ADVOCACY // using social media

The infamous question of 'what's your username?' It seems like everywhere I go or any event I attend, the conversation somehow touches on social media...whether it be the most recent news update, a family member celebrating a major life event or simply wanting to showoff a new style of clothing - everyone is at least familiar with the power social media can have in a person's life.

For me personally, I find this exciting. I was able to take a class on branding yourself (and no, not like the TV show Yellowstone or a cattle brand) I'm talking how to use your social media with purpose and a clear direction. It opened my eyes with a whole new look at how to use Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, VSCO, and beyond. It allowed me to know how I want to curate my feed as well as how to make a difference with the small following base I have. My purpose *wink* in this blog post is to share some tips I have found useful and my top media accounts that do a fabulous job of engaging with their followers.

Tip #1 :: POST, POST, POST

As I went through highschool the mindset of my friends and people I associated with was to use social media as a way of watching and imitating others rather than posting about their own lives. This always made me feel uncomfortable because it just didn't jive in my mind. As I have gotten older and have had the opportunity to rub shoulders with people outside of my little small town bubble I have been able to see various ways to share your own story. When I was in my branding class I was able to learn about algorithms and using those to your advantage. The more regularly you engage with your account the more often you will show up on your followers feed. So, simply post, share, comment on others posts anything to be an active and engaging part of social media. Don't sit back and stalk, play an active role!

Tip #2 :: BE ORIGINAL

I can not tell you how many things I see on social media that look just like everyone's else. It really bothers me because I have never been able to follow (cue The Long Way Around by Dixie Chicks ;). I enjoy doing things my own way, in my own time and with my own creative touch. I think it is so vital for individuals to use their own creativity when curating their feed. It will allow for them to have confidence in what they are sharing as well as to have their own 'touch'. I encourage you to make a inspo/mood board with pieces that inspire you, use it to get your creative juices flowing. I do it all the time and love it to help see what I really love and want to share.

Tip #3 :: USE STORIES TO YOUR ADVANTAGE

Quick snapshots are a perfect and easy way to engage your audience. Stories are fun for followers to watch because they are only 15 seconds of their time and can provide them with simple inspiration as well as direct them to various sources. I love stories and post on my mine almost everyday. I try and plan mine ahead for the week so I don't overload people. This is an easy step to take for yourself and will be fun for you as the 'poster' to see what your audience engages with the most. I host an Ag Fact Friday where followers can learn a quick fact about the agriculture industry by participating in a one question quiz. I have loved seeing how many people engage with it each week. It makes me feel good knowing that people are having even a small engagement with ag once a week.

Along with sharing a few social media tips I also wanted to share my favorite agriculture/lifestyle accounts to follow on social media. I will share the username and profile of each account below:

@AGTEACHERHOWTOS

@FAITHFAMILYANDBEEF

@AG_PROUD

@RFDTV

@NEWMEXICOMILKMAID

@MISSMILLERS_PHOTOGRAPHY

@FLORETFLOWER

@LETTIE.MCKINNEY

@AGDAILYMEDIA

@BALLERINAFARM

@THE.FARMGIRL

@NATALIEKOVARIK

@HASHTAGRANCHLIFE

@FLYINGSPADECO

@GMOANSWERS

@THEPIONEERWOMAN

@USDAGOV

@MILLENNIALFARMWIFE

I hope you will take the time to check out at least one of these accounts on the 'gram' and take the time to scroll through their feed. They all ooze goodness and will definitely add some positive vibes to your life!

Thanks for reading

*tips ball cap from the tractor seat*