We’ve all seen them, interacted with them, and shared their content.

But have you ever wondered what makes these marketing professionals so successful?

What is it about the habits, personality, and skill of a successful social media marketer that sets them apart?

Is it their social media savvy, intellect, drive, and passion?

Or maybe their willingness to keep pushing forward, even amidst setbacks?

While social media success can feel mysterious and elusive, it’s attainable for anyone.

All you have to do it take a look at the tweets and posts of successful marketers to gain an understanding into the traits that define them.

• Hardworking
• Diligent
• Focused
• Flexible

And above all else, each one is consistent in their social media marketing efforts.

Beyond that, they’ve committed to incorporating a few basic rules of thumb. These are essential principles that guide their decisions, conversations, and strategy.

If you’re ready to put your social media into overdrive and learn from those that are succeeding every day at social media, keep reading.

I promise what I have to share isn’t rocket science, but it will make a radical difference in how you ignite, inspire, and engage your audience.

Essential Principles Every Successful Social Media Marketer Follows

Now, before we dive into the principles, lets first evaluate your own use of social media. Are you using it to:

• Make a bigger impact on your audience?
• Create lasting connections?
• Build trust?
• Generate revenue?
• Grow your business?

The opportunities are endless, but only when you know the WHY behind everything you do. That’s one big secret many social media marketers won’t reveal.

That once they slowed down, looked inside their business, and got crystal clear about the W’s of social media, everything finally came together.

Identify the W’s:

• Why you’re using social media
• What you want to achieve with social media
• When you’ll use social media
• Who you’re speaking with on social media

Because then and only then is when you can strategically build your empire with the help of social media.

Below are a few simple principles that every successful marketer knows and follows daily. And the good news? You can too!

 1. Honesty is the BEST Policy

Be honest in all of your online interactions.

Whether you’re promoting a client project or tweeting a corporate partnership, always, always, always tell the truth!

If you’re upfront and clear about your intentions, you’ll never need to worry about covering your backside.

 2. Treat Others with Respect

Your social media followers and fans want to know that they’re important to you.

They also want to know that you respect their opinion. While it might differ from yours, they deserve your respect.

Let them know that you value their insight, opinion and feedback.

Take the time to respond.

Successful marketers know that if you can give people what they want, they will provide you with what you need.

 3. Make a Great 1st Impression…Every Time

While Gary Vaynerchuck might have the luxury of a fumbled first impression, most of us do not.

People are fickle, judgmental creatures.  That means you only have one chance to make a great first impression.

Showing up on social media as unkempt, scattered and downright unprofessional is not the message you want to send.

 4. Stay Present in ALL Conversations

We all have one favorite topic – us.  We love to talk about our lives, dreams, goals and plans.

What we don’t like is when someone ignores or discounts what we have to say.

Stay present in your social media conversations. Ask questions and show your interest.

There’s no greater gift to give someone than your undivided attention.

 5. Make Everything Relevant

Social media fans and followers want to know you get them.

They want to know that you’ve taken the time to understand who they are and share content that’s specific to their needs.

Be clear, concise and quick to solve the problems of anyone connected to you.

Your fans will thank you and your followers will cheer you for quality content that hits its mark every time.

 6. Ditch the Negativity

As the saying goes, you attract more bees with honey than with vinegar.

Working on your demeanor and communication skills will go a long way to improving your results.

People will remember that you were a pleasure to interact with if you provide a ray of sunshine in their otherwise dreary day.

People are attracted to cheerful people. Be that person.

 7. Enthusiastically Share Other People’s Content

Enthusiasm is not overrated hype; it is undeniably one of the most important tools in any marketers toolbelt — and it’s FREE!

Pair that enthusiasm with the power of giving and you have a win-win scenario.

Take a cue from successful social media marketers and enthusiastically share other people’s content.

 8. Stay Focused

As social media continues to evolve at a lightning pace, it’s easy to let goals get derailed.

Don’t let the latest and greatest pull your focus away from why you’re using social media in the first place.

Know what you’re looking to achieve and stay the course, no matter what.

 9. Create a Transparent Brand

Fans and followers are equipped with a built in “BS” meter. If they sense something isn’t quite right, you’ll run into one problem after another.

Trust is built over time and through actions as well as words.

Proving that you are trustworthy and reliable through a transparent and open brand is an important factor in a sustainable and mutually beneficial relationship.

 10. Pay it Forward

Successful social media marketers know that part of their success is due to their willingness to pay it forward.

They’ve tasted success and have no problem sharing it with others.

Whether it’s passing along a tip, words of wisdom or an introduction — take time daily to pay what you can forward.

 11. Find Balance

As Ann Tran says, the key to successfully balancing a robust and happy life with daily social media activity is being smart with your priorities.

Find time to step away from the computer. For one it’s unhealthy to work non-stop. Secondly, it’s a creativity killer.

Believe me, I know.

Final Thoughts

Like many things in life, there is no one-size fits all solution to social media success.

It’s up to you to test what works and identify a formula that supports business growth.

What one thing do you feel is attributing to the social media success you’ve seen?

Do it over and over again, without fail. Then begin to add others in until you start to see traction.

Once you have momentum, the sky is the limit!