I love social media. It was literally designed for someone like me: a creative type who enjoys sharing, storytelling and expressing themselves. But as the years have gone by, we're only getting more apps, more sites, and more tools to do all of that stuff and well... it's overwhelming. How can one keep up?
Even though this is a bit unorthodox for me since I rarely posts tips of any kind, I wanted to share some social media hacks I've learned in hopes that I can help some people to navigate their social media usage in a more streamlined and less-stressful or time-consuming way. Some of you may know all of these or only a few. Either way, I hope you find them helpful.
Saving Links on Facebook
One of the hardest things to build for your blog is reach. Coming up with new material has generally not been as issue for me, but once I find the time to actually write and publish a post I am NOWHERE NEAR done. I have to share the link online and cross my fingers that people will actually see it and read the damn thing.
Think about your Facebook experience: you're usually aimlessly scrolling from your phone in myriad locations: in a line at the grocery store, in church during a boring wedding ceremony (whatever, it's fine... we all do it), or on the couch while half-watching a movie.
In those scenarios, it's not always the best time to read an article or blog post, so you skip over it. You might make a mental note that you want to read it at some point, but chances are you'll forget and won't ever get the chance. So, what's the solution?
Facebook gives you the option to save a link. You can select that from the drop-down arrow on the top right of the post, save it, and not only will Facebook remind you to read it, but it will also show up in the "Saved" section on the left side of your home Facebook screen. Do you ever find yourself missing good stuff on the Internet (*cough* - like my posts)? Problem solved.
Feedly
A wonderful tool called "Google Reader" existed back in the day. It was a place where you could drop links to all your favorite blogs, and it would curate them all into one spot for easy viewing. Then on one terribly dark and sad day, Google announced they were getting rid of it.
Nooooo!
I quickly did some research and found out that Feedly essentially did the exact same thing, so off I went to join. Feedly is a literal lifesaver for me as a blogger who wants to stay in touch with all my Blogging Buddies who work their behinds off on this little craft.
I have EVERY single blog I read on there – along with my favorite popular websites – so I do not miss an update. And if you're totally overwhelmed after being at work all day and unable to read ANYTHING? Prioritize the most important first and read in the order that you can; saving others for later.
Or, if you're like me, read only your friends/fellow bloggers' stuff and then delete everything from the Buzzfeeds of the world. That "What Disney Princess Are You?" quiz ain't that important.
Turn On Notifications
Do you follow a ton of people on Instagram, Facebook and/or Twitter? I do, and if I have one of those days where I can't check the apps for a long period of time I feel like I miss EVERYTHING. And yes, I know what you're thinking: who cares?
For the most part, I agree with you – but it makes me super sad when I visit my brother's Instagram one day and realize he posted a picture or video of my niece days ago that I never saw. #SadFaceEmoji.
That said, I now have post notifications on for all the VIPs in my life: the people whose stuff I don't want to miss, the people who consistently post really great content, and the people who are always super supportive of me and I want to be sure to reciprocate. I do it on both Twitter and Instagram, but you can do it on Facebook, too. Don't turn on notifications for EVERYONE, though, guys. That's just silly.
Turn Off Notications
Ever sign on to Facebook and see a grandiose announcement? A pregnancy, an engagement, a new home purchased? Or maybe it's really sad news like a death in the family. Admit it: you've wanted to write something in the comments but you *know* you're about to get inundated with notifications after everyone else in the universe posts after you. I get it.
But here's my little trick: when Jack and Jill post that over-the-top cheeseball "WE'RE ENGAGEDDDDDDDD!" status update, I write my obligatory "ZOMG CONGRATS YOU GUYS!!!!!!!!" and then IMMEDIATELY do this:
Turn off notifications from that drop down menu for the single post. You're welcome.
Twitter Lists
Last one! If you're on Twitter (I gotta say, it's one of my favorites) I'm really not sure you can fully enjoy it if you don't separate the users you follow into lists. Twitter allows you to create a list, give it a name (a few examples of mine: Friends, Blog Faves, Dating/Single Life, NYC, Celebs I Love) and drop in certain Twitter uses based on what category they fall into.
Why is this so great? Again, if you're pressed for time and hop on Twitter and ONLY want to see what your friends – the people you know in actual real life – are posting, you can check them first. Or maybe you're feeling down and want read some funny tweets: head on over to the list you created of your favorite comedians or just downright hilarious regular folks. I VERY rarely go on Twitter and start viewing my timeline chronologically... ain't nobody got time for that.
Well, those are my favorite social media tricks. I know you guys must have some for me – let me know in the comments!
Read more at : www.allisonarnone.com
