It’s with the Eyes
Mitch Joel at Six Pixels of Separation has set out a challenge to put forth one social media best practice that we particularly stand behind. Chris Brogan took mine and then had the nerve to tag me.
So I moved from the ears to the eyes.
Watch What People Actually Do
Watch what people actually do — one person at a time. Spend at least an hour watching how someone uses a site you’re interested in. Note where they start, what features they use, in what order, and for how long. If you can ask them why. Then watch another the same way. Watch at least five. If it’s a site about to launch, watch new users. It’s a site, you want to learn, watch the pros.
Often what people say and what they do aren’t the same. Find the patterns and you’ll find the appeal of any site.
Now it’s your turn:
Blog it.
Link to Mitchââ¬â¢s blog
Tag it ââ¬Åsocial media marketing best practicesââ¬Â
And then tag someone else with the meme.
I tag: Drew McLellan, Toby Bloomberg, Shama Hyder, David Bullock, and Becky McCray
–ME “Liz” Strauss
Work with Liz!!
Juggling Frogs says
August 28, 2008 at 11:45 AMWhen Quicken originally came out, many, many years ago, it was the most intuitive (no pun intended) piece of software I had ever encountered.
They developed the user interface by sitting fifteen secretaries in a single horizontal line, each with a computer running Quicken. The developers sat facing the users.
Whenever someones brow furrowed, the developers would come over and ask what caused the confusion.
Ultimate Blogging Experiment says
August 28, 2008 at 11:48 AMIt is really good to watch the other users or people and what they are doing within social media. It can actually really help you decide how you are doing to get these people to come to your web site or blog.
Cath Lawson says
August 28, 2008 at 9:04 PMHi Mitch – that’s a brilliant idea. I really struggle to learn social media, so I’m going to spend a bit of time watching what others do. Thanks.
Patricia says
August 28, 2008 at 11:01 PMI am just a bundle of learning energy today – now I need to figure out how to observe someone and learn social media myself..My sense of smell told me the most information about my children and their health – but when doing an in person counseling session I pose many new questions by observing and using my eyes. How do I observe when I am so isolated? Hmmm?
ME Liz Strauss says
August 29, 2008 at 7:33 AMHi Juggling Frogs!
Thanks for bringing that up. I’d totally forgotten about the way that Quicken was tested. Yep that’s the way to do it. It’s the only way to make sure real customers get what they need. 🙂
ME Liz Strauss says
August 29, 2008 at 7:34 AMHi UBE,
I’ve learned a lot by watching power users — the biggest thing I’ve learned is that they all use the tools in slightly different ways to get the results they want. The tools serve them. 🙂
ME Liz Strauss says
August 29, 2008 at 7:35 AMHi Cath,
Mitch just suggested the meme, the advice is mine. Deep down inside you knew that. Do watch. You’ll be surprised how much faster the tools start to make sense. 🙂
ME Liz Strauss says
August 29, 2008 at 7:39 AMHi Patricia,
Artists often focus on the negative spaces. Sometimes what people don’t do and where you don’t see them is equally important. 🙂
Patricia says
August 29, 2008 at 5:26 PMLiz,
Thank you for your comment, I have now been told about the negative spaces 3 times – so I spent this morning looking at my site and my consultant’s recommendations with negative space in mind. I got several very good thoughts I will run past my web guru. I actually got 2 comments on my site yesterday – wow I felt like that was affirmation that I am moving in the right direction. FYI – I can not seem to figure out how to purchase your book – is it available on KINDLE? and do you get paid if it is? Thank you
ME Liz Strauss says
August 29, 2008 at 5:57 PMHi Patricia!
It’s the spaces that make the words. Yeah.
The easiest place to find the book is here. You’ll get to see my other blog too. 🙂
The Insider’s Guide the Conversation that’s Changing How Business Works
Drew McLellan says
August 31, 2008 at 5:18 PMLiz,
Amen to your best practice! And I gladly accept the tag. Watch for my best practice tomorrow!
Thanks for the invite and the insight!
Drew
ME Liz Strauss says
September 1, 2008 at 6:55 PMHey Drew,
And lifting folks up, as you say, is also a fine, fine thing. 🙂