Every week I hold online office hours and answer questions from folks like you. This week we’ve got a question about measuring online influence and another about social media resources. Take a look and be sure to join me every Wednesday from 2-4 p.m. CST for online office hours!
How much do you concentrate on improving a social ranking vs. potentially alienating those who are using social media for just basic communication (ie. professional vs. soccer mom)?
My answer:
Social ranking systems, like Klout and Kred, may not be perfect, but at least they’re trying. That’s the way I look at it. The more you can grow your audience with influential and engaged people, the better off you’ll be.
Focus in on a few keywords and keep a consistent message throughout your channels. And you may find that as your capability and skill level increases, your audience will change and shift.
Bottom line, there are plenty of folks with large social network followings, but very low social ranking scores. Conversely, there are folks with very small followings but high social scores. The point is to know what interests you, put out great content and engage the folks who find your stuff interesting.
What would be the best book that you would recommend that gives more of practical application for social media? I am not necessarily looking for foundational understanding of the role of media but more of practical strategy and insight.
My answer:
Check out Chris Brogan’s Trust Agents, Launch by Michael Stelzner, and Content Rules by Ann Handley. Those will keep you busy for awhile.
Thanks for the great questions everybody! Hopefully this information will help you get from where you are to where you want to go. See you next time in the office!
