An essential part of social media management is blogger outreach. It might sound obvious but make sure that the bloggers you contact are actually relevant for your message. If you’re not sure whether something will fit, it’s probably sensible to err on the side of caution and not bother (most bloggers will probably hate emails that start “I know you never write about X, but I’ve got this product…”). And where do you find relevant bloggers? Get to know your bloggers and build relationships. Don’t just send a blogger a press release and hope for the best. MORE >>

And when it comes to breaking into the blogosphere or, more directly, getting bloggers to write about and engage with them, brands seem to be on one side of a canyon asking bloggers to jump on over instead of building a bridge. Consider this: 65% of brands participate in influencer marketing, or, active, direct outreach to bloggers. This typically consists of making “asks” of the blogger, things like: Do you want to take a first look at my product? Can I pay you to create custom content on your blog for my brand? And brands want in. Sometimes. MORE >>

We urgently need to rethink how we hire community managers. At the moment too many organizations, with little idea of what makes a great community manager, are hiring people who are either great at technology, have irrelevant community or social media experience, or have far too much free time.    This is a tragedy that's sabotaging their community efforts.   How are community managers being hired? Knowledge and experience might be more tangible to assess, but they have little impact upon the community being a success. Content. MORE >>

Content marketing seems to be the meme du jour. What’s most striking about this conversation remains the blind eye most bloggers have to the majority of corporate blogs, micro messages, and content initiatives that fail. According to the Content Marketing Institute, only 40% of content marketers feel their efforts are successful , and consumers have been less bullish, with only 14% trusting corporate blogs in recent years. The resources and “ how to produce &# online content argument that most online communicators discuss are accurate. MORE >>

With that comes an unavoidable attrition of your community whether in terms of growth rate or engagement. So here’s ten ways to kick start your community and. GET PERSONAL: Every blog should offer a level of intimacy that the blogger is comfortable with. MIX IT UP: As a blogger it’s very easy to get set in your way but your community likes variety. STEAL FROM THE BEST: Successful bloggers with large and consistently engaged communities are doing something right. Community Social media BloggingWhat have I forgotten? MORE >>