Social media is a powerful tool for individuals and businesses alike. Whether you’re looking to build your personal brand, grow your business, or simply stay connected with friends and family, knowing how to navigate the ever-changing landscape of social media is crucial. To help you on this journey, here are seven experts you should follow to make the most of your social media efforts.
1. Gary Vaynerchuk
Gary Vaynerchuk, or Gary Vee, is a name synonymous with social media and digital marketing. As the CEO of VaynerMedia, he’s known for his no-nonsense advice and hustle mentality. Gary shares daily content on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn, offering tips on everything from content creation to leveraging new platforms. His straightforward approach makes complex concepts easy to understand and apply.
2. Mari Smith
Often referred to as the “Queen of Facebook,” Mari Smith is an expert on all things related to Facebook and Instagram marketing. Mari provides valuable insights on how to effectively use these platforms to build and engage with your audience. Her blog and social media channels are packed with practical advice, making her a must-follow for anyone looking to improve their social media game.
3. Neil Patel
Neil Patel is a digital marketing guru known for his expertise in SEO, content marketing, and social media. Co-founder of Neil Patel Digital, he offers a wealth of knowledge through his blog, podcast, and social media channels. Neil’s content is particularly useful for those looking to understand the intersection of social media and search engine optimization, helping you drive more traffic to your profiles and websites.
4. Amy Porterfield
Amy Porterfield specialises in online marketing strategies, particularly for small business owners and entrepreneurs. She shares actionable tips on how to use social media to grow your email list, launch products, and create engaging content. Her podcast, “Online Marketing Made Easy,” and her social media channels provide a treasure trove of information that’s both insightful and easy to digest.
5. Jay Baer
Jay Baer is the founder of Convince & Convert, a digital marketing consultancy, and a New York Times bestselling author. Jay is known for his expertise in content marketing and customer experience. His social media channels and blog offer deep dives into how businesses can use social media to improve customer service and engagement. Jay’s practical advice is ideal for businesses looking to enhance their social media strategy.
6. Ann Handley
Ann Handley is a pioneer in digital marketing and a Wall Street Journal bestselling author. As the Chief Content Officer at MarketingProfs, Ann focuses on helping marketers create compelling content that resonates with their audience. Her social media feeds and blog are filled with tips on storytelling, content creation, and social media strategy, making her a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their online presence.
7. Michael Stelzner
Michael Stelzner is the founder of Social Media Examiner, one of the largest social media marketing resources online. Michael’s expertise lies in helping businesses understand how to use social media to drive growth. His podcast, “Social Media Marketing,” and the annual Social Media Marketing World conference are essential resources for anyone serious about leveraging social media effectively.
Diving Deeper into Each Expert
1. Gary Vaynerchuk: Beyond the Basics
Gary Vaynerchuk’s impact goes far beyond simple social media tips. He often discusses the importance of authenticity and being true to oneself online. Gary’s belief in documenting over creating has inspired many to share their daily lives and business journeys, fostering genuine connections with their audience. His motivational content is particularly uplifting, providing the push many need to start their social media journey.
2. Mari Smith: Mastering Facebook Ads
Mari Smith isn’t just about organic reach; she’s also a whiz with Facebook ads. Her in-depth guides on creating effective ad campaigns help businesses maximise their advertising budgets. Mari’s focus on analytics ensures that her followers understand how to measure success and tweak their strategies for better results. Her live sessions often provide real-time insights and answers to pressing questions.
3. Neil Patel: SEO Meets Social Media
Neil Patel’s ability to bridge SEO and social media is invaluable. He explains how social signals impact search engine rankings and how you can optimise your social media profiles for better visibility. Neil’s detailed tutorials on keyword research and content optimisation can drive more traffic to your social media pages, ensuring you reach a broader audience.
4. Amy Porterfield: Building an Email List with Social Media
Amy Porterfield emphasises the importance of building an email list through social media. Her strategies for creating irresistible lead magnets and using social platforms to promote them are gold for businesses looking to grow their customer base. Amy’s advice on integrating social media with email marketing helps ensure that followers become loyal subscribers and, eventually, paying customers.
5. Jay Baer: Turning Customers into Advocates
Jay Baer’s focus on customer experience highlights the role of social media in turning satisfied customers into brand advocates. His approach to addressing customer feedback and complaints on social platforms can enhance a brand’s reputation. Jay’s philosophy that every interaction is an opportunity to build loyalty encourages businesses to see social media as a customer service tool, not just a marketing channel.
6. Ann Handley: The Art of Storytelling
Ann Handley’s expertise in storytelling sets her apart. She teaches how to craft compelling narratives that resonate with audiences on social media. Ann’s advice on using humour, emotion, and authenticity helps brands stand out in a crowded digital space. Her content creation tips ensure that your social media posts are not just seen but remembered.
7. Michael Stelzner: Social Media Trends and Innovations
Michael Stelzner’s deep dives into social media trends keep his followers ahead of the curve. His analyses of new features and platform updates help businesses adapt quickly. Michael’s annual Social Media Marketing World conference brings together top experts to share their latest insights, making it a must-follow event for anyone serious about social media marketing.
Leveraging Video Content
Video content is becoming increasingly important on social media, and these experts are leading the way. Gary Vaynerchuk, for example, often emphasises the power of video in engaging audiences. His practical tips on creating short, impactful videos can help you capture your audience’s attention quickly. Similarly, Neil Patel’s advice on using video to explain complex concepts can make your content more accessible and engaging.
Engaging with Your Audience
Engagement is key to a successful social media strategy. Mari Smith’s emphasis on responding to comments and messages helps build a community around your brand. Amy Porterfield’s tips on hosting live sessions and webinars can also boost engagement, allowing real-time interaction with your followers. These techniques ensure that your audience feels valued and heard.
Consistency is Key
Consistency is a recurring theme among these experts. Gary Vaynerchuk’s mantra of posting daily content highlights the importance of staying visible. Ann Handley’s advice on maintaining a content calendar helps ensure you’re consistently delivering value to your audience. Regular posting not only keeps your audience engaged but also improves your social media algorithms, making your content more discoverable.
Using Analytics to Inform Strategy
Understanding analytics is crucial for improving your social media strategy. Jay Baer’s focus on metrics and data-driven decisions ensures that you’re not just posting blindly. By analysing what works and what doesn’t, you can refine your approach. Neil Patel’s tutorials on using tools like Google Analytics to track social media performance provide practical steps to monitor and enhance your efforts.
Personal Branding
Building a personal brand is a significant aspect of social media. Gary Vaynerchuk’s success is a testament to the power of personal branding. His advice on sharing personal stories and experiences helps humanise your brand, making it more relatable. Ann Handley’s emphasis on authenticity and transparency further reinforces the importance of building a brand that resonates personally with your audience.
Collaborations and Networking
Collaborations can significantly boost your social media presence. Michael Stelzner’s Social Media Examiner often features guest experts, providing diverse perspectives and expanding reach. Amy Porterfield’s partnerships with other influencers also show how collaborative efforts can bring new followers and enhance credibility. These collaborations can introduce your brand to new audiences and create mutually beneficial relationships.
Staying Updated with Trends
Social media trends evolve rapidly, and staying updated is crucial. Following these experts ensures you’re always in the know about the latest changes and innovations. Gary Vaynerchuk’s forward-thinking approach often highlights emerging platforms and trends, giving you a head start. Michael Stelzner’s trend analyses provide insights into how these changes can impact your strategy and how to adapt effectively.
Content Repurposing
Repurposing content is an effective way to maximise your efforts. Neil Patel’s advice on transforming blog posts into social media snippets or videos helps keep your content fresh and engaging across different platforms. Ann Handley’s tips on repurposing content for different audience segments ensure that you’re reaching various demographics effectively, making the most out of your content creation efforts.
Leveraging User-Generated Content
User-generated content (UGC) can be a powerful tool. Jay Baer’s strategies for encouraging followers to create content related to your brand can enhance authenticity and trust. By showcasing UGC, you not only save time on content creation but also build a community around your brand. This type of content often performs well because it’s seen as more genuine and relatable by other users.
The Power of Influencer Marketing
Influencer marketing is a growing trend, and these experts provide valuable insights on how to leverage it effectively. Amy Porterfield’s tips on partnering with influencers can help you reach larger audiences. By understanding how to choose the right influencers and create mutually beneficial partnerships, you can enhance your brand’s credibility and reach.
Effective Use of Hashtags
Hashtags can significantly boost your social media visibility. Mari Smith’s advice on using relevant and trending hashtags ensures your content reaches a broader audience. Neil Patel’s tips on researching the most effective hashtags for your niche can improve your content’s discoverability. By using hashtags strategically, you can increase your engagement and attract new followers.
Balancing Quality and Quantity
Finding the right balance between quality and quantity is crucial. Gary Vaynerchuk advocates for high-volume posting, while Ann Handley emphasises the importance of quality content. By combining both approaches, you can ensure that you’re consistently visible while also providing valuable and engaging content. This balance helps maintain audience interest and fosters long-term growth.
Why Following These Experts Matters
Staying up-to-date with social media trends and best practices can be overwhelming. By following these experts, you’ll gain access to a wealth of knowledge and actionable advice that can help you navigate the complexities of social media marketing. Each of these experts brings a unique perspective, offering insights that can help you tailor your strategy to meet your specific goals.
StepSharp offers a range of services to elevate your business, including Mobile Development, Web Development, Social Media Management, and SEO. Our tailored solutions like OrderFeeds streamline your orders, SecureDrive ensures your data’s safety, Shift2Go simplifies scheduling, WhatsNow enhances communication, and Arktic keeps things cool. Let us handle the tech so you can focus on what you do best!
Conclusion
Social media is an ever-evolving landscape, but with the right guidance, you can stay ahead of the curve. By following these seven experts, you’ll be well-equipped to make the most of your social media efforts, whether you’re an individual looking to build your personal brand or a business aiming to engage with customers and drive growth. So, start following them today and watch your social media presence flourish.