Unquestionably, businesses, entrepreneurs, professionals, CEO’s, school teachers, NGO’s and any person looking to provide services or influence others, must invest time into growing their social channels.
After all, that’s were everyone is these days!
Looking at the numbers, these are the largest social channels:
- Facebook ((largest social media network in the world) with 2.45 billion monthly active users
- YouTube with 2 billion active users every month
- Instagram with 1 billion users
For the longest time, getting more followers seemed like the most important thing for users who wanted to get eyes on their work and content. Today, follower count is more a vanity metric that doesn’t necessarily result in meaningful engagement and network growth.
Foul practices such as “the rise of fake followers” have forced social networks to invest in solutions to detect them and tweak their algorithms to avoid them.
But, how can businesses and influencers still work on growing a real network of people to connect and share value with?
We asked our community to share their experiences, tips, and tricks with the rest of us on how to grow an online network. Here’s what they had to say.
What are the benefits of growing your online network today?
From connecting to learning and exchanging thoughts, growing your network online is a great practice to promote your work and services while creating valuable relationships.
A1) You can never foresee all of your needs in advance. With a strong network you have a greater possibility that someone who can fulfill your need is already on your team and if not, knows someone who can help. #BizHeroes
— Tom Reid (@_TomGReid) November 26, 2019
How do you get started in building an online network/presence?
Listening and starting conversations seems like an easy way to get started.
A1: What I love about growing my network is the ability to learn and to connect with new peeps. Having different perspectives and points of views only help us all get better and grow. #Bizheroes
— Bernie Fussenegger #Digital360Chat (@B2the7) November 26, 2019
A2: Respect, Watch & Learn. Take your time & recognise your own limits. As your knowledge & confidence grows, engage more but be prepared to be wrong as well as right. #bizheroes pic.twitter.com/WU7xS0t3Zx
— Buzzin’ James (@BuzzinDigital) November 26, 2019
Bring value to your growing network
It seems “content” is the common denominator here.
⬆️Ohhh! Paper.li could really help with this one. Dare to try?
A4. Create a content plan which includes an overarching strategy and a post planner. When choosing your strategy try to strike a balance between promoting your own brand and adding value to your community. Test, monitor engagements, and reassess. #BizHeroes
— GreenRope (@GreenRope) November 26, 2019
A4. Relevant content & trends. Keeping up to date with things that are happening around you are a great way of making sure that your community stays & grows with you. #bizheroes
— Go With The Pro – For Social Media Managers (@GoWithTheProUK) November 26, 2019
A4 Offer insight into what’s happening in your world as others may be interested but not sure where to go or not be able to access 🌐🤔 #BizHeroes
— BrainBlender🤔🌐 (@BrainBlenderTec) November 26, 2019
Add a personal touch to your online interactions
A5. We hold a weekly members chat on line with our community. It’s a great way of being able to support them as well as being proud to be part of their individual journeys. #bizheroes
— Go With The Pro – For Social Media Managers (@GoWithTheProUK) November 26, 2019
Tools for nurturing connections
🌟We’re flattered to be mentioned! Also, here’s how you can use Paper.li to feed your email strategy.
Best types of content for networking
We have to agree with this ☝️- We love other chats and TwitterSmarter by Madalyn Sklar is a great asset!
Reach out to like-minded individuals
Bonus on reaching out and connecting: Find groups and chats that are relevant. Share other peeps content, engage with their content and reach out to them…don’t be afraid to engage or connect or even ask questions. #bizheroes
— Bernie Fussenegger #Digital360Chat (@B2the7) November 26, 2019
Woah! So many great tips and knowledge from the community. Did we miss anything?
Share your successful tips for online network growth below
The Best way to grow and connect with online network is sharing your content to social media website.