Donald Trump tweets ridiculous and controversial statements at all times of the day. However, these wild accusations and expressions have also helped him generate almost $3 billion in free media coverage. Love him or hate him, his work in social media have gotten him results.
President Barack Obama was one of the first politicians to effectively use social media to connect with an audience and raise campaign funds. However, “The Donald” found a way to find a voice, compete with his rivals and keep his campaign manager on her toes. Surely there are ways businesses could use social media to build an audience, hold conversations, improve relationships and sell. Here’s how to do it:
- Consistency – Donald Trump tweets everyday. Most of the time he has multiple tweets in a day as he goes from rally to rally. He tweeted during the Vice Presidential debates. He tweets during the night AND day. He tweets on weekends and holidays. He is always sharing his voice with his supporters. While some candidates were conservatively posting only when they wanted to comment, The Donald was holding conversations online.
- Content – Donald Trump only tweets statistics when they benefit him. That is not narcissism run amuck. He knows people don’t want to hear facts and figures in the social media world. They want quick and easy to comprehend information. You don’t have to go negative, but you do need to think about providing your audience with valuable information the way they want to receive it.
- Reality – Donald Trump is real. Some people don’t like this honesty, but it has allowed him to defeat more than a dozen career politicians with well funded groups supporting them. Some companies try to hide behind their brand, be super professional and speak in a way that makes them feel superior to everyone else. Speak online in a way that is true, genuine and (in your case) respectful.
- Creativity – Remember the happy CincoDeMayo tweet of Donald Trump eating a Taco Bowl and saying he loves Hispanics? Some Latinos found it offensive and rude. However, it did generate conversation and got people talking. Choose creative tweets with pictures, videos, Vines and infographics that catch people’s eyes and hold their attention.
- Hashtags – #LyingTed #LittleMarco #CrookedHillary These were all rude and disrespectful hashtags, but they generated conversation and galvanized millions of people to support the GOP candidate. As a business owner, hashtags are a great way to track a conversation, connect with groups and build excitement. Choose one that is memorable and understandable. #lawnmowerfun #naptownfoodie are examples of fun and descriptive hashtags that describe an emotion or action. Just remember to be POSITIVE.
I don’t know who is going to win the 2016 United States Presidential Election, but I do know who has used social media / Twitter to effectively galvanize a movement. Love him or hate him, Donald Trump has been a master social marketer. Even if your name is not on a building, a jet and a university, you can use these same principles to reduce costs, win friends and influence people.
Scientifically Speaking, of course
