When I make new connections on social networks like Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn I get excited because 9 times out of 10 I have either made a new friend with a similar interest or have found someone that I can either learn from, or help guide.
All too often we forget that the connections we make online are very similar to those we make offline. If you are introduced to “Tim CEO” in a business meeting and you can recognize that he doesn’t offer information freely and needs to be drawn out, then you’lllikely optimize your approach in a way that makes him at ease and gets him talking. Similarly, social media users with different personalities and proficiencies will require that little extra optimization to interact.
In this post we’ll cover five different social media personality types and ways that you can better interact with them to create a real connection that will make them more open to hearing what you have to say.
Type #1 – The Lurker
Consider this social media personality type to be someone who is always there listening and absorbing information, but not necessarily participating in the conversation. A connection with a Lurker can be very valuable if approached correctly.
How can you connect with a Lurker?
- Do not expect regular interaction
- Reach out to them directly via a direct message
- They’ll be more likely to respond to a though provoking question or comment
Type #2 – The Newbie
Newbie’s present a great opportunity to groom the user by presenting them with helpful information that will educate them on how to best use social networks. Chances are these users will begin following you before you find them so make a point of combing through your new followers regular to identify those that will not have as many followers but appear to be credible.
Sharing relevant information on social media best practices, tips, and tricks are all great ways to attract a newbie as you’ve helped them without asking for something in return. As they begin to hone their social skills, they’ll remember those that helped them along the journey.
Type #3 – The Predictable User
Predictable users will be more consistent and easy to spot than Lurkers or Newbies. They share regularly and will interact when prompted. This type is looking for something useful but may be quick to RT or share if something catches their eye.
When trying to engage a Predictable User:
- Consistently share useful and easy to share information
- Research their feed to determine the type of content they like to publish
- Make a point of pinging them regularly with content similar to what they normally share
Type #4 – The Chronic Over Sharer
If you use social media in any capacity you are well aware of the Chronic Over Sharer’s. Say for example you open Twitter on your desktop or smartphone and your entire home feed is filled with messages from that one person to the point where you have a hard time finding what other users have shared. Because of their trigger happy approach to social media there are definite drawbacks and advantages to this user type.
Drawbacks: This user will share almost anything and other users may stop “listening” to them because they can’t handle the constant influx of social shares.
Advantages: If this person is very credible, there will be a lot of people watching what they say very closely. Also, if you present them with an interesting message to share, chances are they will be open to sharing with their network.
Type #5 – The Power User
The Power User is Johnny on the spot. They’ve found the proper balance between sharing, interacting, and providing value. If you can connect with a Power User you’ve hit social networking gold.
Keep in mind that this person is looking for quality over quantity and may be harder to attract.
Attributes of a Power User:
- Large quantity of quality followers
- Possible expert in their industry
- Thoughtful and powerful social messages
A true understanding of the people that you’re attempting to connect with online will dramatically improve your chances of interacting with them in a meaningful way. A couple questions that you may want to consider when adapting your social strategy include:
- What type of user are you?
- Which user do you think holds the most value for your business?
- What are some ways you believe you can market to each user?
Image via Shutterstock.
