How To Use Social Media as a Networking Tool
Hi change-makers,
Would you believe me if I told you I got my start as a public relations freelancer by sending direct messages through Instagram? Most of the time, sending an Instagram DM to a potential client has taken me to the next step, which is coordinating a discovery call to learn more about their business goals and how I can help support those goals through my work in PR and social media.
I’ve gathered three quick tips for using social media to network and land new clients:
Show your support. Follow content creators, entrepreneurs, thought leaders and people that you genuinely enjoy learning about and support their work. Be a cheerleader for their platform and accomplishments but don’t over do it.
Do your research. Learn about their business by doing your research on their website, social media pages, YouTube videos and always remember to also do a general Google search.
Send that DM. Reach out via private message, share a brief introduction and overview of the type of work you do and ask for an email to share more information if they’re looking for someone to help consult their business. Here’s a template you can use:
“Hi [first name]! [Insert how you know about them - e.g. I heard you speak at XYZ conference, I learned about your work when you did an Instagram takeover on the XYZ account, etc.] I am inspired by your story, thank you for sharing it. I have a background in XYZ and I’m currently looking for projects to freelance. I’d love to share more information via email, if you’re looking for someone to support your work. Either way, I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks again!”
You’ll never know until you ask, so ask for what you want and shoot your shot. Please remember to authentically build up to this ask by supporting and most importantly, learning about the prospective client’s business before you reach out. Showing that you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested in supporting their business speaks volumes. From my personal experience, I have expanded my networking using Instagram as a platform to collaborate with other multicultural entrepreneurs. By sending an Instagram DM using the exact template I shared above, I landed my first paid client! As part of this partnership, I helped my client land their first-ever PAID brand collaboration and an incredible feature on Forbes. It all happened because I sent that initial DM!
As you can see, if I can do it, you can do it too. Test this strategy yourself next time you find yourself admiring another entrepreneur’s work. I’d love to hear your wins (and also failed attempts…we’re all learning and it happens), so send me a message on Instagram. You’ve got this!
Hasta la próxima,
Rosa E. Pruneda
Photography credit: Tiffany Perry Photography
Author Bio
Hey there! I’m Rosa. I’m a public relations, social media and influencer marketing consultant on a mission to connect multicultural entrepreneurs to opportunities that elevate their voices and highlight their empowering stories.
On the Rosa E. PR blog, you can find me talking about public relations, social media and influencer marketing.
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