What Defines A Social Media Expert

Short answer: Do you know how to use online tools such as Facebook and Twitter? If you answered yes, then you can call yourself an “Expert” and you can give yourself a pat on the back.

One site defines “Social Media” as:

Software tools that allow groups to generate content and engage in peer-to-peer conversations and exchange of content (examples are YouTube, Flickr, Facebook, MySpace etc)

Dictionary.com Defines “Expert” as:

a person who has special skill or knowledge in some particular field; specialist;

So, let me rephrase my short answer question.  Do you have knowledge in websites or tools that engage in conversations and exchange content?

Social Media Can Be A Part Of Marketing

Social Media has turned into a world phenomenon and the vast majority are using it.  This is why it’s a great avenue to use for marketing yourself and product.  The only way to sell something is to put it out there for people to see and why not go to places that people congregate?  But, if you are going to do it, you have to know how to market to the masses and build a sales funnel.

Marketing is about broadcasting a message about your product or service and converting your message into potential clients.  This is the area that some people and companies need help with and don’t know how to do this tactfully.

Spreading your message to the world can be tricky.  People take things the wrong way all the time.  You can attempt to sell halos and people will think you are from the devil if you don’t transmit your message the right way.  This is where you need a Marketing Expert. It might be a little easier to determine who is a marketing expert and who isn’t, just check their credentials or wall.  Do they have a college degree hanging there?  There are actual college courses for Marketing by major universities unlike for the title of Social Media Expert.  But, even some people just have a knack for marketing and perform really well without a degree.  Track record is the key.

Look For A Marketing Expert With Social Media Skills

Where self proclaimed social media experts sell you on is the ability use social media tools to make you money.  This is backward thinking in my opinion.  But not to blame the “social media expert” for phrasing it this way when they are selling you because Social Media is the buzz these days.  It’s the hot topic of choice.  The business owner is the one that has his/her thinking and mindset backwards.

Why find a guy/gal who knows how to use Facebook and Twitter to broadcast to 1000′s but he/she has no marketing skills?  In the end this can really screw you.  You, the business owner, should FIRST find a great marketing agent that has a proven record THEN ask if they have social media skills NOT the other way around.

Dumb Down The Title

I’ll probably get some flack from self proclaimed Social Media Experts out there because, in essence, I’m dumbing down a title they have made a lot of money with.  But something has to be done with all the “Sign Up Here For a Free E-Book” sites that promises so much and delivers nothing after you actual buy something.  Yes, there are some out there that really do deliver but the ratio of bad to good people is really out of whack and is tainting the industry.

So, if you are looking to have a larger social media presence for your company or product, find yourself a Marketing Expert with social media skills.  Your message will come through a lot clearer.

Tagged as: Business, expert, marketing, social media

Article by Joe Porter

Joe has written 30 articles for joeporter.me

I love people, websites, tech & business and everything in between.