Five out-of-the-box rules for marketing success

In the ever-evolving landscape of digital marketing, social media has become an indispensable tool for professionals and businesses alike. Whether you're a seasoned influencer or a budding entrepreneur, navigating the tumultuous waters of social platforms can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. The constant barrage of content, likes, shares, and viral moments can leave even the most experienced marketers feeling adrift in a sea of digital noise.

But fear not! We're about to embark on a journey through five irreverent rules that will not only streamline your social media approach but also help you consistently deliver value to your audience. These unconventional strategies will revolutionize your online presence and transform you from a mere participant in the digital realm to a true social media maestro.

Rule #1: Turn Your Profile into a Binge-Worthy Series

Imagine your social media profile as the next Netflix sensation. Instead of posting disconnected content, create a narrative that keeps your followers on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating your next update. William Arruda, a personal branding expert, suggests, "Unfold your story through a series of captivating articles or videos."

For example, if you're a leadership coach, you could develop a series titled "The Five Best Tips for Leading Remote Teams." Start with an overview article outlining the tips, then delve deeper into each tip in separate posts. Use storytelling techniques like flashbacks to reference previous installments and foreshadowing to build excitement for what's to come.

This approach not only keeps your audience engaged but also establishes you as an authority in your field. By creating a cohesive narrative, you're more likely to retain followers and attract new ones who are drawn to your ongoing story.

Rule #2: Embrace the Art of Content Recycling

In the fast-paced world of social media, it's easy for your carefully crafted posts to get lost in the shuffle. As Arruda points out, "Most of your online connections won't see everything you post. Unless you're a mega-star like Taylor Swift with die-hard fans, most people won't be actively seeking out your content."

To combat this, adopt a strategy of repurposing, reposting, and remixing your content. This approach ensures wider visibility and maximizes the impact of your efforts. For instance, on platforms like LinkedIn, only a fraction of your audience will see each post due to algorithm constraints. By recycling your best content, you increase the chances of reaching a broader audience and reinforcing your key messages.

Consider transforming a popular blog post into a series of infographics, or turn a podcast episode into a collection of quote images. By presenting your content in various formats, you cater to different learning styles and preferences within your audience, ultimately expanding your reach and influence.

Rule #3: Curate and Collaborate for Maximum Impact

Instead of solely focusing on creating original content, embrace the power of curation and collaboration. As Arruda suggests, "By highlighting others' work and adding your insights, you elevate their content and gain credibility by association."

When curating content, don't just share links. Add value by providing your unique perspective or explaining why you find the content relevant to your audience. This approach not only saves time but also positions you as a thought leader who can identify and contextualize valuable information in your industry.

Collaboration is another powerful tool to reduce workload and amplify impact. Partner with colleagues, industry peers, or even complementary brands to co-create articles, videos, or podcasts. This strategy transforms you from a solo influencer into a dynamic content creator with a broader network and increased reach.

Arruda emphasizes the benefits of collaboration, stating, "Share the workload, the distribution, and the recognition, and witness your social influence grow exponentially." By joining forces with others, you tap into new audiences, gain fresh perspectives, and create more engaging content that resonates with a wider range of followers.

Rule #4: Harness the Power of AI in Your Content Strategy

In today's digital age, artificial intelligence (AI) has become an invaluable ally in content creation and social media management. Arruda encourages marketers to "Leverage the power of AI for outsourcing tasks from idea generation to proofreading."

Tools like ChatGPT can add a touch of magic to your content creation process. Use AI to:

• Brainstorm fresh content ideas
• Ensure coherence and completeness in your articles
• Polish grammar and improve readability
• Generate SEO-friendly titles and summaries for promotional purposes

By incorporating AI into your workflow, you can streamline your content creation process, maintain consistency, and free up time to focus on strategy and engagement. However, remember that AI should enhance your human creativity, not replace it. Use these tools to augment your unique voice and perspective, ensuring that your content remains authentic and valuable to your audience.

Rule #5: Prioritize Memorability Over Mere Visibility

In the crowded social media landscape, simply being visible is no longer enough. Your ultimate goal should be to create content that leaves a lasting impression on your audience. As Arruda aptly puts it, "In the digital landscape, it's not just about being visible; it's about being truly memorable."

To achieve memorability, focus on:

• Developing a unique brand voice that stands out from the crowd
• Creating content that elicits emotional responses from your audience
• Sharing personal stories and experiences that resonate with your followers
• Consistently delivering value through actionable insights and expert advice

By prioritizing memorability, you'll build a loyal following that not only engages with your content but also becomes advocates for your brand, sharing your message with their own networks and amplifying your impact.

By embracing these five irreverent rules of social media marketing success, you'll be well-equipped to navigate the ever-changing digital landscape with confidence and creativity. Remember, the key to thriving on social media lies not in following the crowd, but in carving your own path and leaving an indelible mark on your audience's minds and hearts.