Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Organic vs Rockstar Growth

If you want 10,000 new Twitter followers overnight, there are services you can use to achieve that. If you want a group of people who are interested in what you have to say and trust the content you provide to be relevant to them, then that growth will come much more slowly.

"Organic growth" is a popular term in social media, and one that everyone professes to want. Unfortunately for those with an appetite for speed, organic growth is a slow process. Like any plant or substance that is grown, it also requires thoughtful cultivation.

Social media takes time and effort to work well and produce results that matter. If you have 10,000 Twitter followers and the majority tune you out via a filtering service like Tweetdeck, that number doesn't count for much. If you have 100 followers who are excited about what you have to say, then you have a much more powerful and influential share of voice online.

Don't let yourself be intimidated by companies who seem bigger or who seem to have grown at a faster rate than you have. Most of today's online "rockstars" will last for fifteen minutes. Create a plan that allows you to stand firm for much longer.



Originally published March 2010.

9 comments:

mike steelman said...

Liene, thanks for another great post. Authenticity is key! It does take a lot longer but pays off when you keep it real. Have a great day!

Mike Steelman

Desiree Patterson said...

So true, thank you for always giving a honest perspective.

Ashley Davis said...

Regarding your own 'social media' - I'm always excited to hear what you have to say. Your posts are succinct, meaningful, well written, and often resonate with where I am in business decisions and growth. Thank you!

ever ours said...

liene,
thank you for these words. you are so right about organic growth. as a wedding blogger, somewhat new to the scene, i have my frustrations about gaining followers and keeping them coming back. i always come to your blog for help/advice. so thank you.

- lydia

Tammy said...

Thank you Lienne for your always wise posts. Very appreciated!

Leila Khalil |Wedding Publicist| Be Inspired PR said...

Such a great distinction! Thanks so much for sharing :)

Phyllis Cheung said...

Great post Liene. Thank you for always reminding us to keep it real.

deanwhitney said...

what services to people use to get 10,000 twitter followers overnight?

Kathryn said...

Just re-read this post to give myself a little confidence boost - thanks for your wise words, Liene!