Social Media Poll

The online/social media world reminds me a lot of iPhones – not that I own one.  But just when you decide to buy one, they decide to come out with a new and improved version, making yours obsolete.  But you just had to have it because all the cool kids had one!

In a world where MySpace used to rule the interwebs, can you blame me for being wary when it comes to bogging myself down with more online stimuli?

Here are my personal thoughts on today’s top social media forums:

Twitter.  I just don’t get it.

I don’t get the “tweets” and the “retweets” and the “twits” (actually, I don’t think that’s a term, but it’s funny nonetheless).  I’m annoyed at the hashtags when #people #hashtag #every #single #word.  What is that all about??

I’ve only ever logged in to Twitter once.   I made an account for my previous job when my boss asked me to.  I updated it once and had no idea what I was doing.  I never went back.  I found that what most people “tweeted” was really ordinary and exactly the same as what they post on Facebook.

Speaking of Facebook….

I genuinely despise it on a personal level.  On the business end of things, it has been a HUGE help for getting my name out there with all of the likes and shares and comments.  I genuinely enjoy when someone says something about a photo I’ve posted or a project I’m working on.  Interacting with “fans” is addictive and, I’ll admit, validates what I do every day.  So a big THANKS to those who interact regularly – you rock!   I worry that sometimes I overdo it and bombard people with stuff they don’t want to see on their newsfeed.  But I need to get my merchandise out there.  I run my business page on a very personal level.  I am me, this is my business, this is what I do.  Welcome 

Pinterest is a time-suck

I use Pinterest personally and just started creating boards as a business.  I like it overall, but feel it has its flaws.  Mainly, the fact that some people don’t link back to the original address.  Also, it’s an easy way to get “ripped off” when it comes to a really great project you created.  Honestly, I’ve never really checked out any other areas besides DIY/Crafts and Home Decor, but if I have to see another project made out of discarded toilet paper tubes, I’m going to gag!

Instagram is for the cats

I use Instagram, but only because I like the filters it gives you.  I don’t have an iPhone, just an iPod touch, so it makes my grainy, low quality snapshots a bit more interesting.  I don’t follow anyone because that takes too much time.  Plus, most of my pictures are of my cat.

Websites are classy

I purchased my domain name and created my website from scratch by myself.  It was the very first thing I did when i decided to take on this adventure.  It was also probably the most stressful part of starting a business for me.  I wanted it to be perfect.  I’ve also worked really hard to make sure that I’m reaching more people via SEO (Search Engine Optimization).  To me, it is super important that a business has a great looking website, not just a Facebook page.  It’s the first place I look when inquiring about a local business.  While I agree it is not the only thing you need, I feel it is imperative to looking your best!

It’s recently been brought to my attention that I should get a Twitter account.  Do you know what that means?  Not only do I have to maintain and regularly update my Facebook page, my website, and my blog (which I love), I also have to find insightful things to post on Twitter.  Do people really care that much about what I have to say?  Doubtful.

So my question – and point to this post – is what outlets of social media do you use/prefer?  Which ones do you find most helpful or interesting?  Do you think Facebook will soon be obsolete?  Please share…..