If you’re a natural introvert, there’s no reason at all to shy away from social media. Don’t let the word ‘social’ throw you. Social media sites offer a great platform for introverts to be social on their own terms. You get to interact with other, but keep control at the same time.
Many people are surprised when they find out I’m an introvert. My business is marketing and social media and yes, I’m an introvert! I know, on the surface this doesn’t even seem possible, but it’s true.
If given the chance, I will happily sit in the corner by myself and curl up with a book. I can attend an event and not say a single word to anyone, and enjoy myself immensely just the same. This is me, I am she.
And yet I’ve embraced social media, not only as a wonderfully efficient marketing tool, but it’s also allowed me to interact with people on social media that are comfortable for me. Being an introvert does not have to be a burden for your business, if you don’t let it.
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Social Media Marketing for Introverts
Let me be clear: it is en vogue to claim to be an introvert. Half the people claiming to be introverts are NOT that. So please do not think that what you see other “introverts” doing is what you should be doing. I don’t know why everybody wants to call themselves an introvert these days. But I digress…
You do not have to be on social media doing live videos all day long. Nor do you have to sing, dance, shout and do all of this other ~ish people are doing online either. This line of thinking will keep you from making progress with your marketing efforts. I mean, if that’s what you like, it’s cool. Do it.
However, I’m going to guess that your introverted self is not likely to show off your personality in this way. If you’re using social media for business, do business in the way that YOU do business, in a way that resonates with YOUR brand.
This post isn’t about social media strategy, I have a slew of other posts that talk this. No, this post is about you as an emotional, introverted human, and how you can use social media to be social, while not “trying” to be someone you’re not.
I’d love to share a few tips for social media marketing for introverts, to help my fellow introverts loosen up on social media!
[Tweet “Sharing a few tips for social media marketing for introverts, to help my fellow introverts loosen up on social media!”]
Don’t Try To Be An Extrovert
There’s no reason to pretend you’re an extrovert on social media. So don’t force it! You’ll connect much better to your audience by being yourself. Some introverts feel pressured to come out of their shell online because that’s how everyone else appears, but it’s easier to build connections when you’re being real.
This is not a case of “fake it til you make it” either. You cannot fake but for so long. Your true nature will reveal itself, whether you start off loud and then slink back into obscurity, or you feel too uncomfortable to actually talk to people. One of the most fascinating things about this here world wide web is that we are free to be ourselves, to express ourselves in ways that feel good for us. You simply have to find your tribe!
[Tweet “For introverts who are uncomfortable with sharing a great deal publicly, it helps to keep personal and professional life separated.”]
Ease into It
If the idea of interacting with people online is frightening to you, dip your toes in first rather than diving in head first. Like all uncomfortable tasks, it takes practice to get good at socializing online. Practice commenting, asking questions, engaging in conversation, and so on.
Social media marketing for introverts can actually be easier than you think! Set a goal for yourself to do a specific number of interactions each day. Try engaging on different platforms to immerse yourself in the cultures of the different platforms. The more you socialize online on a regular schedule, the easier it will get.
Personal vs. Professional
For introverts who are uncomfortable with sharing a great deal publicly, it helps to keep personal and professional life separated. This is actually how I use social media, and it allows me to share what I want and with whom.
Only reveal to your fans what you want them to know or what’s relevant to your marketing (for example, your experience in your niche, etc.). While it helps to show a little bit of your personal side in order to connect with others online, you can keep it to a minimum. In other words, you don’t have to post pictures of your lunch everyday.
[Tweet “Personal sharing on social media is about more than posting what you ate for lunch.”]
Personal sharing is about more than food, dinner dates, and family photos. Examples of sharing non-professional posts can also include motivational quotes, favorite books you’re reading, or scenery in your local park that simply takes your breath away. Sharing these types of content, content that shows your personality, can give your fans a glimpse into your likes and lifestyle, while allowing you to stay true to your introvert nature.
How personal you need to get will also depend on the nature of your market and niche. Just remember to keep it simple and get comfortable with your content.
Find Your People
Join groups that you’re interested in and that are relevant to your niche. When you do this, you’ll find that there are others online with similar interests and you’ll make connections with them. This makes it much easier to relate to your audience.
You’ll also build important business relationships in a relaxed and casual way. You can find groups on just about every platform, whether there are designated groups, or clusters of followers using specific hashtags. Join the conversations that you find appealing.
[Tweet “Social media tip for introverts: Join groups that you’re interested in and that are relevant to your niche.”]
Find the Best Fit
Social media marketing for introverts is a whole subject in and of itself. Part of the challenge is that some things just don’t feel right. There may be a social network that just doesn’t fit with your introverted nature.
For example, Instagram, which is all about real-time updates in visual form, can feel like a push you too far out of your comfort zone. If you feel like you can only use Instagram by posting selfies, you’re probably not going to like using Instagram. Visual marketing is not about selfies; you can use all kinds of photos, videos and memes to market your business. No one which will require a daily selfie. It’s totally ok!
While everyone needs to push beyond their comfort zone to grow, it doesn’t mean you need to tackle all the boundaries of that zone at once!
[Tweet “Use the social media platforms that you’re most comfortable with. Consistency is key.”]
Come Out of Your Shell
Interactions on social media often don’t feel ‘real.’ Even though you’re interacting with people, the face-to-face element isn’t there. Sometimes what helps introverts come out of their shell is to connect with social media friends and followers outside of the social media site. Meet with them in person or even talk to them on chat or Skype. Then, when you “see” them online, you’ll find it easier to engage in conversation.
If you’re still wary of getting involved in social media, here’s a good confidence-booster. Whatever you’re doing on the platform, make sure that you are adding value. If you don’t feel that you’re adding enough value, find a way to give more. Be overly generous and you’ll find it easy to make friends and gain followers.
[Tweet “If you don’t feel that you’re adding enough value on social media, find a way to give more. Be overly generous and you’ll find it easy to make friends and gain followers.”]
Don’t Be a Hermit
If you’re using social media for your marketing, consistency is important. But if you’re a true introvert like me, it’s easy to forget that there’s a whole world of people out there. All marketers need to schedule regular social media time and this is especially important for introverts. Check in to your social media accounts at least twice a day to see what’s going on and interact with your friends and followers.
Ciao,
Miss Kemya
Are you an introvert? How do you share your personality on social media?
