Picture this: It’s the year 2001, and I’m huddled next to my dial-up modem that sounds like a droid from Star Wars having a tantrum. My AOL screen name is “KurtTheJedi88” and I’m about to send an email blast that is my big marketing break. Spoiler alert: As I smugly hit “send,” all I hear is that dreaded “You’ve Got Mail” voice, only there’s no new mail, just my mom reminding me to pick up milk on my way home. Clearly, I was a long way from mastering social media marketing.
Fast forward to the era of broadband and beyond. My journey through the labyrinth of likes, shares, and reblogs has been quite the adventure. If Yoda were my mentor, he’d probably say, “Kurt, my young padawan, much have you learned. But much humor, you must use.” So here I am, wielding my digital lightsaber not just for slicing through online clutter but for illuminating the secrets of social media marketing.
I often liken social media marketing to wielding a lightsaber. There’s a certain finesse to it; wave it around randomly and you might chop off your own foot (or someone else’s, which would likely get you less “Likes” and more lawsuits). But with the right moves, you’ll shine brightly across the social media galaxy.
The art of social media marketing often goes unsung, much like the Ewoks in “Return of the Jedi” until they save the day. It’s not just about posting content but making connections. And just like one doesn’t simply build a lightsaber without imbibing some Jedi wisdom, you can’t start social media marketing without some foundational know-how. Let’s start with understanding your audience. Thanks to my time with network marketing, I know demographics better than I know the Star Wars release order. Your followers, like your trusty lightsaber, will guide you. Listen to them, engage them, entertain them. Make them laugh, make them think, and make them come back for more.
When I tell people I built a custom lightsaber at Disneyland’s Savi’s Workshop, they gasp. Admittedly, it’s a nerdy accomplishment, but it’s also a metaphor for building your brand on social media. You see, you don’t just walk into Galaxy’s Edge and grab a lightsaber – you create one that represents you, that calls to you. Similarly, what you project on social media should be a reflection of what you stand for. In my case, it’s a bit of entrepreneurship sprinkled with a good dash of pop culture obsessiveness, and a large helping of humor.
My husband would attest, our Disney-themed home, brimming with lightsabers and other memorabilia, has been the backdrop for many impromptu live streams. The secret ingredient in those broadcasts isn’t just the eye-catching laser swords, but the genuine enthusiasm we bring. Social media marketing thrives on authenticity. People want to see the person behind the posts, the story behind the sale. Whether you’re flaunting a product or sharing a personal journey, let people see the real you. Mr. Personal Trainer here can assure you: raw and honest beats slick and gimmicky every day of the week.
Now, you might wonder about all those hashtags. If you’re imagining them as chaotic asteroids in a Star Wars chase scene, you’re not far off. But these little bits of metadata are indispensable in social media marketing. Use them wisely, much like the Rebel Alliance uses strategy to evade the Empire. Showering your post with endless hashtags is the quickest way to look like that overeager fan who quotes the entire Star Wars script at parties. Instead, select the ones that bridge the gap between your content and your audience. “Hashtag mindfulness” is what I often call it.
Oh, and let’s not forget the power of video. Remember how we all collectively lost it when Luke Skywalker caught his lightsaber in “The Last Jedi”? Video content in social media marketing can have the same impact. Dynamic, engaging, and visually compelling storytelling will attract views like a tractor beam. Whether a tutorial, a product reveal, or just a glimpse into your daily life, video can captivate the minds of your audience.
An often overlooked part of social media marketing is the “social” aspect – having real interactions. One does not network with pre-recorded lines (unless you’re droids, of course). Engage with comments, respond to queries, and build a community. As I learned in Ninjutsu, the strength of a community lies in its diversity and mutual support. Star Wars was never about one Jedi alone – it was about the galaxy coming together. Similarly, your social space needs harmony in diversity to thrive.
And before I jump back to the Millennium Falcon of reality, let me share this: let joy and passion be your compass. There was a time when the platform algorithms dragged me down the Sarlacc pit of doubt. But my love for the work and the community always pulled me back. Much like the love my husband and I share for a universe of sabers and Avengers. Love what you do, and the rest will follow.
So, as you navigate the force winds of social media marketing, remember, it’s not just about metrics and KPIs, it’s about people, connections, and a bit of laughter along the way. Make every post count, every story resonate, and every light saber swing bright and proud. The galaxy of social media is vast, and there’s room for everyone’s journey through it. Stay loud and proud, and may the marketing force be with you!
