Virtual communities are big on the Internet today and the only way we can catch up with that is to get involved in it. However, mere involvement won’t ensure success. What will ensure success is to to rise above the zone of mediocrity and provide real value.
5 Social Marketing Success Strategies
- Solve Problems: One of the foremost reasons why people even get together is to find solutions to their problems and seek support. It is precisely for these reasons that these virtual communities thrive. To be seen as a a valued member of a virtual community, it is very important to help ‘solve’ people’s problems. Being a valued community member can help you develop a great online reputation which can help you with your overall online success.
- Lead: Everyone seeks leadership. It is not only a backbone for effective organizations but is also a cornerstone for a strong community. When you can bring out the best in others, you automatically lead. Leadership makes your position in a virtual community strong.
- Go the Extra Mile: Selflessness always goes rewarded and that fact doesn’t change just because you don’t see people face-to-face within a virtual community. It is important to provide ‘value’ while you are there and to do that effectively, you will need to go that extra mile. Do things that weren’t expected of you. Go out of your way to help people.
- Motivate: Every now and then, we break down; we crumble and we all need a kick, don’t we? Motivating people is a great skill and if you can do it to the folks on some of the virtual communities you want to make a mark in, you are in for the long haul. Positive thinking and positive actions create positivity in every aspect of life!
- Connect: To connect with people is to share their likes and dislikes; to develop rapport and to work on relationships. If you are able to build rapport with people by sharing some of your knowledge, skills, experience, and expertise, you can get to be a well-known person on the virtual communities and that can translate to more success in all of your online pursuits.
About Sean Rasmussen
Hi Sean,
This is great advice. I think as a member of an online community you have to conduct yourself as if everyone was standing right in front of you when you’re talking to them. I think too often it is forgotten that there are real people on the other end.
I do think it’s important to be a contributing member of the community. I think everyone needs to pull their weight and do their bit in ensuring the well being of the community. It’s about building relationships, showing some consideration and respect and being genuine. I think it’s the same as having a group of friends in the real world.
So true Sean
I am a bit of an introvert so I haven’t really got into the socializing online. I tend to sit back and watch and be part of a group. However I have taken the plunge and got into Facebook. It’s a great community, at least the one I am involved with.
I am enjoying it especially since the creation of my fan pages and I am able to assist some of the fans. It’s a great feeling