This article was not on my editorial calendar, but something happened today that moved me to write on this topic. I was on Facebook and I happen to stumble upon a blogger who wrote a cool article about guest posting. I really thought it was good, so I thought I’d follow her and read a little more of her stuff. This blogger’s niche is “traffic”, so she had a link today in her Facebook stream (timeline) on how to increase your Google traffic using a simple strategy.
The link was to a page on her website which then automatically opened to a video. A pretty long video all about her new “traffic course”. The video had no value. It was very much a “long form” video sales page.
That pissed me off…
First, because her post on Facebook was somewhat deceiving. It led me to believe that I was going to learn a little something. At least one small tip. NOT! It felt very old school, slick styled, marketing 101. Social media is not the place for that. I want engagement and value, and then if you want to sell me into your traffic course — fine — but tell me that’s what you’re doing!
Second, the video was long. Too long for someone not even aware that I was going to be “sold” to. I think it was about 14 minutes. I watched it because at this point I was curious.
So here’s my point…
Now I don’t really like or trust this blogger. This is the #1 reason why I won’t buy from her. It’s not that she did anything ridiculously slimy, it’s just that when I make a decision to invest my money with someone, it’s usually someone who has attempted to engage me authentically, has been crystal clear, and has given me value FIRST.
If you are going for the sale from a social media site where the expectation is “engagement”, chances are the main reason why you aren’t making any sales is because the people in your network don’t trust you.
Lisa Angelettie
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Ange Anglade says
Wow this is a good article, thank you for this article… a definite not what to do in social media..
Thanks, Lisa
Lisa Angelettie says
Thanks so much Ange:)
Dale Hill says
I know you are not generally negative, and I like that. But, this is a good anecdote from real life. You do give valuable insight from the experience. Thanks for sharing.
Lisa Angelettie says
Hi Dale,
Yes, I usually don’t write from an angry place, but I thought this was a good opportunity to use a real world example as a teaching point. Plus it really was annoying:) Tee-hee! Thanks for reading and commenting Dale.
Tawanna says
I absolutely love that you kept this short, sweet and to the point. In this fast age of media and digital life, no one has a bunch of time to read extra long articles or watch long action-less videos. Thanks for analyzing the issue and stating the problem clearly. I try to keep all my videos to less than 5 minutes but preferably 3.
Lisa Angelettie says
Thank you Tawanna. I’m with you on that one. Let’s just say what we have to say in as few words as possible and be transparent about it. Be honest.