How to Maximize Your Social Media Presence

If you are a very open person on social media like me, then you may love to create posts online and share interesting content. If not, that is fine. But you could be missing out on entrepreneurial opportunities.

Opportunities like getting paid for what you love to talk about or the fulfillment of just creating.

In this article, I want to share my top 6 social media networks that I use to share ideas, entertainment, aesthetics, tips, advice, and more.

So many people I’ve spoken with say they want to start a YouTube channel, a blog, a media following… the list goes on. Sometimes we are afraid to try out these platforms. Time moves fast and if we do not act on our passions, then that ambition will slowly drift away.

Inaction is an unfortunate ingredient to having regrets in life.

Going the practical route is not guaranteed to get you where you want to go. Regardless of where you want to go, pick a direction, trust your gut, and execute.

YouTube

I’m starting here because I hear people talk about starting YouTube channels literally ALL THE TIME. Since smartphones are pretty much in everyone’s hands, there are no more excuses not to start the channel you’ve always wanted.

A YouTube myth is that you need a professional camera. Movies shot on an iPhone include Snow Steam Iron, Tangerine, and Unsane. It is possible.

You really only need these three elements: 1. Phone with a camera 2. A good internet connection and 3. Creativity.

Clearly you can look into buying a laptop to edit videos, but this is just getting a basic start.

After posting your first video, you’ll just wait for what happens next or start planning your next project.

It’s a thrill. Just try your best not to care about your analytics like views and subscribers in the beginning. We all start at zero!

If you do care too much about your analytics, this will kill your productivity. Avoid copying other YouTubers’ styles too. I would advise using some of your favorite YouTubers as inspiration, but don’t try to be exactly like them. Believe me, I tried to be the next Casey Neistat and that was an interesting phase.

A good YouTube Cycle would be to

1. Film the video
2. Edit (optional)
3. Post on YouTube
4. Share with family and friends
5. Plan your next video
6. Repeat

These steps are what I use to keep a sustainable schedule where I can upload at least once a month or more.

2. Instagram

The way I view Instagram is a platform to share your own unique aesthetics with the world. It is a platform for photography, sharing moments, and influencer originality. People are empowered to convey their beliefs and inspirations visually by using pictures, “stories”, videos, IGTV, and Instagram Live.

I utilize Instagram to share some of my favorite pictures and videos that I have personally taken or were a part of.

It is great for businesses and people who want to put themselves out there without having to say much.

3. Medium

Where are most millennials flocking to for their articles? It is Medium. My inspiration Gary Vaynerchuk mentioned it on his DailyVee podcast I listened to a few months ago and over some time I’ve been piecing together articles I have a good grasp on.

I dabble in categories such as personal growth, relationships, entrepreneurship, and entertainment.

You can write and read about basically anything! Some of us are destined to create videos on a camera. Others are made to be great writers. Expressing ourselves through words is one of the best ways to do it because of the different ways people interpret writing versus video.

If you want to get started on Medium, write in a notebook to start. I find it easier to write on paper, transfer it to a Google Document, and then finally publish it rather than sitting in front of a blank screen and going off the top of my head. This process works better for me because more thoughts flow onto the paper rather than a computer of the phone where there are distractions.

4. Tik Tok

Are you a fan of short entertainment bits? Ever wanted to take a crack at Vine, but didn’t? It’s not too late. Tik Tok is emerging as one of the most widely used platforms for both young adults and children.

Personally, I’ve only made about three Tik Tok but had tons of fun doing it. You can share your dance moves to a popular song, re=enact your favorite movie scenes, really anything that comes to mind.

Shoot your shot. Be funny, dramatic, overly positive… whatever you decide to do on this platform, just be yourself! Your videos could go viral.

5. Snapchat

A more personal side of you can be shared on Snapchat. Your close encounters with your best friends singing to “Don’t Stop Believin” can be found here. Funny memes are often shared in the “story section of the app along with whatever media you want to share with your fellow Snapchatters.

DJ Khaled — One of Snapchat’s first users to blow up using the platform

There is plenty of room for face-cam videos of rants or positivity to spread on there. I mostly use Snapchat to share moments I think are the highlights of my day that might not be the most appropriate for Facebook, the next network I’ll be touching on.

6. Facebook

Where is the place almost everyone has an account on? Of course, it’s Facebook. This social network has been growing dynamically in the past few years. You can now go “Facebook Live”, share your ads, and join Facebook groups.

If you’re a business person Facebook is a great place for ads because of the rise in user traffic and target audiences. Facebook will ensure your company’s content is placed in front of the people that seem most appropriate.

I use Facebook to keep up with old friends I’ve met all over the world, especially since I’m a military brat who has moved multiple times. One of my favorite aspects of Facebook is the “groups”. I love how you can join a group with the same interests and goals to instantly feel connected.

I cannot stress this part enough. Through Facebook, you can share and learn so much from the community. It can either be used for endless scrolling, or for creating awesome engagements with others.

Today I’ve shared 6 of my favorite platforms post the most on.

We are not all wired the same way, but we can all find a way to make our marks!

Social media has moved mountains in today’s world through activism and sharing meaningful thoughts with the world.

Some of the most massive examples of hashtag activism include #ASLIceBucket Challenge, #BlackLivesMatter, #WomensMarch, and #DressLikeAWoman.

My challenge for you is to try and use one of these 6 social media networks you may not have tried already and utilize its features to find your voice. I can’t wait to see where it takes you!