We recently had a few laughs with a client about social media – “It’s got to be easy if a 5 year old can do it!” – was the gist of the conversation.

While we all know there is much more to social media marketing that five year olds cannot do (yet)… there is a good point made here.

Social media does not have to be scary, intimidating or difficult to learn. It can actually be very simple to understand and operate once you have a solid foundation of how the platform(s) you are using works. When you understand its features, you can really start to expand upon how it can be beneficial and useful to promote your products or services.

1. Pick one, any one. There are a lot of social media platforms out there, so start with the one that intrigues you the most.

2. Create an account and start exploring. Try every button. Use every feature. Don’t be afraid to make a mistake. If you are concerned, just write something corny like “Hi I’m testing this out!” and people will leave you alone. I recommend using a personal account or a “mock” account you create without association with your company if you are doing this for work. That way you can fly under the radar.

3. Ask questions, take notes. Many social media platforms have great help centers. If you don’t see your question in it, send them a note. Jot down ideas as you’re walking through the platform

4. Make time. Carve out some time of your schedule every week to explore a new platform. Don’t limit yourself just to social media on the web. Think about Apps too. Make a plan to download a new App once every two weeks (or whatever works realistically with your schedule) and experiment with them.

Give yourself creative license and start test driving social/digital resources now! Don’t know where to start? Give us a call.