He was the head of a well-respected publishing house. A man with family values and a love for good books, Michael Hyatt knew the ins and outs of working with authors. His job was what some would consider the epitome of success: a CEO and chairman.

But he craved something more.

He wanted a platform, a way of sharing messages about leadership and creating a life plan, as well as how others can achieve success like he has. And yet despite all of his success as a CEO, he didn’t have a personal brand nor a platform. His work had been done within a company, and he was known only within his field.

Michael is one of the top bloggers in the world now. His personal brand is his business and his platform is on his site and podcast. Even though you may not want to create your own products and services under a stand alone brand, I’ve got a question for you: do you really think having a personal brand is optional in our day and age?

Let me go ahead and answer this for you. NO. It’s not.

With customers becoming even more dependent on the internet to make decisions about what they buy and what companies they choose to work with, they have more options and clarity than ever before.

That scandal a business tries to cover up with PR? Nope, it’s not cutting it. Nothing can be hidden when a person can easily snap a photo and post it to Instagram with a witty hashtag. It’s not going away.

Related Free Training: How To Grow An Authentic Personal Brand

On top of this, people are making more informed decisions about what they purchase. The peer to peer business model is only just beginning, and so is crowdfunding and collaborative consumption. Customers are beginning to care more about the stuff they consume.

How does this affect your business? If you leverage Social Media and your other online platforms to show your audience what your values are-not just as a business but as a person- people will connect better with you. If you show your personal quirks, it continues to add to how people connect with you.

Steve Jobs is probably the most obvious example of a businessman with a large company that also had a personal brand. His passion for Apple and technology went hand in hand with who he was.

Richard Branson is another great example, showing his rebellious and somewhat eccentric side with no abandon. He is who he is, and he’s proud to share it with the world.

You don’t have to be either Jobs nor Branson to share your personal brand. No matter what industry you are in, no matter what size of business you have, consider showing yourself more online. Claim what you love. Share helpful content. List your quirks. I dare you.

Elizabeth Kelsey Bradley is a writer & digital strategist based in Thailand. Get more tips on growing your personal brand over at elizabethkbradley.com

Today we’re focusing on social media optimization from a content strategist’s perspective.

Content strategy deals with not only planning out what content will work best for your business and blog, but also how it should he shared through your social media networks.

I’ve spoken about the benefits of using Instagram for personal branding as well as how to make your brand stand out on Pinterest and now we‘re going to merge the overlying concepts ( photosharing, microblogging/copywriting, etc) with how to present them on each social media platform.

Here’s the deal: no matter what you’re sharing, it needs to be polished and optimized for whatever social media network you are sharing it on.

Gary Vaynerchuck is the king of context. He stresses in his talks and interviews how few people understand that each social network has a different environment and culture. Something that works on Tumblr ( gifs) may not do too well on Pinterest, or Facebook.

Every time you publish something on your site and are ready to share it through your social media networks, ask yourself:

How can I make this more Twitter friendly?

How can I make this stand out on Pinterest?

When should I post my article/promotion on my Fanpage?

How can I best promote this on Instagram in an engaging way?

After creating your content, take time to create an image, tweet, status update, hashtag that will best promote it. You can easily do this using Relaythat.com or Canva.

Images that are longer and have compelling copy that urges the reader to click through and read the entire post ( or take action) are perfect for Pinterest. Use similar copy in your description too.

While fanpages have insanely low engagement nowadays ( as well as groups and profiles), if you happen to be focusing on using Facebook as part of your social media marketing strategy, you’ll want to post around 2 times a day. Test what copy and image does the best. This will help you get to know your audience and find out what makes them click through and follow your call to action.

Snapchat and Instagram are both fun to use, but they can also be great platforms to help your followers and Ideal Clients get to know you.

Snapchat is a playful type of video messaging app that allows you to not only send messages to friends but to add content to stories that your followers ( or all Snapchat users) can see.

There are various filters available for you to use when taking photos or videos.

Regardless of which social media platforms are part of your overall social media marketing strategy, make sure to remember that context is key before you post, and to keep track of your results and click throughs so you know what’s working.

Elizabeth Kelsey Bradley is a writer and digital strategist living in Thailand. She has contributed to Matador Network, Annapurna Living, Tiny Buddha,and dozens of other publications. She regularly collaborates with Lonely Planet and has two blogs that are part of their Pathfinder Blogger network.

To find out more about her writing and digital strategy tips for Life & Health Coaches and to get access free courses, head on over to her site.

Of all the social media platforms abound, Instagram is my personal favorite.

I had long been preaching about how everyone from small store owners to large brands can use the platform to connect with customers or network, but it wasn’t until I read about entrepreneur Sue B. Zimmerman having her sales increase by 40 percent after she began using Instagram. The interesting thing about this is that her business is brick and mortar, based in Cape Cod; she had learned to leverage relevant hashtags and images to gain sales. And that is without having a hyperlink within the image description area, unlike Facebook or Pinterest.

I could wax enthusiastic about Instagram for hours, but let’s get down to the 5 reasons you need to be using the platform starting now.

Photosharing is leading the way on social media

Due to our spending ample time online, with God knows how much content being published every nanosecond, people are moving away from long posts on Facebook and blogs to what I call photosharing: sharing images ( with or without text) or short videos. Twitter and Facebook both are catching onto this trend, inspired by Pinterest and Instagram. Both are hot social media platforms to be leveraged, even if you don’t have a product based business.

Your competitors are probably on there…

As I’ve mentioned despite the fact that one isn’t able to add a hyperlink to the description area ( or at least not a clickable one) brands are seeing how important leveraging Instagram is for their businesses. Check out what brands are already on there! Can you afford to miss out on this smart phone agnostic app? I think not.

Personal branding

What are your company’s values? What makes you unique?

Instagram is the ultimate personal branding tool for any business…yes any business.

If you’re in the wellness+ yoga niche, show images from your classes.

If you sell computers, take a photo of your meetings or brainstorming sessions. Composition is key for Instagram. Make your shots count!

Scale with hashtags

Don’t go overboard with this one, as users are a wee bit sick of the hashtagorama that some stuff into their description boxes, but done strategically using hashtags can connect you with potential customers and start conversations with leaders in your industry.

Unless of course they are yet to get started on Instagram, which means you beat them to it!

Social Proof

Cultivating a large social network following and producing high quality content says something about your business. Engagement ( our favorite word over here) shows interest, and people gravitate towards companies that care about their opinions/thoughts. Having a strong Instagram following will help you gain trust and get to know your customers better.

Action Step: Decide how you want your brand to use Instagram. How much of your personality will you show? How will you show your followers your values, what your company/product stands for?

Open an Instagram account ( if you haven’t already!?) for your business and start experimenting with relevant hashtags. And read my full guide to Instagram for even more ideas so you can connect with your Ideal Clients online.

Want additional tips and useful free training ( plus exclusive content)? I’ve got some goodies for you when you subscribe to my blog. In fact, I’ll give you access to my training vault for free when you subscribe!

Pinterest is perhaps the travel industry’s least used social media platform. And yet, Pinterest remains one of the most powerful places for hotels and tourism boards to get in front of avid travelers.

Pinterest happens to be my top traffic driver for not only my digital strategy business, but my two travel blogs. My clients ( in various industries) have had the same boost in exposure too.

Because Pinterest is a visual social media network, it’s the ideal place for tourism boards and hotels to share images of their destination. It’s also a great place to connect with influencers and travel bloggers who are keen on sharing ( repinning) content.

The key to gaining traction on Pinterest is to:

+ Join travel-related group boards where you can pin your images, blog posts, and more

+ Create boards that would be of interest to your Ideal Customer/Vacationer

+ Have excellent images of your destination or hotel to share

+ Repin blog posts & photos from influencers and travel bloggers

+ Set up a business account so you have access to analytics

If you pin high-quality images and blog posts that showcase your travel brand on a consistent basis, you’ll soon gain traction on Pinterest and get in front of a wide audience of travelers interested in your destination.

Elizabeth Kelsey Bradley is a travel writer & digital strategist based in Thailand. Her work has been featured in magazines and numerous websites, and she runs Lonely Planet’s Tastes of Thailand board on Pinterest. She runs two travel blogs that are a part of the LP pathfinder network. Find out more about having her write for your site or help you with your digital strategy by going to ekbradley.net/about

Which is why I’m writing this post: I want you to feel good about contributing to Facebook groups and get the most out of them, plus learn how to create a positive, engaged one of your own…if you wish.

Let’s first begin with a story, shall we?

How #bloggingboost grew to over 20K Members

When I began pondering creating a Facebook group of my own, I had no strategy behind it. Yep, the old Social Media strategist known as moi created it with one real goal: to bring creative, holistic bloggers and coaches together.

That’s it, really.

I did think it would help grow my list. I knew it could also possibly help me grow my brand and expand my reach, but those honestly weren’t my main intentions as Pinterest has always been my focus, Social Media wise. I get most of my traffic from there, and pin to boards that have over 500K followers. It’s been effective and helpful, and I’m a certified Pinterest junkie.

Just recently I was interviewed about how I grew such an engaged Facebook group, and what tips I could give to entrepreneurs looking to do the same. What I’m going to tell you here and now is what I believe key to building a thriving community of any kind, on any platform.

A thriving, engaged Facebook group grows around a topic that already has a following or a group of people passionate about the topic.

And that was why my group probably took off: I wanted to bring people bloggers and coaches together. I wanted to create a positive, safe space for Highly Sensitive entrepreneurs, introverts, and other awesome people. That was the ‘why’ behind it.

Notice I didn’t call my group after my brand. I called it after what I wanted it to be, which is a place that helps you boost your blogging endeavors.

Because there are so many bloggers around the world, there are already thousands of people on Facebook who blog or want to blog

My group isn’t about me. And it never has been. That’s not to say though that you’re group can’t be about you and what you do, but it also needs to be about something more.

How to use Facebook groups effectively

Let’s now discuss how to get the most out of using your own Facebook group, and network in other people’s groups.

Your first goal is to read the group rules that are usually located in the pinned post at the top. This is SUPERIMPORTANT. Group owners and admins really dislike it when a new member joins and then spams ( more on that in a minute) or doesn’t abide by the group rules, and then we have to spend time deleting posts or writing the new member.

Usually groups will allow you to introduce yourself, which is your next step. Introduce yourself in a way that isn’t focused on promoting your site, but telling the other members about who you are as a person, as well as what you doand how you can add to the group.

Promotion is usually never the main focus of a Facebook group, unless the group exists mainly for the purpose of promoting your Social Media, blog posts, etc. The majority of groups ( including mine and those of my clients) are not in that category.

Most groups have been created for the sake of bringing people who share an interest or goal together.

As I mentioned, Blogging Boost was created to bring together creative, holistic people who blog together to boost eachother up. We have one day a week when members can promote their blog posts, which is on Mondays.

But wait, you ask. How do I find relevant Facebook groups in my niche, or that have my Ideal Clients?

Great question, and it’s easy friend!

1.) Head on over to Facebook.com and search for terms or topics that your Ideal Clients or peers would be interested in

ie blogging, life coaching, entrepreneurship, weightloss, etc

2.) Do a quick Google search for ‘Facebook groups for Bloggers’ or whatever your niche is

blog posts and articles will pop up and mention any relevant groups

3.) Ask others in your industry what their favorite groups are

bless all of you who say Blogging Boost!!!

4.) Ask for recommendations on Social Media

ie Tweet about it or post on Facebook

A few groups I personally am a member of?

Blogging Boost, naturally

Badass Solopreneur Society

Holistic Families

Blog + Biz BFFs

How to network

The main way you can get the most out of a group is to do the following.

1.) Be helpful

2.) Be consistent in your postings and interaction

3.) Share wins and encouragement

4.) Ask questions

The great thing about modern networking is that if you follow the above, you’re going to build relationships naturally! No more crappy networking parties. It’s all about being helpful, and letting people get to know you, and what you do.

Absolutely never spam. I know you get that, but as a group owner, I can’t tell you how often people will make promotion their main objective. Some use scheduling apps or software that autopost for them, and almost never actually engage with group members.

Your goal is engagement.

Keep in mind too that you want to be known for something, and your posts say something about you as a person, and as a coach or personal brand.

I’m a writer, Social Media strategist, and Blog Coach for Life and Health Coaches. What I post in groups is usually encouragement for coaches plus tips regarding content marketing and Social Media. I understand my clients very well, because most of my friends are coaches and I did coach training myself.

//Action steps//

Write down how you can help your Ideal Clients in the groups you are going to join, or the Facebook group you will start.

This is an abbreviated version of my post, which you can read in its entirety here.

Be Personal

Rather than making your boards all about the topics your business covers and specializes in, use your Pinterest account to show your personality and interests, as well as to pin your latest blog posts. You can still make your actual account a business one so you get access to Pinterest’s analytics, but consider making your profile photo one of you and not your logo, and maybe consider even using your name instead of your business’s, or better yet, use both! ie Lysa Jones- Global Yoga Studio or John Reilly, Freelance Writer.

Use Keywords

One of the most common issues I see on Pinterest is that users don’t fill in the description boxes of their boards, nor even write a description on pins! Using keywords allows Pinterest to see what content you’ve pinned and to show it to people searching for those keywords. Just like google friends. Optimize your boards and pins by using accurate keywords, especially for those that relate to your business.

Join Group Boards

Just starting out and have few followers? Fear not. If you’ve done the above two steps ( and continue doing them) your followers will grow. But here’s an important shortcut: join group boards related to your industry and interests. Choose those that have engagement, and ask to be a contributor. Sometimes you may need to leave a comment on the Pinboard owner’s pin, or even send them an email letting them know you want to share quality content on their board. If you get invited and it makes sense to pin your own content to it ( as opposed to merely repinning, which is what most users do) pin your blog posts and anything else that is relevant to the group’s interests.

By scheduling in time everyday to use Pinterest strategically, you’ll be impressed with the results.

Register for Pinclass, my free Pinterest marketing training here for additional ways to optimize this hot social media platform for your business.

Elizabeth Kelsey Bradley is an award-winning writer, photojournalist, and social media strategist based in Thailand. Her work has been featured on sites such as Cameron Diaz’s Our Body Book, Tiny Buddha, Vagabonding, and Raspberry Magazine. As a consultant, she works with companies around the world that need social media and content strategy and assists with personal branding. She was a featured expert on the top itunes podcast Lifestyle Architects and in The Branding Summit. You can find out more about her services at EKBradley.net

The Twitter-owned app has become trendy for good reason. Not only can you watch Andy Dick drive home while listening to Annie Lenox or ask questions with top entrepreneurs in real time, you can use the app to teach followers about your business or perspective on life. They comment, you get the chance to respond.

I was able to watch the church service at the Charleston church where nine people were shot. And I’m all the way in Asia. The touching service had most of the viewers sending hearts-Periscope’s equivalent to likes- and love-filled comments to church members and each other. This shows just how important Periscope can be for both journalists and community leaders.

Because of how user-friendly the app is plus the fact that big entrepreneurs and leaders have started promoting it means it will most probably continue to gain users from around the world.

But how do you use it for business?

First off, you could make ‘scopes’ that show who you are as a person and build your personal brand. This is my favorite way to use the app, as I enjoy connecting with people and getting to know who they are and what they stand for. My chances of purchasing from a business is higher if I know, like, and trust the owner and the person behind the brand. I’ve written before about just how integral personal branding is for the digital age, and if you agree with me, I suggest you begin doing some scopes that are personal.

Another option is to use it to educate. Teach viewers about your brand and products. Show your expertise by giving a tutorial.

And what about as a customer service tool? What an excellent way to get feedback by asking those watching your scope if they have any suggestions, question, or concerns.

In my humble opinion, I would avoid selling to your viewers. I was on one scope that began treating the scope as a sales video and it rubbed me the wrong way. A better option is to over-deliver on value. If this business had instead made a highly educational or value-filled scope and then at the end mentioned their new product I would have been more inclined to check it out. Instead, I promptly stopped watching.

What about offering a behind the scenes tour of your office or headquarters? Customers always enjoying seeing behind the scenes stuff. Even if it’s Andy Dick driving in the dark…as strange as that may be.

Did you just launch a new product line? Do a scope on it.

Hire some influencers to do a Scope unboxing your latest item.

Have a new game or movie coming out? Do a Q&A scope with the director.

Want to see how I scope? Follow me @ek_bradley and I’ll follow you back.

Elizabeth Kelsey Bradley is an award-winning writer, photojournalist, and social media strategist based in Thailand. Her work has been featured on sites such as Cameron Diaz’s OurBodyBook.com, Tiny Buddha, Vagablogging, and Raspberry Magazine. As a consultant, she works with companies around the world that need social media and content strategy and assists with personal branding. She was a featured expert on the top itunes podcast Lifestyle Architects and in The Branding Summit. Author Jeff Goins recently interviewed her on his podcast The Portfolio Life. You can find out more about Elizabeth’s services at EKBradley.net

‘ People work with people, and they will hire you if they can get a feeling of what you’re like to work with. Use your site and Social Media presence to create a feeling of who you are as a person, your values, and what you’re like to work with.’ I told him.

He agreed and slowly began adding photos of himself, so you could see his face. He proudly held his camera in the photo, giving an instant feel for his affection to photography.

This particular photographer-friend of mine also took some personal branding photos of yours truly for my sites. It was the first time he had been asked to do this, as he typically does wedding photography. It made me realize how personal branding has not yet gained the attention it deserves and that new markets ( such as personal branding photography) are still up and coming. But demand is rising.

Using Social Media and blogging to build your personal brand- regardless of what industry you’re in- will put you ahead of the curve.

As I’ve written before, personal branding is no longer something that is optional. Peer to peer is on the rise, with more small businesses competing on an international scale, using the internet. They are almost to the point where they may be able to compete with large brands if they leverage the many tools of internet marketing.

And show potential customers why they should trust and buy from them.

I recently began doing Social Media consulting and strategy with a restaurant, and suggested to the chef that he make himself more present in their Instagram photos and on Facebook. He agreed, and we did a photoshoot specifically showing his passion for cooking, and the new dishes on his menu. He was ecstatic to finally be showing his passion for cooking, not just being the behind the scenes chef but a part of the restaurant’s brand and marketing.

You can easily begin building your personal brand using Social Media by following these simple steps:

1.) Book a photoshoot with a photographer who understands personal branding or lifestyle photography

Make sure that the photos are not too corporate ( even if you are in a fortune 500 company) and that they show your interests, passions, and possibly quirks. Plan ahead of time where the shoot will take place, whether it’s in your office or home, or at a restaurant you frequent.

2.) Start a Social Media account for your personal brand

If you already have a personal account, fantastic. If not and you are mainly using your business account, consider either creating an account for your personal brand or making your business account incorporate your personality.

Remember that customers prefer seeing faces over logos, no matter how much you paid your designer to create that oh so perfect design.

3.) Use your personal branding photos in your Social Media and on your blog on a regular basis

The key to branding and Social Media is consistency. The same thing goes for expressing your personality in your business and through your Social Media. Make it consistent. Let people get to know you through your blog posts and Social Media updates by having a professional photo taken of you, or one taken with a high-quality phone camera. The latter works best for Instagram.

Elizabeth Kelsey Bradley is an award-winning writer, photojournalist, mentor, and social media strategist based in Thailand. Her work has been featured on sites such as Cameron Diaz’s OurBodyBook.com, Tiny Buddha, Vagablogging, Goins Writer, and Raspberry Magazine.

As a consultant, she works with companies around the world that need social media and content strategy and helps wellness entrepreneurs with their blogs.She was a featured expert on the top itunes podcasts The Portfolio Life and Lifestyle Architects. You can find out more about her services at EKBradley.net