Fiona Busfield
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My 5 social media top tips

12/20/2015

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If I am learning anything from my journey through social media, it is this: social media is a minefield, tread carefully... but not too carefully.

OK, picture the scenario, you've set up your brand spanking new and shiny profiles on various social media sites. Now what? Do you sit back and hope that someone appreciates your artistic talent or witty repartee? Do you blindly bombard those networks with content in the hope that eventually someone will listen? Read on for my top tips on making social media work for you.
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1. engage and be engaged

This is my absolute top tip! Social media can feel very much like a one-sided conversation hoping someone else will join in. But here's the thing, you can help them to do so! Your followers, fans and people in general are looking for a way to engage with you so give them just that! Ask questions, invite comments. Be social. In turn, comment on and like their posts. Trust me, it will pay dividends.
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2. FOLLOW BACK

This is a controversial one. Opinions are very much divided on whether or not it is a good plan to follow/like back. My view: I am very happy to connect with you unless there is a specific reason why I shouldn't. Certainly in the beginning, it can help. At that point, try to post content that appeals to a wider audience, not just your own niche, that way you will see more engagement. Lists, groups and circles can be used to manage your relevant following later on. That doesn't mean you shouldn't engage with all your followers/fans however. At least once a day make a point of checking in and joining in with the conversation wherever you can. Later, once you have built your following or fan base you can be more selective.
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3. think outside the box

It is all too easy to target your content at the followers you already have. Most likely though, these are your friends. family and colleagues. Keep in mind that the ultimate goal is to get your name or business out there to a wider audience. How? Post content that might appeal to a general audience or, better still, to your target market. That doesn't mean you should stop posting in your own niche, try a healthy combination of the two for optimum results.
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4. HASHTAGS

Do not underestimate the power of the humble hashtag. Use wisely and keep them relevant to the post in question. Avoid the tempation to #talkinhastagsuntilitmakesnosenseandirritatesthebejesusoutofpeople! Hashtags work across almost every social network and allow users to find others with similar interests (in other words, people likely to engage with your content). Just to illustrate, I have had a personal Pinterest account for over a year and I have a measly 35 or so followers in spite of pinning relentlessly almost every day - don't judge, I have 3 children to entertain and feed, it takes planning and inspiration! My business Pinterest account, on the other hand, has almost 90 followers after just a couple of months. Some of that is down to my use of hashtags.
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5. grow a thick skin

This tip is twofold: firstly, if you monitor your following (as I do, via Crowdfire), try not to spend hours agonising over why that particular person in your niche might have unfollowed/unliked you. Why? What did I do wrong? Forget it and move on. Keep posting and eventually you will find an audience that responds to and engages with the particular type of content you post.
Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, especially at this time of year, recognise that the world will not stop spinning if you have not posted to your social media this minute/hour/day or week. You have a life outside of work that includes family and friends. Don't miss it because you're glued to a screen.
Have you had success with different social media strategies? I would love to hear your comments, what works for you?
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so you translate... what else do you do?

11/11/2015

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Even at its most fundamental, being a translator is about so much more than simply rendering a text from language A to language B. It requires meticulous research, expert cultural knowledge and localization. But did you know that many of us also offer other services? Here are some of the more unusual language services I have provided for clients during my translation career.
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social media content ideas for november

11/6/2015

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Coming up with fresh and relevant content marketing ideas can be a real challenge for small business owners and freelancers. I'm here to help with this new monthly blog series. Settle in for my round-up of seasonal suggestions for November.

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STEPPING OUT

10/29/2015

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Hi.

To most of you, I’m a relatively new face round here. With 19 years’ professional translation experience under my belt however, I can assure you I’m not!

So why is this the first you’ve heard of me? Well let me tell you a thing or two about that.


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finding my voice

10/29/2015

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In my last post, I talked about stepping out after almost twenty years of pretty solitary working and what a daunting prospect that was. I wrote that post some time ago and only recently plucked up the courage to post it. 

Since then, I've actually stepped out quite a bit, well virtually at least!

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    Author

    Hi, I'm Fiona, welcome to my blog. As a freelance translator and working mum of 3, I've become an expert juggler of words, books and children though not necessarily always in that order!

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