CMOs Who Do Not Use Social Media?

Ah, the Chief Marketing Officer. The modern-day marketing superhero of the tech industry. These people are responsible for taking a company's brand and making it shine brighter than the sun. And with social media, especially LinkedIn, being one of the most effective marketing channels, it's no wonder that tech CMOs need to be active on social media.

With the?average tenure?of CMOs at 3 years and 4 months, many may be playing in overtime or getting to the fourth quarter of their contest. Either way, they may be one post (or one missing post) away from their next gig.

Why, you ask? Well, let me tell you.

Social Media is the Land of the People, Not Your Fellow C-Suiters

Your people congregate on social media platforms, especially tech clients, employees, and your expanded community. They are where individuals spend an average of 2 hours and 24 minutes daily. That's a lot of time scrolling, tapping, and swiping. People who command the purse strings over millions of dollars of budget resources. Social media is where clients search for questions and answers for their problems and opportunities, stay up-to-date with the news, and learn about products and services.

As a CMO, you want to be where the people are. You want to be in the mix of conversations, sharing insights, and engaging with potential customers. Being active on social media shows that you understand your audience and can speak their language.?

Social media is where you are the face of your company.?

Your CMO Credibility is at Stake

70%?of consumers say they are more likely to trust a brand whose CEO is active on social media. If the CEO is involved, the CMO should be, too. However, a CMO needs to be more visible than a few pictures on the company-sponsored golf outing or racecar event.?

Time to shift that ego into low gear, please.?

Use social media to build your credibility in your space. Have an opinion that makes people want to do business with you. Paid Wall Street Journal articles and glamour shots don't cut it in today's layoff environment. That is too produced. Not authentic.

Your clients want to feel like they're doing business with real people, not faceless corporations. Smart people. People with an opinion. By being active on social media, you show that you're approachable, knowledgeable, and willing to engage with customers.

If you are not part of the conversation, then you are not on the mind of your clients leading the discussion.

But what happens when you're not active on social media? Or if only your assistant is posting for you. Well, your credibility takes a hit. The industry community knows it's not you. They know when your PR team or communications director orchestrates your posts. If this is your strategy, your clients may see you as out of touch or uninterested in engaging with them. They may think you are posing. If you pose in this vital communication channel, will you pose with your proposal promises? And in today's competitive world, where reputation is everything, that's not a good thing.

You're Missing Out on a Huge Opportunity if You Are Not on Social Media, Especially LinkedIn

Social media platforms are a goldmine for CMOs. According to?Statista, there are over 4.2 billion active social media users worldwide. That's a lot of people. And with social media algorithms being what they are, it's easier (or harder if you do not know what you are doing) than ever to get your message in front of the right people.

Not being active on social media means you're missing out on a massive opportunity to reach potential customers. You're leaving money on the table. And in the tech industry, where innovation and differentiation are the names of the game, you can't afford to let opportunities pass you by. It may cost you your job.

7 Ways CMOs Should Be Using LinkedIn

1. Building a robust personal profile: Your LinkedIn profile is your reputation's destination, and it's the first thing people will see when they search for you. It's the first thing that shows up on a Google search! Did you know LinkedIn members with complete profiles are?40 times?more likely to receive opportunities through LinkedIn? So, make sure your profile is complete and highlights your expertise.?
2. Sharing thought leadership content: As a tech CMO, you're a thought leader in your field. So, share your insights and opinions on industry topics by publishing articles on LinkedIn. Did you know that LinkedIn's publishing platform has over 2 million posts per day? And only?1%?of people post, so whatever you do, it will stick out.?
3. Engaging with industry peers: LinkedIn is a great platform to connect with peers, media, employees, and clients to build relationships. So, make sure to participate in groups, follow industry influencers, and engage with your peers.?
4. Creating and sharing video content: Video content is the most powerful way to showcase your company's products and services and promote your personal brand. Did you know that LinkedIn native video posts have a?3x?higher engagement rate than traditional image or text posts? So, you should use your company's resources to create more killer videos to present your point of view.
5. Building a network of advocates through online connection points, like webinars: Your colleagues, customers, and industry peers can be your greatest advocates on LinkedIn. Did you know that?73%?of B2B marketers believe webinars generate leads and sales effectively? What a great way to get involved directly with your client base.
6. Sharing company news and updates: LinkedIn is a great platform to share company news and updates, such as product launches and new hires.?
7. Engaging with employees: Engaging with your employees on LinkedIn can help you showcase your company culture and recognize team members' accomplishments. Did you know that LinkedIn has over?16 million?active job listings??

You Can Build Your Personal Brand

As a CMO, you're the face of your company. And by being active on social media, you can build your personal brand. You can share your thoughts and insights, connect with other industry professionals, and position yourself as a thought leader.

By building your personal brand, you not only increase your credibility but also increase your value to your company. You become a recognized figure in your industry, and your opinions hold weight.

More recognition turns into more interviews, speaking engagements, and a sales pipeline.

It's Not Just About the Metrics

Now, I know what you're thinking. " I'm not a social media guru. I don't know how to get likes and followers. I don't even know how to post," And that's okay.

Being active on social media is about more than just the metrics. It's not just about the number of likes or followers you have. It's about building relationships with potential customers, sharing insights, and engaging with your audience.

If you need help, then you should ask for it. Even a?private social media coach or adviser can help you move in the right direction.

A Little Humor Goes a Long Way

Now, I'm talking about a serious topic here. But let's be honest. Social media can be a lot of fun. And as a CMO, you can inject humor into your social media presence.

Now, I know what you're thinking. " I'm a CMO. I can't be funny on social media." And to that, why not?

A little bit of humor can go a long way in building relationships with potential customers. It shows that you're approachable and human. And in a world where businesses are often seen as faceless entities, a little humor can go a long way in making your company stand out.

Your Next Steps With Social Media

Being active on social media is crucial for tech CMOs. It's where the people are and where you can build your credibility, reach potential customers, and build your personal brand. Not being active on social media means you're missing out on a massive opportunity to connect with your audience and grow your business.

So, it's time to get cracking if you're a tech CMO and inactive on social media. Dust off your Twitter account, fire up your LinkedIn and start engaging with your audience. And who knows, maybe you'll have some fun.

And if you need some help to improve your skills and strategy, then give me a call. I have done that while working for two giant tech companies and now as a social media consultant. I can always be reached at calendly.com/marketingthink.