Social media action plan
A 30, 60, 90 day plan for researchers
I love using a 30, 60, 90 day plan to start any new project. Why not try this approach to plan your next steps for conquering social media?
30: decide what social media channels to use
Use your first 30 days to decide your direction. To decide which social media channels are right for you, jot down some ideas on paper using this equation:
Your purpose/s + your target audience/s = join the channels your audience use + plan your messaging
Use this 30, 60, 90 day action plan start planning your next steps and read my post on how to use social media as a researcher for more advice about defining your audience and purpose.
60: decide what, and when, to post online
Use your second month to set up your channels and practice drafting posts. Each channel gives you the platform to build connections, inspire the next generation and change people’s perceptions. It’s important to think about what you say and how you say it to avoid any ambiguity or confrontation. If you wouldn’t say something to someone in person, best not to say it online, and as my Nan always says: “If in doubt, leave it out!”.
As a rule of thumb, I like to think that less is more when posting online, but consistency is key. Regular posting will help you to connect, engage and build your following. You could start by posting once a week and then decide what works best for you and your audience.
Top tip: when setting up your new accounts read through the security settings and set up secure passwords for each channel.
90: design your 30, 60, 90 day social media plan
Once you’ve decided your purpose, your audience and set up your new social media channels, you are ready to start engaging online.
Twitter: Choose three influencers in your field to follow. Then set yourself a target to follow 20, then 40, then 60 people.
LinkedIn: Give/receive 2 recommendations and endorse 5 people for top skills. Connect with people from the past and present. Again, set yourself targets to connect with meaningful people.
Instagram: Build a photo collection/try doing an Insta story. Share, post and comment every week.
Once you get started you’ll grow more confident, until then, there is always the delete button!
For more advice about using social media to develop your career as a researcher or in relation to any other of the other services I offer, please contact me.
