An Introduction to Social Media Growth Hacking
This week #ContentChat was joined by Neal Schaffer (@nealschaffer) who gave us a preview of the topic he’s exploring in his latest presentation and upcoming e-book, An Introduction to Social Media Growth Hacking.
Q1: What is growth hacking, and how is it different from traditional marketing?
A1) Growth hacking is a fickle beast that requires a lot time & patience to make it work. Finding ways to gain followers/reach #ContentChat pic.twitter.com/kL3qgYn9cA
— Jason Schemmel (@JasonSchemmel) February 13, 2017
#ContentChat Disclaimer: I am by no means what one would consider a true growth hacker. However, after working with clients in social (ctd.)
— Neal Schaffer (@NealSchaffer) February 13, 2017
.@SFerika A1: Growth hacking is an experimental marketing effort to find the most effective strategy. #ContentChat
— Stephanie Zatyko (@ExperianDQSteph) February 13, 2017
a1 Growth hackers are mostly marketers that focus on building engagement with brands. #contentchat https://t.co/DC5ihdrEsE
— Debi Norton (@BRAVOMedia1) February 13, 2017
@SFerika *growth hacking* finding the most effective and fastest ways to grow your business #contentchat
— Josephine Borrillo (@70mq) February 13, 2017
(ctd.) #ContentChat Disclaimer: I have realized that a different mindset can yield you drastically different results in social, (ctd.)
— Neal Schaffer (@NealSchaffer) February 13, 2017
A1: Taking a look at the bigger social media picture by observing trends across platforms and determining effective strategies #ContentChat
— Venture Icon Media (@VentureIcon) February 13, 2017
(ctd.) #ContentChat Disclaimer: This mindset I have labeled “Social Media Growth Hacking” and today is the 1st day I am introducing it!
— Neal Schaffer (@NealSchaffer) February 13, 2017
A1) I’ve come to ignore buzzwords and define what they mean to only myself: so…. efficiency in hitting bottomline mktg goals #contentchat
— Harry Hayward (@Harroldhino) February 13, 2017
@SFerika A1 Often, “growth hacking” is looking for a shortcut or trick that will grow your following. #contentchat
— Martin Lieberman (@martinlieberman) February 13, 2017
A1: Growth hacking is a strategy utilizing creative & unconventional means to get exposure without spending a lot of money. #contentchat
— Indigo Evolution (@indigoevstudio) February 13, 2017
A1: creatively utilize SEO, social marketing, analytics and testing to quickly optimize and grow their online presence. #contentchat
— Indigo Evolution (@indigoevstudio) February 13, 2017
A1: #GrowthHacking is a mindset not limited to marketing that will do anything (think “hacking”) to achieve (user) growth. #ContentChat
— Neal Schaffer (@NealSchaffer) February 13, 2017
@SFerika @NealSchaffer Hi everyone! A1: I think growth hacking is a strategy that takes a different spin on marketing #contentchat
— Robert Jones Jr. (@rjmajorjr) February 13, 2017
a1b Growth hacker is a buzz word for Digial Marketing #contentchat
— Debi Norton (@BRAVOMedia1) February 13, 2017
A1 In other words, the #growthhacking process can be used to both define and promote the product. #ContentChat
— Neal Schaffer (@NealSchaffer) February 13, 2017
A1 So it’s hard to compare #GrowthHacking and traditional marketing because they are two different things. #ContentChat
— Neal Schaffer (@NealSchaffer) February 13, 2017
A1 I am so hoping this makes sense because this is a DEEP topic that is hard to communicate in 140-character spurts 😉 #ContentChat
— Neal Schaffer (@NealSchaffer) February 13, 2017
@jennica_va I went looking for a definition earlier today. Found this infographic:https://t.co/RenSkD7Rm3. #contentchat @SFerika
— Jason Webb (@JasonLWebb) February 13, 2017
Oh, I initially thought that #growthhacking is a subset of marketing. I didn’t imagine them as 2 different things. #ContentChat https://t.co/Mt2Nww0m5g
— Jennica Collado (@jennica_va) February 13, 2017
A1: 1. People: Traditional marketers are cost effective, Growth Hackers tend to be more creative & skillful #contentchat
— Indigo Evolution (@indigoevstudio) February 13, 2017
A1: 2. Approach: G.H.’s make the product what the customer would like – T.M.’s create a product & advertise to a niche #contentchat
— Indigo Evolution (@indigoevstudio) February 13, 2017
A1: Funnels: T.M.’s don’t have defined funnels – they focus on brand awareness. G.H.’s keep funnels in the forefront #contentchat
— Indigo Evolution (@indigoevstudio) February 13, 2017
A1 Good marketers wring most effectiveness out of every budget dollar. Use every advantage they have. @NealScaffer #contentchat
— HeidiCohen (@heidicohen) February 13, 2017
Q2: Why should we consider applying growth hacking to our social media marketing plans?
A2: It’s important to create a loyal following/social media presence for your brand and often comes through growth hacking #ContentChat
— Venture Icon Media (@VentureIcon) February 13, 2017
A2: Social media marketing = inherently ripe for growth hacking because it has matured and is not in itself innovative. anymore #ContentChat
— Neal Schaffer (@NealSchaffer) February 13, 2017
A2. It ensures a greater reach than traditional marketing #ContentChat
— Khulekani Mjwara (@KhulekaniMj) February 13, 2017
A2: allows you to build a broad audience in a short amount of time & you do not need a large budget #contentchat https://t.co/cJQiLBBRI1
— Josephine Borrillo (@70mq) February 13, 2017
A2: Social media has become a great way to get your content noticed and you need to be able to effectively grow your audience. #ContentChat
— Express Writers (@ExpWriters) February 13, 2017
A2 Consider social media marketing history: Began with PR saying we need a presence, then marketing, & now social business. #ContentChat
— Neal Schaffer (@NealSchaffer) February 13, 2017
@VentureIcon many brands use growth hack style #Marketing to gain the awareness they can’t afford with ad budgets #contentchat pic.twitter.com/tOCQZiMAeZ
— Vishal Rose👾 (@Vishal_Rose) February 13, 2017
A2. You can target a larger audience, therefore, growing your business #ContentChat
— Khulekani Mjwara (@KhulekaniMj) February 13, 2017
a2 Growth hacking is about engaging users combining traditional marketing & analytical skills with content mkting .#contentchat https://t.co/ruKFv57IZn
— Debi Norton (@BRAVOMedia1) February 13, 2017
A2: Social media marketing 4 many has become static operation of editorial calendars, content creation, listening & reporting. #ContentChat
— Neal Schaffer (@NealSchaffer) February 13, 2017
@SFerika @NealSchaffer A2: it’s easier on the budget and you can still engage with users with your content #contentchat
— Robert Jones Jr. (@rjmajorjr) February 13, 2017
Becoming static takes the personality out of social, I think. Without personality, it’s not really social. #contentchat https://t.co/0QxSszbK3H
— Jason Webb (@JasonLWebb) February 13, 2017
A2: Because it focuses on driving traffic that leads to conversions #contentchat
— Indigo Evolution (@indigoevstudio) February 13, 2017
A2: Because it focuses on driving traffic that leads to conversions #contentchat
— Indigo Evolution (@indigoevstudio) February 13, 2017
A2: In other words, unless you’re truly #socialmedia #growthhacking , you’re not Maximizing Your Social! (pun intended 😉 #ContentChat
— Neal Schaffer (@NealSchaffer) February 13, 2017
A2] Before you build audience on #socialmedia know your mission for using it. Ask “Do I really need this?” #contentchat
— HeidiCohen (@heidicohen) February 13, 2017
A2: Unlike traditional marketing, which focuses on attention grabbing, growth hacking revolves around the numbers. #contentchat
— Indigo Evolution (@indigoevstudio) February 13, 2017
A2 I’ve always taught that social media = 1 grand experiment, so tests similar to what r part of #growthhacking are easy to do. #ContentChat
— Neal Schaffer (@NealSchaffer) February 13, 2017
A2] As a marketer, especially one focused on #contentmarketing–understand that #socialmedia is more than promotion #contentchat
— HeidiCohen (@heidicohen) February 13, 2017
A2: I think blending traditional principals with new engagement ideas keeps your voice on social fresh and innovative #contentchat https://t.co/e3dzi34RmQ
— MJ (@MegJagnow) February 13, 2017
A2: Approach social with a #growthhacking mindset by equipping yourself w/ both business objectives & experimental tests. #ContentChat
— Neal Schaffer (@NealSchaffer) February 13, 2017
Q3: How do you apply growth hacking in a social media marketing context?
A3: 1. Start with the Headline: Make a bold claim, be outrageous and attract attention. #contentchat
— Indigo Evolution (@indigoevstudio) February 13, 2017
A3: 2. Use Infographics: Create an effective infographic that would be of interest to your target market and then break it down #contentchat
— Indigo Evolution (@indigoevstudio) February 13, 2017
@SFerika A3. Add Chocolate and some wit, tweet, repeat
— Glenn Mueller (@Dr_Chockenstein) February 13, 2017
@SFerika Q3.Focus on strategies that involve awareness KPI’s to bring the most eyes to your presence,then let the funnel begin #ContentChat
— Vishal Rose👾 (@Vishal_Rose) February 13, 2017
A3: Using hashtags, connecting with clients, supporting industry leaders, creating original content and participating in #contentchat
— Venture Icon Media (@VentureIcon) February 13, 2017
A3: I guess using what works best on social media like videos, images sharing entertaining content #contentchat https://t.co/oHeRNki5on
— Josephine Borrillo (@70mq) February 13, 2017
A3: Be willing to test and see what works best for your brand and your audience. Monitoring your analytics is key! #ContentChat
— Express Writers (@ExpWriters) February 13, 2017
A3: 3. Think About Sharing Potential If information cannot be shared, it shouldnt be considered in growth hacking #contentchat
— Indigo Evolution (@indigoevstudio) February 13, 2017
A3] Be a real person on #socialmedia –Sounds funny, especially if you represent a business but it’s true #contentchat
— HeidiCohen (@heidicohen) February 13, 2017
Audience engagement! #ContentChat https://t.co/6X2StMkfI7
— Kelly Grosfield (@KellyGros_) February 13, 2017
a3 B4 the buzzword growth hacker it was about the Internet Strategy. Social revolves around strategy. How to reach targeted aud #contentchat https://t.co/FZF55t89Bl
— Debi Norton (@BRAVOMedia1) February 13, 2017
@SFerika a3. use #socialmedia in 2 ways…1.learn what creates growth
2.amplify what works through the channels #contentchat— Bobi Robson (@_BobiRobson) February 13, 2017
A3: I’m in the middle of writing an ebook on #socialmedia #growthhacking , so here is a preview of some of the concepts. #ContentChat
— Neal Schaffer (@NealSchaffer) February 13, 2017
A3: i use data to inform decisions for our specific audience. We try new things, & use engagement data to move forward #ContentChat https://t.co/pEcmoJwbkO
— MJ (@MegJagnow) February 13, 2017
A3] Determine who the key influencers are in your niche–then pay-it-forward. Follow them & support their content. #contentchat
— HeidiCohen (@heidicohen) February 13, 2017
@SFerika @NealSchaffer A3 I’m a student at this, I would say to scan the landscape, see where the users are, and focus there #contentchat
— Robert Jones Jr. (@rjmajorjr) February 13, 2017
A3: #GrowthHacking often involves product development, so social media in itself can be your extended focus group 4 ur product. #ContentChat
— Neal Schaffer (@NealSchaffer) February 13, 2017
YES! Clickbait headlines may earn you a click, but they won’t fall for it again… or come back. #ContentChat https://t.co/I7VyNnLS3l
— Erika Heald (@SFerika) February 13, 2017
A3 For instance, not sure of your #branding ? Do various variations of social ads to your target demographic for feedback. #ContentChat
— Neal Schaffer (@NealSchaffer) February 13, 2017
A3 I consider “Leveraging the Other” in its entirety a type of #socialmedia #growthhacking . #ContentChat
— Neal Schaffer (@NealSchaffer) February 13, 2017
@SFerika Same with #ReplyBait. If you’re going to ask people questions, you should care about the replies! #contentchat
— Martin Lieberman (@martinlieberman) February 13, 2017
A3 “Leveraging the Other” = leveraging others for your marketing: #employeeadvocacy , #brandadvocacy , #influencermarketing #ContentChat
— Neal Schaffer (@NealSchaffer) February 13, 2017
@MegJagnow @JS_insidepitch Oh, sigh. Auto-list growing is the WORST. I hate getting added to 20 lists when I use some hashtags. #contentchat
— Martin Lieberman (@martinlieberman) February 13, 2017
growth hacking use various types of marketing iterations—rapidly testing content, email mkting, SEO & strategies to grow brands #contentchat https://t.co/co7LfhUpdS
— Debi Norton (@BRAVOMedia1) February 13, 2017
Clickbait is like fishing with fake worms, but the fish will never forgive you. https://t.co/TY5LZRPlD8
— Dennis Shiao ⛷ (@dshiao) February 13, 2017
Q4: What are some social media growth hacking examples?
The best growth “hack” is to be yourself and #JustBeSocial. If people care about YOU, they’ll care about whatever you share. #contentchat
— Martin Lieberman (@martinlieberman) February 13, 2017
A4: The viral YouTube video sensation #contentchat
— Indigo Evolution (@indigoevstudio) February 13, 2017
A4] Best examples of growth hacking start with high quality content=> @Upworthy https://t.co/0itazs6b0C #contentchat
— HeidiCohen (@heidicohen) February 13, 2017
A4 Counter-example: I dislike the “blind following” of hundreds of users, just to get a follow-back. #contentchat
— Dennis Shiao ⛷ (@dshiao) February 13, 2017
A4: Great Article from @Forbes about Social Media Growth Hacks https://t.co/OBVuOjXo3D #contentchat
— Indigo Evolution (@indigoevstudio) February 13, 2017
a4 I’d say Twitter Chats are an example of growth hacking – growing target audience w/ engagement #contentchat https://t.co/aLuJzQtUdl
— Debi Norton (@BRAVOMedia1) February 13, 2017
@darcydeleon @martinlieberman Nothing beats an authentic confident human being who cares about enriching lives ie. #contentchat squad pic.twitter.com/NezJ3RBUDX
— Vishal Rose👾 (@Vishal_Rose) February 13, 2017
A4: Major social media platforms looking at who you follow to stimulate ads and suggestions you’d be interested in #ContentChat
— Venture Icon Media (@VentureIcon) February 13, 2017
Yep. I know of some accounts who’ve followed, unfollowed, followed me over 6+ months 🙂 https://t.co/GaTi7fZHap
— Dennis Shiao ⛷ (@dshiao) February 13, 2017
A4] Best way to achieve #growthhacking goals is doing the hard work of creating an amazing product & quality content #contentchat
— HeidiCohen (@heidicohen) February 13, 2017
A4 Hotmail’s use of an auto-appended signature file suggesting you join is often cited as 1 of the most effective growth hacks. #contentchat
— Erika Heald (@SFerika) February 13, 2017
A4] #GorwthHacking =>Amazing #contentmarketing handbook by @Priceonomics https://t.co/2E8ftXPh4u #contentchat
— HeidiCohen (@heidicohen) February 13, 2017
A4 #socialmedia #growthhacking example: 1 of my clients used social to develop targeted audience to test market new services. #ContentChat
— Neal Schaffer (@NealSchaffer) February 13, 2017
A4: the best growth hacking example is just to have relevant and interesting content #contentchat https://t.co/gAXaXk70II
— Josephine Borrillo (@70mq) February 13, 2017
A4 In same client, 99% of their content was curated. #ContentCuration is a great example of #socialmedia #growthhacking . #ContentChat
— Neal Schaffer (@NealSchaffer) February 13, 2017
A4 But it’s not just curating content at a tactical level. It fits into the entire business objective is what counts. #ContentChat
— Neal Schaffer (@NealSchaffer) February 13, 2017
It’s really funny when they also do an auto-DM or @ mention when you follow them back. Thus you can see it in action. #ContentChat https://t.co/rNWchTv5Oh
— Erika Heald (@SFerika) February 13, 2017
a4) #contentcuration is an efficiency play(for some) so I’d bucket that into an example of growthhacking
#contentchat— Harry Hayward (@Harroldhino) February 13, 2017
The worst – yet those folks now have 20 to 30k more followers using that “hack”. #contentchat https://t.co/PZ7bcPtvpH
— Chris Barrows 🎙 (@CBarrows) February 13, 2017
@Greencognito @dshiao Agreed. It is a bummer when you get the auto-canned DM after following someone. #ContentChat https://t.co/hdKsIZHN6g
— Erika Heald (@SFerika) February 13, 2017
@CBarrows Yeah… 🙁 A good reminder that a large number of followers doesn’t mean an engaged following. #ContentChat @dshiao https://t.co/rv3FDjaWik
— Erika Heald (@SFerika) February 13, 2017
@KhulekaniMj @SFerika @JoysOfMercy @dshiao oh I hate auto DMs with the heat of a thousand suns! 🙂 #contentchat
— Paula Kiger (@biggreenpen) February 13, 2017
@SFerika The thing is – you or I – get better actual TARGETED reach – then any with “massive fake followers” @dshiao #contentchat
— Chris Barrows 🎙 (@CBarrows) February 13, 2017
@SFerika They may look good, be verified – but they provide zilch in value @dshiao #contentchat
— Chris Barrows 🎙 (@CBarrows) February 13, 2017
Q5: What are some recommended tools or resources for taking a growth hacking approach to social media?
A5 Trying something completely new (yourself), then blogging about lessons learned. #contentchat
— Dennis Shiao ⛷ (@dshiao) February 13, 2017
A5] My favorite #socialmedia tool is always a blog! #contentchat
— HeidiCohen (@heidicohen) February 13, 2017
A5: Keeping track of your analytics is so important! We use @TailwindApp and @RivalIQ to see our results 😀 #contentchat
— Venture Icon Media (@VentureIcon) February 13, 2017
A5] Best list of #socialmedia tools EVER via @CMIContent & @AaronOrendorff https://t.co/Kak0wjegOW #contentchat
— HeidiCohen (@heidicohen) February 13, 2017
A5: I love using Click To Tweet: used this in a recent launch by asking new users to share the product & got amazing results #contentchat
— Indigo Evolution (@indigoevstudio) February 13, 2017
A5 My favorite social media tools is one’s brain 😉 #ContentChat #SeriousAnswer
— Neal Schaffer (@NealSchaffer) February 13, 2017
A5 I don’t think any true resource for #socialmedia #growthhacking exists which is why my next ebook will be on the subject. #ContentChat
— Neal Schaffer (@NealSchaffer) February 13, 2017
A5: I use this as well! It’s been great for employee engagement #contentchat https://t.co/PhD32VZ5ga
— MJ (@MegJagnow) February 13, 2017
a5 buzzsumo & paying attention to people who are doing an exceptional job at it! #contentchat https://t.co/Z93pUVtjzD
— Debi Norton (@BRAVOMedia1) February 13, 2017
A: My go to email builder is @ConvertKit and @Leadpages #contentchat
— Indigo Evolution (@indigoevstudio) February 13, 2017
A5 You should also learn more about PDCA and its application 2 #socialmedia in Maximize Your Social https://t.co/rX0LVA8eJy 😉 #ContentChat
— Neal Schaffer (@NealSchaffer) February 13, 2017
@indigoevstudio Giving 1st talk on #socialmedia #growthhacking @ #smmw17 in Mar – after that will b on https://t.co/wKZUxlsDBV #ContentChat
— Neal Schaffer (@NealSchaffer) February 13, 2017
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