Social Media Question? “It Depends” is the Right Answer!
Why do social media “experts” always say “it depends!” as an answer to every question?What the heck? Don’t they have the real answer? Well, yes, they do. But the answers usually have so many variables that you can’t get an answer without providing more details. So when they say “It Depends,” they’re not lying to you. They’re telling it from their viewpoint. Here are some examples.
Can My Post Go Viral?
Can My Post Go Viral?
Sure it can! That’s not to say that it will. But you can prepare the groundwork by doing your best writing, having a terrific image or five to go with that post, and posting at a good time. However, most posts don’t go viral! You can increase your odds with an aww-worthy cat sitting atop that widget you sell, or making it controversial, both of which might detract from your trustability. Will it go viral? It depends!
How Soon Will I See Results?
How Soon Will I See Results?
If you’re selling real estate in North Dakota, that might take longer than if you’re selling iPhone covers in Cupertino. There’s a huge range. Maybe you’ll see results after two weeks, maybe it’ll take two months. Or in some cases, two years. Again, it depends.
Where Should I Look for Content?
Where Should I Look for Content?
Who’s your audience? Do you know their age, their location, and their interests? The more you know about them, the easier it will be to answer this question. Without knowing who your audience is, there’s no way to know. And in the beginning, you may need to take an educated guess! Once you can pinpoint that audience, you’ll know more about what to post.
How Do I Make People More Involved?
How Do I Make People More Involved?
It depends! If you’ve figured out who your ideal audience is, then you’ll know what’s important to them. That information, in turn, will make your chances of getting them involved higher. Perhaps your audience isn’t the type to comment on posts, though. So your first goal might be to get a few “likes.”
What Unanswered Questions Do You Have?
If you’ve been trying to get answers, the best you might get is more questions. Leave me a question and I’ll answer it with a question! And thank you.
I hate the expression — used a lot in WordPress — but I think we can say “it depends” with some suggestions and it doesn’t seem like such a dodge.
Hi Bridget,
I know what you mean. Without the details we can’t answer the question. There is no “one size fits all” for generic questions.
Thanks for dropping by!
Carol
Hi Carol
I agree that there are no certainties in marketing.
You try a bunch of stuff. Some of it will work, some won’t. The more experienced you are, the better your chances of success. But there are no guarantees.
What’s important is to spot when something isn’t working and have the know-how to make the necessary tweaks to make it work.
That’s what I think.
Of course, it depends.
Clement
Hi Clement,
Yes, a lot of tweaks are needed, especially at the beginning of any marketing campaign. And you get better at it, as time goes by. Of course, some may make the same mistakes over and over, but hopefully not!
Thank you for all your support.
Carol
It definitely does depend! I love your examples! Providing details along with the phrase “it depends” is helpful!
Hi, Justine. People do expect an answer, and we can give them one–eventually! Once we get all the details, that is! Thank you for dropping by!
Carol
Since there are so many variables, I try to ask qualifyong questions to help provide a better answer. I’ll avoid the ‘it depends’.
Of course this gets back to the idea that you’re now providing advice and paid advice. Just ask me a general question and my answer is: it depends…. are you paying me?
Hi Robert,
So true! Yes, the quality of the answer depends upon whether they’re a client or not! Hah!
Thanks for clarifying.
Carol
In our industry we’re asked to look at the outside of a piece of equipment that isn’t running right or even not running at all. We’re then asked to quote the repairs needed. Saying it depends never seems to be an acceptable answer.
Hi Kyle,
As long as the range can be anywhere from $1 – $1 million, you should probably be safe. :D
Thanks for stopping by,
Carol