You “Like” Me, You Really Don’t Like Me

There has been much discussion and debate over the value of a “like” on Facebook or a follow on Twitter.  This speculation is pointless because the value depends entirely on the way a new follower is acquired and that can happen any number of ways.  People (mostly bands and musicians) often ask me how to get more followers on Facebook and Twitter, even though I only have a small amount myself.  I think they are hoping for some magic answer and I cannot say that I blame them.  Wouldn’t it be nice if we could just click a few buttons and everyone started listening to what we were trying to say? 

The short answer is that there is no simple way to go out and get followers other than by continually creating and releasing content that people value and want to keep up-to-date with.  The long answer is that by doing anything other than this you will greatly water down the value of your average “like” or follower and be communicating with the wrong people, or in some instances no one at all.

How can you devalue your “likes” or follows?  It is much easier than you might imagine.  I will go through the list starting with the more obvious actions and progressing to things that seem innocuous but can be hurtful to the relationship with not only your fans but also your friends and family.

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