Okay— so you are on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and just about every other social media website. You post links to your website and share your blogs…so that’s good right? Well, sort of. In order to be successful with social media, you must know how to use it. Connecting and communicating with others is the key to being successful in social media marketing. Here are a few tips to remember next time you log in!

#1: Comment, comment, comment! Commenting is a great way to get to know others who you may not work with on a daily basis but are in the same field as you. No, you cannot just mindlessly comment on someone’s status. You have to really read what these people have to say and if they ask for feedback, give them some! Hey—if you comment and show them some support, they will most likely return the favor!

#2: Start a discussion. Have something on your mind? Talk about it! You will be surprised by how many people will respond to what you have to say.

#3: Add new people. Adding new people in your field benefits both parties. Not only will they be happy that you are taking the time to see what they are up to, but you can learn from them as well! Reading what they have to say and seeing their posts or blogs may actually stimulate your own Insurance Marketing ideas.

#4: Open up. No, you don’t have to tell the internet world your life story, but being personal and sharing experiences will allow people to see that you are not all about business and insurance marketing. People like to know that there is actually another person on the receiving end and not just a machine who pumps out links to their blogs.

#5: Help others out. Re-post, Re-tweet, Re-whatever! If you really like something, show the person! This will show your online community that you are actually reading what they post. They will be happy to do the favor too.

Social networking connects people, companies, minds, and ideas. In order to take full advantage, you must engage. There is no doubt that you will have success once you open up to the online community and expand your social network. Don’t be afraid to open up those wings and fly, social butterfly!