Mark W. Schaefer is an internationally-acclaimed college educator, author, keynote speaker, and strategy consultant. He has given speeches and workshops for some of the biggest brands on the planet and is available to create a memorable and entertaining speech or workshop for his clients. With his witty and thought provoking answers, Mark displayed not only his expertise in the world of digital marketing, but also a personality with great resolve and think-out-of-the-box attitude that makes him take his work to the next level. Following are some of Mark’s achievements so far.
- Best-selling author of The Content Code
- Founder of the blog {grow} listed as one of the top five business blogs in the world
- Serves Clients of Fortune 500 Companies
- Author of the latest book Known, a personal guide to develop the best branding strategy
- author of five best-selling marketing books: Social Media Explained, Return On Influence, Born to Blog, The Content Code,
and The Tao of Twitter, the best-selling book on Twitter in the world
, The Content Code,
and The Tao of Twitter
, the best-selling book on Twitter in the worldRead the whole interview to discover some of the best content marketing advice and be enlightened!
Social Champ: Hi Mark How are you? Its a pleasure to have you on board with Social Champ. Could you briefly tell us how you started your career and became a social media celebrity? What motivated you to become such an exceptional social media blogger and influencer?
Ans. I’m pretty uncomfortable with the idea of “celebrity” but I will say that I’ve worked hard to be “known” in a way that helps me be successful! In fact, the process to do that is what my new book KNOWN is all about.
At my heart I am a teacher and to teach, you have to master your subject matter. I’ve immersed myself in the social space by blogging, podcasting, and engaging on the social platforms so I can be better teacher. I think the best leaders are teachers, and perhaps people see that in me.
Social Champ: You discussed the drawbacks of using controversial content to gain viewers’ attention in your article ‘Five reasons using controversy as a content strategy backfires’. Could you briefly tell about some constructive ways beginners could use to increase their audience size rather than relying on spamming and controversy tactics?
Ans. It’s really quite simple. To stand out you need to be original and to be original you must have the courage to add your own story to your content. You need to create a blog, video, or podcast that only YOU can create.
A simple idea but most people just re-write stuff that has been covered a million times. That won’t attract any kind of an audience. You have no competition. Nobody has your history, your background, your story. Tell the world what you think and never give your audience a reason not to trust you.
Related: Growth Hacking Tips for All Digital Marketers By Mack Collier
Social Champ: What role in your opinion do automation tools such as Social Champ, Buffer etc have to play in strengthening a marketing strategy and helping you manage social media?
Ans. There is an enormous amount of potential to use automation tools to simplify repetitive tasks. Unfortunately, the market has become flooded with marketing technology solutions without much true differentiation. I think the addition of artificial intelligence to the mix will force rapid and dramatic change in this segment.
I use a combination of martech and a human touch to maintain a very personal social media presence. And, I think that is the goal whether for an individual or a brand.
Social Champ: What is the most common mistake that you have seen people making frequently which stagnates the growth of their brand? Would you like to share a story that about any of your clients that consulted you with any such problem whom you counselled afterwards?
Ans. It’s hard to point to a common thread because I work with so many diverse brands, however I do have a concern that companies are reacting far too slowly to the dramatic changes occurring with consumer behavior. In short, social media has shifted the power from advertising to opinions, reviews and influencer recommendations. I’m not sure I even know what it means to be a brand any more when the brand image is being created and curated every day in thousands of individual posts, videos, and tweets.
One thing I know is that if you’re managing your marketing and advertising department the same way you did two years ago, you’re probably wasting a lot of money.
Related: “Create content that touches their hearts and minds”- Jeff Bullas’ Advice for Content Marketers
Social Champ: Mentors are lifelines for success. You yourself play the role of a mentor to many. We would like to know who your inspiration is that you look up to.
Ans. I have been incredibly fortunate to have had a series of wonderful (and patient) bosses throughout my career. However, I did have the opportunity to study under the famed author and consultant Peter Drucker for three years during my graduate studies at Claremont College. He is the wisest man I ever knew and there is not a week that goes by that I don’t remember his lectures and advice.
Social Champ: Okay Mark, let’s wrap it up with a rapid fire!
- Coffee or tea? ______coffee______
- Blogs or Podcasts? ______blogs_______
- Twitter or Facebook? _____Twitter______
- Snapchat or Instagram? ___Instagram_____
- Content or Infographic? ____content______
We were privileged to have you with us for this informative interview Mark! Social Champ wished you all the luck for the future and hopes to discover more insight from you on for elevating our businesses!
