by Jonathan Jaeger

 

 

Begging for likes, tweets, and social media mentions of any kind has been common practice for everyone from social media “mavens” to Fortune 500 brands to starving artists. Everyone wants their share of the social sharing pie. With many Youtube sensations making a career out of asking for a subscribe or a thumbs-up at the end of every video, it is hard to ignore the allure of social media begging. As a marketer myself, I understand the power of a call-to-action and enticing a consumer, user, customer, and/or viewer to engage actively with your content. But before you jump into the world of social media begging: STOP.

Stop now. Step back and think of what your method is for asking, what you plan to achieve, and the medium you are using to achieve your goal. In the world of ad dollars, Youtube stars are looking for big numbers, in terms of views, on a regular basis to make their money and get more exposure (hence the constant ask for subscribers and thumbs-up on their videos). Just because a Youtube user does this, it does not mean it is right for an artist.

As an artist, you are most likely trying to build a long-term fanbase. You definitely do not make fans (that stick with you) by asking for constant retweets or Facebook shares. In some cases the first thing I hear from an artist is that I should like their Facebook page. That is even before they ask me to check out their music in the first place. That would be like me asking you out after meeting you at a bar before I even let you open your mouth. Sure, there is some chance you will say ‘yes’ – maybe I succeeded on account of my suave demeanor or the confidence I had when asking you out before I even knew your name, but either way it is going to come across as disingenuous or even desperate. 

From time to time I will be accused of marketing too hard. If that happens, I go the furthest away from that as possible, engaging in conversation in a more meaningful way and changing the person’s opinion of me completely. From the onset I was looking to start a conversation, not be spammy, but the way someone perceives you is not always the way that you think you present yourself. Be wary of that distinction and the medium you are using to promote yourself to others. Then ask yourself if begging for some social media appreciation is the right way to go or if there is a more viable long-term strategy.