Use Social Media. Don't Let It Use You.

We're all on social media a ton and there continues to be research coming out about how we and our kids are growing more and more addicted to the screens in our hands, and the social interactions of social media. I've been utilizing some strategies to help curb my personal usage while still figuring out how to be on social media for my business. Below are some tips on how I use Facebook instead of it using me. (Some of the tips are applicable to all the platforms, but since I'm mostly on Facebook, it's geared to this platform.) 

 

1. Use your timer: 

This may seem super simple, but it's really been a lifesaver (and an eye-opener) for me! Think about how long you're wanting to scroll through your favorite social media site, set a timer for that time, and scroll away! Once the timer goes off though - shut. it. down. The first couple times I did this, I was surprised at how quickly the time went and how I felt like I hadn't seen what I wanted to see. 😱 It made me realize how much time was being spent in the mindless infinite scroll and helped motivate me to be more intentional with how I use those social media minutes!

I also use a timer for my business networking. This helps it feel doable and I stay focused on the reason I'm there instead of getting sucked in to everything else on the timeline! 

 

 

 

2. Create Lists

In my effort to use Facebook more intentionally, I found their "Lists" function. I mainly use the "Close Friends" list. 

When you put people on your "Close Friends" list, you will get notifications of their activity and see their posts in your newsfeed first. You can also totally skip Facebook's regular News Feed and just go to your lists to see your Close Friends feed, which will have only posts from those friends you've identified as "Close Friends". 
I also like using the Acquaintances list for people I meet through my business who get Friended on Facebook, but I don't really know them particularly well. I have my posting privacy settings to share only to "Friends, except Acquaintances" when I post pictures of my kids or more personal family stuff. 

I did hear a rumor that Lists may go away. I hope they keep the Close Friends List though - I love it!

 

 

3. Use Shortcuts

Shortcuts are my other favorite way to use Facebook intentionally. Remember that group you joined a while back but now realize you haven't seen any posts from them in awhile? Or how about that brand whose deals you don't want to miss? 

You can use Shortcuts to save groups, pages, and games you enjoy. Facebook will put a few in your shortcuts based on your activity, but you also can pick the ones you want "pinned to the top". 
This is especially helpful for those groups you want to use for networking! Set your timer, head over to your shortcuts, and network away!

 

 

4. Comment Strategically

The last tip is about how to make your News Feeds more fun!! 
We've all heard about the dreaded algorithm that all the platforms use to tune our News Feeds to what they THINK we want to see. And while they're pretty smart, taking some time to "teach" it will go a long way!! Here's one way: 

Use your Likes and Comments Strategically! Your engagement is a huge factor in all the algorithms. So, instead of hitting the angry button on a post by your crazy Aunt Linda who is always posting things that make you angry, or engaging in comment arguments back and forth on said post - just scroll by. 

Instead, hit like on posts you want to see more of. Take a couple of minutes and hunt down the groups or pages you want to see more of. Make comments on a few of their posts. Do this especially for other small businesses. It makes a HUGE difference in their reach when even one person comments!

Using the tips I've shared on previous days - set your timer, go through your lists and shortcuts, and comment/like/share away! You'll give a boost to your favorite brands' engagement and reach, and you'll teach the platform what you really want to see. I'd love to hear how this goes for you.

I would love to hear if any of these tips helped you out! I shared all of these over on my Facebook Page last week. Come on over for more tips, inspirational quotes and real talk about the intersection of parenthood and entrepreneurs.