which will help to build your audience. If your schedule is hectic, thankfully there are platforms like Hootsuite that can help you. If you’re not familiar, it’s a site that lets you schedule posts ahead of time…weeks in advance, if you’d like.

6. Choose your battles

Social media trolls are very real. All they do is get online to get under people’s skin. You’re not going to make everyone happy. Keep that in mind every time you log on to your accounts. That will help you to keep unpleasant comments in perspective. That will help you to avoid lashing out at every negative statement. Social media doesn’t need to be a battlefield. Use it to benefit, not aggravate you. Nothing should have enough power to change your energy field. Especially not Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat…you get our point.