So you’ve been away from the online world for a bit.
It doesn’t matter if it was a conscious digital de-tox or your life got too busy to be on social media.
When you get back online, it can feel like you’re on the outside looking in at everyone else having fun!
It may not be as awkward as turning up to your high school formal with the same dress on as two other girls in your class – but it’s still weird.
But instead of lurking on the sidelines wondering if anyone cares or still likes you anymore, use these 3 tips to help you ease back into your online groove!
Tip 1 You don’t need to explain your absence
When you get back online (posting on social media, engaging with your community, blogging and commenting) it’s tempting to write a post explaining why you’ve been away.
But don’t feel like you have to tell the world that you’ve been off-line and that you’re back. Unless, you’re a high profile celebrity your absence may not have been noticed. And it’s your business to run in the way that works for you…no explanations are needed!
Resist the urge to say things like:
- ‘I’m back and I feel so much better that I’ve had a digital break’
- ‘I apologise for not blogging more’ or
- ‘I should have sent this newsletter sooner but I couldn’t because…’
Tip 2 Conserve your energy
Being away from the online world for a few days or weeks will give you perspective and space – to think and create.
So once you get back online, get into the habit of consciously using your energy wisely.
Use these questions to see if you’re wasting your energy:
- Am I frequently checking my social media updates to see who’s plused, liked, retweeted, commented and shared my post?
- Am I constantly scrolling on social media to see what my followers, friends, competitors and colleagues are doing and saying?
- Am I expecting instant responses to my emails?
- Am I providing instant responses to any emails I receive?
And if you’re finding it hard to stay away from social media, consider installing a productivity app that blocks websites for periods of time.
Tip 3 Go slow
Being offline for a few days, a week or a month can bring up anxieties, worries and fears – it’s common to feel like nobody wants to talk to you anymore!
Instead of scheduling a batch of posts while you wonder if anyone will read them, go slow.
Here’s a checklist you can use to slowly build up your online presence again:
- Day 1 – 3: Set aside 10 minutes, twice a day to observe what’s going on including what topics are popular and who’s saying good stuff.
- Day 3-5: Re-tweet, like and +1 and share any posts that stand out to you.
- Day 6-7: Comment on any posts that interest you.
- Day 7-14: Start to post once a day on your favourite networks – share links back to your popular blog posts or upload a photo or video that you’ve found interesting or funny
- Day 10-12: Look at who you’re following and ask yourself whether they’re adding value; find new people to follow.
- Day 13-14: Read your social media bio – if it could do with a makeover so it feels more like you, set aside some time to rewrite it.
Rejoining the online party doesn’t have to feel awkward – like you’ve worn the wrong clothes or have spinach in your teeth.
You can get involved as much or as little as you want because your online presence needs to serve you and your business.
