The Science of Social Media

Dan Zarrella Social Media Scientist

#SMSCI

Memetics

Myth: Ideas spread because they’re good.

Myth: “Engaging in the Conversation” is the most important thing on social media.

Takeaway: “Engaging in the Conversation” doesn’t work. Publishing interesting content does.

Myth: Don’t call yourself a guru.

Takeaway: Identify yourself authoritatively.

Takeaway: Stop talking about yourself.

Takeaway: Influencers exist, but they’re not always who you expect.

Selective Attention

Takeaway: Don’t crowd out your own content.

Myth: Friday, Saturday and Sunday are bad days to publish.

Takeaway: Use contra- competitive timing.

Performance

Reputation

Social Exchange

Scarcity

Information Voids

Takeaway: Novel ideas are contagious.

Takeaway: Use social proof.

Takeaway: Write simply and plainly.

Zombies Marketing

Me

Takeaway: Utilize combined relevance.

Myth: “Please ReTweet” doesn’t work.

Takeaway: Don’t forget social calls-to-action.

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