Social media frustration - Virtual Assistant Forums

VA Simple Services · #1 (**permalink**) 03-17-2010

Ok, so I just need to vent a little so I hope you guys don't mind. I've been tweeting and posting on Facebook pretty actively for about 6 weeks now and I'm getting a little frustrated. I fully understand that it takes time to build a following and I don't expect to be a Twitter or Facebook super star. I have over 200 followers and 38 Fans on my page so that's pretty good. But...I can't get people to interact. I use Hootsuite and follow how many clicks I get on my posts and I'm not impressed. People are so busy posting their own stuff, they barely engage in any kind of discussion. It seems like everyone is trying to sell something but not really interested in building relationships or networking. Anybody successful at it and has a secret they would like to share?

Thanks for listening and for some input.

MsLisaLisa · #2 (**permalink**) 03-18-2010

Hi Genevieve,

I do understand your frustration. It does take time to build relationships online. And there will be people on your list that are not very interactive. That's why you have to keep adding friends everyday until you find like-minded people.

What exactly are you tweeting about? Is it valuable information?

Sometimes you may have to tweet the same thing several times as people are not are on all at the same time. Your tweets and posts should be of value to people.

Are you posting articles? videos? news?

Are you retweeting other people stuff?

Start visiting your followers profile and leave a nice comment. People love it when you leave them a comment. They will surely visit your profile or pay closer attention to you once you've left them a nice specific comment.

Hope this helps a bit.

VA Simple Services · #3 (**permalink**) 03-18-2010

Hi Lisa,

Thanks for your response. I've tried several tactics such as articles, news, re-tweets, personal comments and replying to people and haven't found the magic solution yet to get people to interact. Once in a while when people are able to be more personal in their tweets, they will respond but most of the time I find that they are all business. I've tried to use humour at times (I just don’t like to be serious all the time) but I think they might think I'm a weirdo. I think the problem is that a lot of those people are using automation systems to post their Tweets and don't pay attention which is a shame because the purpose is the have your voice heard and build relationships but nobody is listing! Perhaps my expectations are too high? I'll keep at it but with reservation and might just focus on a different strategy to build relationships and network.

PamH53 · #4 (**permalink**) 03-18-2010

Hi Genevieve! Don't worry. You are not a weirdo! I have seen your posts and they are great. But you are right in that it does take time. I agree that you must be social and some of Twitter is definitely automated. Keep at what you are doing. It will all fall into place.

Are you doing any local, face-to-face marketing? You need to try and engage your local network as well. Once people meet you in person they will hopefully Fan you and that will be the basis of a relationship that you can then build on.

The comment Lisa made about you doing the commenting is important. You be the instigator in the on-line relationship and hopefully everyone will follow suit.

Good luck to you!

VA Simple Services · #5 (**permalink**) 03-18-2010

Thanks Pam for your constant support! I am in the process of doing some local networking and will really try to go full force starting in April. I’m trying to finish up some stuff for one client this month and working with another on ongoing projects. It’s hard to find enough time to market myself on top of everything.

PamH53 · #6 (**permalink**) 03-18-2010

You are right. It is hard. But you have to keep at it. Don't spread yourself too thin, though. Pick a few marketing outlets and do them well. It will pay off in the long run.

Rosie18 · #7 (**permalink**) 03-18-2010

I just posted in the forums about an article that gives tips on local networking to gain customers. I hope it helps!

VA Simple Services · #8 (**permalink**) 03-18-2010

Great, thanks! I looked at it and its great information. Maybe I should post it on Twitter to see if anyone responds to it

I have ups and downs where I get discouraged and at times I'm super optimistic! I guess that's the joy being self employed! I am super grateful and lucky to have what I have and be where I am in my life so if I just focus on that, everything should fall into place. It will take time and effort but it’s all worth it! I love this board...it's the best place to be not only to get info but also to get a moral boost!

vainparadise · #9 (**permalink**) 03-18-2010

It does take time! But as with anything the more you put into something the more you get out of it.

Link your Twitter to your profile here so people can easily find you on there ( I just read this post and went to your site to find your twitter username).

One thing that you can do to get the interaction going is to really read someone's time line. Pick something specific out of there and send them an @ about it. Read their bio's and ask them a question about where they live or something within their bio.

Check out some of the lists out there and begin to follow those people to build up your following. VAs are some of the most friendliest ones out there and find that most will return your follow no problem.

BTW I RT'd your Question of the Day! Good one!

MsLisaLisa · #10 (**permalink**) 03-19-2010

Genevieve, Do you have a blog?

I didn't see one on your website. I would recommend starting a blog if you don't have one. I have my blog connected to my twitter and facebook account. Each time I write a blog post, it automatically updates the status for those two networks. I notice I get interaction to my posts this way. Either someone makes a comment on facebook or someone leaves a comment on my blog. I also have an opt-in form to capture prospects. I am able to interact with them since they are on my list.

I do use automation to gain followers to my profiles and website. But once they are on my list though, that's where I can really build relationships.

I use TweetAdder to find targeted followers for my niche. I use Tweet Deck to look for conversations to join by choosing keywords. This is a great tool. I use SocialOmph to have it email me whenever someone retweets my stuff so I can thank them.

You just have to find a balance between the automation and the manual activities.

I am considering doing some offline networking as I believe there is need for it so that you gain these skills in person. There are still a ton of business owners that aren't on social networks or even have a website and could use VAs like us to introduce them to the online world.

Best wishes to you!

Essential Office Solutions · #11 (**permalink**) 03-19-2010

Genevieve,

I hear you - and had the same frustrations and still do at times. What I have done that has worked for me:

Joined groups on whatever platforms you are using: This is a great way to connect with people of the same interests/industries and the conversations are in a smaller pond giving more attention.

On Twitter: followed others who are not in my niche or industry but who have similar personal interests such as dogs, gardening, cooking. This gives you again a smaller group within the ocean to converse with on topics you enjoy - your other followers can see and jump in if they choose - and it happens!

Respond to posts/tweets which are within your area of expertise - even if someone has already responded. This one I found the hardest, just my personality "it's already done" but people like more than one opinion and like to see agreement by experts to feel comfortable with the suggestion.

Just know that we all had questions regarding the effectiveness of our efforts - I am sure you will see some soon.

Keep your chin up - and good luck!

VA Simple Services · #12 (**permalink**) 03-21-2010

Thanks you guys for your replies and ideas. I will look into everything suggested. Friday was a very good day on Twitter. I guess people let go and get more social on Fridays! Although I get frustrated at times, I really enjoy Tweeter, it's really addictive. I'm still optimistic about it!