Over the past couple of years, the necessity to pick up extra work has increased, leading to many people applying for multiple part-time jobs. Others have turned hobbies into a side hustle: a part-time activity that is self-driven. Side hustles can range from selling baked goods, to driving for Uber, to walking dogs in your neighborhood.
No matter what you do though, marketing yourself is a key step in turning an on-and-off activity into profit, and the most accessible marketing tool for most individuals is good old social media. Here we take a look at a few ways to refine your online presence and promote your services on different platforms.
There are so many social media options that it is easy to get overwhelmed with the need to produce content to be used across them all. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube are the most well-known platforms and each has its pros and cons. Facebook can connect you to potential clients, as well as use word-of-mouth to market your service or product. Twitter provides a space for immediate communication and can also help you receive valuable feedback quickly. Whatever platform you choose, the most important thing is consistency and commitment – easier to maintain when you are only dealing with a couple of sites or apps.
It goes without saying that to succeed in increasing your reach, content must stand out and draw viewers’ attention. If you are posting photos on Instagram, it is wise to do some research to avoid putting out the same visuals as everyone else. On Instagram and Facebook, you will need to respond to comments and messages promptly; on Twitter, there is even more of an expectation to engage. There are so many people marketing themselves on social media that it’s easy to become a faceless function – not very engaging. Adding a bit of your authentic self to your pages allows people to relate.
Brand consistency
We already mentioned the need for consistency but it cannot be overemphasized. After a tough day at your 9-5 job, it can be hard to put effort into posting online, especially if you’re trying to portray a positive appearance at odds with your state of exhaustion or disillusionment. As said before, this issue can be alleviated by starting small and limiting your presence to two or three social media platforms. Other things that can help include using tools like Hootsuite, which can publish a post on multiple platforms at one click of the mouse.
While consistency is essential, posting multiple times a day isn’t better than less frequent but regular uploads. Potential clients could be put off by a deluge of content and promotional material, resulting in them unfollowing you out of irritation.
Work smarter, not harder
While it is important to research widely before embarking on a social media marketing campaign, the key takeaway is to target your efforts for maximum efficacy. A measured approach is far better than enthusiastic chaos. So, whether you want people to register online now, buy your product or simply respond to you, you need a strategy.
Johnny Thompson is a senior reporter for Generator Research in Los Angeles, reporting on technology, business, finances, and more. He previously worked as a reporter for the Wall Street Journal and got his start at newspapers in New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.
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