Imagine this: I was at Disneyland’s Galaxy’s Edge with my husband, both of us decked out in matching Star Wars T-shirts, geeking out over our newest additions to the lightsaber collection. We had just emerged from Savi’s Workshop, where custom lightsabers are crafted with the precision and patience of a Jedi master. Thrilled with our neon-colored companions, we rushed to snap a few photos and, like any good citizen of the galaxy, shared them on social media. As we posed with our sabers, attempting to channel the spirit of Luke Skywalker, I realized something peculiar—it wasn’t just about collecting lightsabers. It was about how cleverly and creatively we could “market” these shining beacons of our fandom on social media platforms.
That’s when it struck me like a Force push: Social media marketing is a lot like wielding a lightsaber. If you don’t hold it right, you’ll singe your own cape—or worse. My journey into social media marketing started much like my obsession with Star Wars—slowly, and then all at once. Back in 1988, when I first dipped my toes into the vast universe of network marketing, social media was still a distant star in our digital galaxy. Flash forward to 2001, the dawn of the internet age, and I embarked on my internet marketing journey. Back then, online strategies felt like wielding a broomstick instead of a lightsaber. But over the years, as I mastered the art of digital marketing, social media became like my trusty saber—an extension of myself, used to cut through the noise and build meaningful connections.
One tip I’ve always emphasized, much like Jedi training, is consistency. It’s like having breakfast with Yoda every day—every post, every share, every like, gets you stronger in the Force (of course, I’m talking about your online presence here). Whether it’s sharing insights on my Earn With Kurt Podcast or connecting through my platforms like YouTube and Facebook, I always make sure my audience has fresh, valuable content to consume. Just like in Jedi training, discipline and routine are key to social media marketing. The more you show up, the more your audience will start to associate you with the quality and reliability they seek.
Another aspect of social media marketing that I’ve learned is the importance of crafting a story. No one likes a boastful Jedi, and no one likes a boastful marketer. My love for storytelling originated from the Star Wars saga, with its epic tales of heroism, adventure, and inescapable familial drama. Your brand needs a story too—something your audience can latch onto and that makes them feel part of your journey. Through my posts, whether they’re about the latest Disney adventure or a new marketing strategy, I try to share a slice of my life, a touch of humor, and a sprinkle of wisdom. This approach fosters connection, making the audience feel like they know you—because they do.
Speaking of wisdom, here’s a tip from a saber-collecting guru: engagement is as crucial as mastering the Force. Social media isn’t a one-way broadcast. It’s a conversation, a lightsaber duel if you will, where you engage, respond, and make your followers feel seen and heard. Every comment, every share, is an opportunity to deepen your relationship with your audience. Acknowledge them, appreciate their presence, and most importantly, listen. Just as a Jedi listens to the Force.
And oh, the power of collaboration! Think of it as the formation of the Jedi Council. If you’re building your network, remember that alliances are key. Working with others in your niche can elevate your visibility and lend you credibility. It can be as fun and simple as exchanging guest appearances on podcasts or having joint social media live sessions. Through these collaborations, you extend your reach, and the collective energy can propel your social media marketing efforts into hyperspace.
Being part of the LGBTQ+ community, I’ve learned that authenticity is unbeatable. Social media marketing is not just about polished photos and perfect captions; it’s about being real with your audience. Share your story—your successes, and yes, even your failures. The online world, much like the Force, has a way of revealing truths. When you are authentic, your audience connects with you on a deeper level, building trust and loyalty.
At this point, my husband often jokes that I should teach lightsaber techniques on TikTok. It’s a funny thought but has some merit. Each platform has its native language and culture. Just as you wouldn’t use your lightsaber to fix your Old Republic starfighter, you wouldn’t use an Instagram strategy on LinkedIn. Embrace the quirks and the individual strengths of each platform to enhance your social media marketing efforts. The goal here is to be as versatile as a well-trained Jedi Knight.
In the end, much like experiencing the wonders of the galaxy far, far away through my lightsaber collection, social media marketing is an adventure—a continuous journey of learning, adapting, and growing. As Obi-Wan Kenobi would say, the Force will be with you, always. And so will the possibilities of social media marketing, as long as you wield your strategies with wisdom and creativity.
So next time you find yourself posing with a lightsaber (real or metaphorical), remember: your online presence can shine just as bright if you approach social media marketing like a true Jedi master, with poise, purpose, and just the right amount of playful humor. May the posts be ever in your favor!
