10 Tips to Build Trust with Social Media | Kyle Lacy, Social Media – Indianapolis

May 1, 2009 by Steve Schultz @GeniusbyOsmosis
Filed under: Campaign Technology

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We often forget what the true purpose of a social media following is. It’s not to sell goods. It’s not to get elected. It’s not to make money. It’s about being part of a community. Going beyond the superficial into the real. Here are ten social media tips courtesy of Kyle Lacy at KyleLacy.com. Read them first here before moving on.

It’s important to realize that while some of these tips (which are really “do it or lose” recommendations) are specific to Twitter, they apply across the web. Rules in one are generally rules in another. There are a few more things I would recommend.

Look to Help & Look for Help: He alluded to this somewhat in his post but you need to always be looking for ways of helping others. I give out tons of free advice. I ask for tons of free advice. Building your community is about serving your community AND letting your community serve you. It’s all about the group!
Realize it’s not YOUR Community: I always say “build your community.” I sure hope you don’t think I actually imply that you are to build a community that you own. Your brand doesn’t belong to you. If you think it does than your brand sucks. You can build a community AROUND you but it never becomes yours. If you find yourself thinking it is yours, well, you’ll realize again soon enough that it’s not because your community will start to die.
Reach Out to Newcomers: There are thousands of new people joining your social networking sites on a daily basis. These people are scared. These people don’t know what they are doing. These people are lost. They need your help and the best way of doing that is by showing them how to do it right. If there are new Tweeple on Twitter that are following you, follow them back. Help them stay involved. I’m not saying you have to “auto-follow” every Tom, Dick, and Jane (I can never remember if those are the names or not, oh well) but I am saying you need to help them stay involved. There is a reason 60% of all Twitter users quit after their first month. They feel they can’t penetrate the twittersphere and give up. You can’t build a community around yourself if you aren’t reaching out to bring more people in.

http://kylelacy.com/10-tips-to-build-trust-with-social-media