5 Best Websites for Free Podcast Music

With the meteoric rise in podcast popularity, integrating music into your episodes is more important than ever. From Beethovan to Billie Elish, music is a transcendental method of communication. We hum the opening to Beethovan's 5th Symphony, radio jingles, and our favorite pop refrains. Check out these free music sites and give your podcast the recognizable theme song it deserves today.

Pixabay

Pixabay is a well-known site for free and royalty-free images, videos, and music. They have a variety of search parameters to help narrow your search, including duration, mood, speed, and theme. You can search for songs labeled Intro / Outro, which gives you a smaller selection of songs specifically edited to be 0.5-1.25 minutes long. Their database contains a wide variety of songs, all licensed through Pixabay and free for modified commercial and non-commercial use. Artist attribution is appreciated, but not required. One feature that stands out is the option to donate directly to the artists.

Incompetech

Incompetech offers free royalty-free songs for commercial use, attribution required. The free plan only allows you to download files as mp3's, which should be sufficient for most editors. Their site is visually simplistic, with the options to search by keyword, feels, tempo, genre, and duration. They provide the required attribution information, which you can copy and paste into your credit section and/or verbally announce. Incompetech offers extended licenses, which give you access to premium songs, a PDF license, and different file formats.

Free Music Archive

Free Music Archive (FMA) is a collection of open licensed, free music. Their search parameters allow you to search by artist, duration, genre, type of license, or trending tracks. The trending tracks feature is a fun addition. Even if you don't use one of the trending songs, it's a great way to stay up-to-date with popular audio trends. Since songs are licensed through the artists and not the database as a whole, make sure you double-check the specifics for each song. Many require artist attribution and are free for commercial use with modification. A good choice for podcasting! Additionally, FMA partners with a Tribe of Noise PRO, which offers guaranteed royalty-free music for a per-song, tiered licensing fee.

ccMixter

Similar to FMA, ccMixter is a collection of remixes and samples individually licensed under the Creative Commons license. The license and usage varies by song, so double check to make sure you pick one cleared for commercial use. Since many of the songs are remixes, many of the songs have very unique sounds. While ccMixter lacks the smooth search and sort functionality, taking the time to sort through their library is sure to uncover some hidden gems.

Purple Planet

Last but not least is Purple Planet. Besides arguably having the coolest looking website among these top pics, the England-based team hosts a moderate collection of self-composed music. You can search by keyword and mood, or explore trending tracks. Their free tier gives you access to a 92kpbs MP3 download for limited use, including podcasts. As long as you credit them, all is cool. Purple Planet's Standard and Broadcast Licenses grant you access to more use flexibility and do not require attribution. They have a simple FAQ section and licensing chart to answer any further questions you may have.

Remember, before you add random songs into your podcast, make sure you read up on the licensing specifics of the artist or database. Just because you can download a song doesn't mean you can use it commercially in a podcast. When in doubt, ask permission, or go custom-made. Ultimately, if you have room in your budget, the best option is hiring a quality sound designer to compose custom music for your podcast.

Whether you go free or paid, securing theme music is another step towards sounding like a professional podcast.

Are you ready to take your podcast to the next level? Reach out to us hello@thatrandomagency.com

Want to Future-Proof Your Digital Marketing Strategy? Pay Attention to Only Fans.

Want to be ahead of other brands in finding that next great digital channel with an untapped audience?

Seriously, you need to keep an eye on how the pornography industry is bringing its content to market. While there will always be debate over whether pornography still drives the internet, the truth is that one out of every seven internet searches is for porn. Porn has also been on the leading edge of new content technology since the introduction of the VHS.

Sex is hard-wired into our brains. It's probably because it's literally a matter of life or death, so it's not surprising that from the time humans learned how to use tools, we started creating porn. Don't believe us? There are cave paintings depicting couples having sex that date back 11,000 years! Thankfully, we don't have to work that hard. Can you use the word hard in an article about online porn?

Anyway, the point is that pornography has always been an innovator or early adopter as society has invented new ways to consume content and interact with each other. The reason this industry always finds itself on the cutting edge has more to do with the structure of its audience than it does the nature of the content.

You see, the pornography audience has a lot of elements that allow the industry to learn and react quickly. The reason is that it has niche content that appeals to a broad audience, and that audience is already accustomed to a mix of free, ad-supported, and paid content. It is also unique that porn has been forced to build all of its own infrastructures, mostly outside of what most people would consider mainstream social media because of its explicit content. Places like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube have strict content guidelines that don't allow porn to exist.

Increasing restrictions on platforms like Facebook has created an opportunity for OnlyFans to become disruptive. In an era of digital marketing that has seen the Influencer and Creator rise as the new celebrity, OnlyFans is uniquely positioned to capitalize. Sure, OnlyFans today is primarily used by sex workers and their subscribers, but it's the business model that has our attention.

There is a huge disparity in what mainstream social platforms charge for advertising compared to what they share with the creators - with the creators losing out every time. The OnlyFans model is different. It empowers the creator to make money from their content directly from the fans consuming it. OnlyFans takes a percentage of what creators earn and uses it to maintain and grow the platform.

As would be expected, porn was one of the first use cases for this new type of social network. It's an opportunity for intimate, totally uncensored, and completely authentic interactions. But the demand for connection isn't limited to sex. In Hulu's recent documentary "OnlyFans: Selling Sexy," they talk about the influx of celebrity and influencer OnlyFans accounts. From Bella Thorne to Aaron Carter to Real Housewives star Sonja Morgan ” most of these accounts aren't sharing explicit content at all. Instead, they are using the platform to connect with fans and monetize their brand in a new way.

This celebrity adoption of OnlyFans is where things get REALLY interesting because it is consistent with the pattern of early adoption and then exit for porn. Unacceptable working conditions in the adult film industry-led content creators to an alternative platform that offers them complete control. Similarly, celebrities and influencers who make Instagram millions of dollars in ad revenue seek a platform that gives them control.

The documentary characterizes this migration as a threat to sex workers making a living on OnlyFans. While that might be the case, it also reflects a much more natural evolution of the platform maturing at a time when many creators feel taken advantage of by other social networks.

What does this mean for you? It means that brands should consider working with creators on OnlyFans. These creators have large, engaged, paid audiences that directly fund their content creation, benefiting both the creator and OnlyFans. The arrival of celebrities like Tyga, DJ Khaled, Cardi B, Michael B. Jordan, and Dorinda Medley means that mainstream celebrities are interested in a platform to monetize their brand more directly and have more intimate, authentic uncensored interactions. It's not too hard to imagine branded content opportunities for celebrities on OnlyFans because they can guarantee the audience's size and their attention to the content. That's something that no other social network can quantify for an advertiser today.

If you're asking yourself, "why would anyone pay to subscribe to a channel to watch a celebrity promote a product, don't worry?" We did too. It's not as foreign as it might seem though we do the same thing on cable, streaming, in major motion pictures, and even most music.

Despite being controversial early in its life, OnlyFans is a unique and compelling alternative model for a social network. Instead of algorithm-driven based on behavior, it's much more user-driven based on choice. That distinction appeals to users who prefer to have more control over the content they're exposed to. Or at least believe they do. We don't see the trend of audiences directly funding creators slowing down, and we believe OnlyFans is positioned to make a significant impact in that shift. Our advice to our clients is to get ready to see your brand on OnlyFans; your customers probably already are.

What Facebook's New Audio Features Mean for Podcasters

While intimate entertainment experiences in their own right, podcasts inherently lack a level of audience interactivity and social connectivity. Facebook's Live Audio Rooms and podcast integrations offer a way to change that.

Designed as a Clubhouse competitor, Facebook's new Audio Rooms feature circular profile pictures, active speaker highlights, reactions, and a virtual front row reserved for paying audience members. Hosts have the ability to pre-select fellow speakers or bring members of the audience up to the panel. Audio Rooms incorporate live captions, as well as a hand-raise function. Users can join active Audio Rooms or set reminders for scheduled events, similar to the pre-established webinar format. Capitalizing on the new wave of social media activism, Live Audio Room organizers have the ability to feature a specific donation cause and display a progress bar throughout the event.

Unlike Clubhouse, whose brand centers around exclusivity and access codes, Facebook Live Audio Rooms will soon be available to all Facebook users - 2.85 billion active monthly users at the time of publishing. That's a big pool of potential audience members.

Traditional podcasts are planned, recorded, and edited in advance. Live audio events take away that buffer”which can be good or bad, depending on your perspective”and open up space for a potentially more authentic experience for your audience. Live audio events enable speakers to engage an audience, without the extra pressure of being on camera. We're on Zoom long enough, there is no need to film ourselves more.

Podcasters can take advantage of Live Audio Rooms to strike up a conversation with their guests and audience about a recent episode, topics that didn't make the final cut, current events, or even use the function as a live podcast recording.

However, if you prefer to stick with pre-recorded audio content, Facebook offers Soundbites and a new podcast integration. Soundbites are marketed as short-form, creative audio clips for capturing anecdotes, jokes, moments of inspiration, poems, and many other things we haven't yet imagined. Users will be able to record, edit, and publish short audio clips, all in-app. Soundbites is currently under development and will be released later this year.

Facebook's podcast integration is potentially the most relevant update for current podcasters. Podcasts will be streamed through Facebook via RSS feed, allowing users to discover, interact with, and listen to podcasts and creators, all without leaving the Facebook app. This streaming method enables podcasters to continue individually tracking listening metrics. According to Facebook's Podcast Terms of Service, by using Facebook's podcast service, creators agree to the caching and production of derivative works. One can assume this refers to Facebook-generated promotional content and Soundbites, however this is left unclear.

So what does this mean for podcasters? All these new services and features offer a more direct way for audio to become a social experience. As Audio Rooms, Soundbites, and podcasts will be curated and highlighted in users' existing feeds, it will be easier than ever for Facebook users to discover and interact with new audio content.

The live aspect of audio rooms means speakers will receive immediate feedback on their content. This can be used as an experimental and/or rehearsal space. Podcasters can test out new formats, topics, and guests, all from the comfort of the Facebook app. Audio Rooms can also be a way of sharing current, well-performing content in new, accessible ways.

Clubhouse and other podcast apps are sometimes overwhelming for users, who exit before finding the right audio experience for them. Podcasters can harness the power of Facebook's algorithm first-hand to reach audiences on one of the largest social networks in the world. Marketing and outreach will still be important, but it can be done in-app, rather than through extraneous third-party methods.

Not all podcast listeners use Facebook and not all Facebook users listen to podcasts. Maximize your reach by interacting and creating for both spaces. Facebook's new audio features and functions will be rolled out to established creators and groups, with their general user base coming soon.

Here at Random, we push our creative and comfort zones to create the best content we can. And so can you. Try out Facebook's new audio features for your podcast to tap into new levels of social and community interaction.

But don't do it all alone. Are you ready for some podcast support? Reach us at hello@thatrandomagency.com

Meet Toni, Our Newest Social Media Intern

Say "hi" to our second Social Media Intern, Toni! We asked her a few Q & A questions to get to know her...

First, the obvious question: Why did you choose Random Agency?

My passion and interest in life is pursuing narratives in all forms. I chose Random because their curated randomness creates an amazingly dynamic creative environment in which I can explore new things while contributing to interesting client projects.

Tell us three cool things about yourself.

I've been scuba diving in Australia, I've shot a bow and arrow (poorly), and my full name (first, middle, last) is longer than the English alphabet.

Favorite TV show?

Definitely Community. It's a self-aware show that continuously pushes its own artistic and conceptual limits, as well as those of the audience. Plus, what's not to love about Donald Glover and Danny Pudi?

If money was no object, where would you go and what would you do?

My friend and I once made a pact that if we were to become wealthy, we would move to Massachusetts and run a cranberry bog. But if I'm not bogging it up, I would buy a boat and scuba dive in the most remote locations all around the world.

What's in your refrigerator right now?

Pomegranate kombucha, green grapes, and bagels. All the major food groups.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be?

My superpower would be to pick up and retain the skills for new editing/design/production software, without the hours of agonizing pain.

What's your favorite childhood memory?

I don't remember my childhood very well, but I distinctly remember having one of the best naps of my life underneath a table.

Name one thing you wish you could do better.

I wish I could parallel park. Any amount of improvement would be a major help.

Which three things would you take to a desert island?

Just the essentials: a utility knife, a Life Straw, and an XL bag of black licorice.

What is the last book you read?

The last book I read was The Mark of Athena by Rick Riorden because I'm on a major ˜revisit my childhood' kick right now. I think it reveals a lot to know that I was a hard-core Riorden fan growing up.

What is your favorite account to follow on Instagram?

I find @pablitatheduck a constant source of sheer joy. She's a duck. I have nothing else to add.

5 Brands that Are Killing It on TikTok

TikTok's popularity has exploded in the last several years, and brands are jumping in to take full advantage of this new tool to reach their audiences in unique ways. TikTok is a storm of memes, trends, viral songs and dances to go along with them, so it's easy to get lost in it all, but these five brands are having no problem finding their way.

@tacobell
Who’s gonna tell him? @joeshmofosho #TacoBell #fyp
♬ original sound - joe

First up: Taco Bell. Their brand voice has always been fun and upbeat in traditional media over the years, and now they have found their place on TikTok. It is truly a perfect platform for them, with short but engaging videos for their straight-to-the-point messaging and countless wells of creativity to draw from. One of those wells they draw from frequently is their own audience's content. Many of their posts are videos created by other TikTok users who are not affiliated with or sponsored by Taco Bell, but are trying new menu items or even just subtly mentioning the brand. The videos are comedic, they tell stories and they truly match Taco Bell's energetic and honest voice. When the team creates original content, it follows along with current trends on the platform. One video jumps in on the turning non-inspirational things into inspirational quotes trend by turning the phrases on Taco Bell sauce packets into inspirational quotes. Overall, the brand has successfully tapped into its audience to really encompass what Taco Bell and TikTok are all about.

@netflix
Punch from #womaninthewindow has main character energy. #netflix
♬ original sound - Netflix

Next is Netflix. Being such a household name and massive international brand, you'd think Netflix would be producing grandiose videos to capture the attention of the TikTok community. Think again. Instead, they are keeping their content down-to-earth. That isn't to say the videos aren't fun and entertaining”they are, but in a way that isn't overwhelming. Much of their content includes clips from shows and movies on Netflix, behind-the-scenes footage and introductions to upcoming releases. One video reveals a side-by-side comparison of one of Anna Kendrick's scenes from the Netflix original movie Stowaway versus a BTS clip of her singing on set. Another recent video features the star of Selena The Series giving a recap of what happened in season one of the show. Netflix keeps it simple yet still engaging to showcase their brand voice and reach their audience with custom and exclusive content on TikTok.

@washingtonpost
The Group of Seven leaders committed Friday to donating 1 billion doses of coronavirus vaccines, including 500 million from the U.S. #G7Summit
♬ original sound - We are a newspaper.

Another brand killing it on TikTok is The Washington Post. However unexpected it may be, the newspaper is doing well with nearly a million followers and over 38 million likes. Their videos are a series of skits all featuring the same guy that reports on news and politics in fun ways, and a lot of the content follows COVID-19 and vaccine updates from across the U.S. While the posts do touch on political news and usually steer to one side or the other, they are informative and explain complex topics in easy-to-understand, short videos. One takes on the issue of the filibuster, with the star of the account acting as the filibuster in a therapy session, personifying it in a way that describes its function and the controversy around its use in Congress. Overall, The Washington Post utilizes a strategy of staying fun and newsworthy by being consistent and informative.

@nike
@yehslacks is here to break down slacklining! 🏅 Practice makes perfect so don’t slack off 😉 #BreakItDown #Slackline
♬ Faded Photograph (Instrumental) - Extreme Music

The next brand is Nike. Their TikToks are exactly what you'd expect from the major athletic clothing and shoe brand - content about sports and staying fit. But that just means they have nailed their branding on this new and still-growing social platform. Nike's videos are successful because they advertise their message and products without shoving them in the viewers' faces. Only having around 30 videos so far, they've quickly racked up 1.5 million followers, who come to the posts to see professional athletes and other TikTok creators show off their moves. One video stars the NBA player Pascal Siakam testing out his footwork with a soccer ball, while another features a Nike Trainer breaking down step-by-step how to do a reverse lunge with a twist. The athletes and trainers in each video are wearing all-Nike outfits, but the purposes of the posts are to educate and entertain. The message is to have fun, play hard and work hard. Their products are showcased in their TikToks, but they aren't the main focus, which works well for their brand and the message they are pushing.

@elfyeah
Game Up with @kayleeweeni! 🎮 Use #elfgameup & tag @elfyeah to win a gaming+makeup prize & a spot in e.l.f.’s gaming clan e.l.f. You! 💜
♬ GAMEUP by umami mami - e.l.f. Cosmetics

The last brand on our list is e.l.f. Cosmetics. This makeup brand does a great job of creating content that is lively and enjoyable for a wide audience. They focus on showcasing their makeup products in unique ways, which works well for their brand, as they want viewers to see how e.l.f. products can be used. Their videos feature talented makeup artists from around TikTok, who create looks and give tutorials using e.l.f.'s eyeshadow, lipstick, foundation and more. One video has an artist create a taco on her eye using eyeshadow from e.l.f.'s palette in collaboration with Chipotle. Other posts demonstrate the quality of their makeup, from their shiny summer blushes to their waterproof eyeliner, and they illustrate the message that their products are simple, easy to use and environmentally friendly. While other brands on this list, like Nike, don't focus as much on product advertisement, this strategy works so well for e.l.f. because it gives viewers and potential customers a chance to see what the makeup looks like before they purchase it. e.l.f. Cosmetics is really killing it with its messaging and product features.

Ready to take your brand to TikTok? Give us a shout at hello@thatrandomagency.com

Meet Allison, Our Newest Social Media Intern

Say hi to Allison, Random Agency's new Social Media Marketing! We can't wait to get to know her and what better way to do that than a Q & A?

First, the obvious question: Why did you choose Random Agency?

Even though I'm working remotely, I chose Random for its unique and upbeat atmosphere. I was excited for the opportunity to have fun and still have a bit of a challenge in my internship.

Tell us three cool things about yourself.

I was a dancer for 14 years! I'm a poet. And I love to embroider.

Favorite TV show?

My favorite TV show, hands down, is Killing Eve. Except”don't tell anyone this”I still haven't watched the third season. I just don't want it to be over yet!

If money was no object, where would you go and what would you do?

Easy. I would move to the Scottish countryside, build myself a cottage and raise sheep. That's the dream.

What's in your refrigerator right now?

Cookie dough, CapriSun drinks, Lunchables. If you couldn't tell, I've recently become very nostalgic about what I ate as a kid.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be?

I don't care if it sounds like a boring superpower, I want to be able to speak every language in the world. Imagine how cool that would be!

What's your favorite childhood memory?

My favorite memory is hanging out in the summer in my grandmother's driveway along with my cousins, drawing with chalk and eating popsicles.

Name one thing you wish you could do better.

I wish I could sing better. Maybe in another life I could become a singer-songwriter and make it as big as actual queen Taylor Swift.

Which three things would you take to a desert island?

I would bring a CD player, extra batteries and my CD of the greatest album of all time: Melodrama by Lorde.

What is the last book you read?

I last read The Career Playbook by James M. Citrin. It was super useful in helping me discover my skills and interests and applying them to real-world career opportunities.

What is your favorite account to follow on Instagram?

My favorite account is @crazyheadcomics, run by an artist that creates comics and graphics on the topic of mental health. I absolutely love her art style and the insight she shares.

15 Free Black Friday and Cyber Monday Stock Photos for Social Media

Looking for the perfect free Black Friday Cyber Monday stock photos for your social media?

We curated a list of royalty-free images and gifs to promote Black Friday and Cyber Monday that include images for local pickup, distanced shopping, and ecommerce.

Discover our top 15 picks for free Black Friday and Cyber Monday stock photos to add to your content calendar this month.

Free Black Friday Cyber Monday Stock Photos #1: Happy Shopper Waves Goodbye To Store Owner Photo by Thom Bradley on Burst

Artist: Thom Bradley

Download the free image here.

Free Black Friday Cyber Monday Stock Photos #2: Holding a Black Friday Tag by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels

Artist: Karolina Grabowska

Download the free image here.

Free Black Friday Cyber Monday Stock Photos #3: Black Friday Cinemagraph Light Photo by Nicole de Khors on Burst

Artist: Nicole de Khors

Download the free video here.

Free Black Friday Cyber Monday Stock Photos #4: Customer Leaves Store With Shopping Bags Photo by Thom Bradley on Burst

Artist: Thom Bradley

Download the free image here.

Free Black Friday Cyber Monday Stock Photos #5: Person Holding A Red Balloon With Percentage Symbol by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels

Artist: Karolina Grabowska

Download the free image here.

Free Black Friday Cyber Monday Stock Photos #6: Cyber Monday Chalkboard Photo by Nicole de Khors on Burst

Artist: Nicole de Khors

Download the free image here.

Free Black Friday Cyber Monday Stock Photos #7: Store Owner Checking Her Orders Photo by Thom Bradley on Burst

Artist: Thom Bradley

Download the free image here.

Free Black Friday Cyber Monday Stock Photos #8: Video by Thirdman on Pexels

Artist: Thirdman

Download the video here.

Free Black Friday Cyber Monday Stock Photos #9: Customer and Store Owner Waving Goodbye by Sarah Pflug on Burst

Artist: Sarah Pflug

Download the free image here.

Free Black Friday Cyber Monday Stock Photos #10: Black Friday Signage by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels

Artist: Karolina Grabowska

Download the free image here.

Free Black Friday Cyber Monday Stock Photos #11: Cyber Monday Flashing Photo by Nicole De Khors on Burst

Artist: Nicole de Khors

Download the free video here.

Free Black Friday Cyber Monday Stock Photos #12: Photo by Visuals on UnSplash

Artist: Visuals

Download the free image here.

Free Black Friday Cyber Monday Stock Photos #13: Young Woman Shopping with Face Mask On Photo by Sarah Pflug on Burst

Artist: Sarah Pflug

Download the free image here.

Free Black Friday Cyber Monday Stock Photos #14: Cyber Monday Text by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels

Artist: Karolina Grabowska

Download the free image here.

Free Black Friday Cyber Monday Stock Photos #15: Hand Holding Shopping Bag Photo by Olya Kobruseva on Pexels

Artist: Olya Kobruseva

Download the free image here.

Social Media for Keynote Speakers

You know you need to be on social media. You hear it over and over from the speaker bureau, your friends and family, other speakers, and maybe even your favorite barista. You're a rockstar on stage, an expert in your topic. So far, social media hasn't been worth the investment of your time or dollars. Maybe you've even secured plenty of gigs without a significant digital presence in the past. Does this sound like you?

Before selecting a speaker for an event, company executives look at social media, sizzle reels, and your website to evaluate your chops. Do your current social profiles showcase your expertise, confidence on camera, and personality? If not, there's still time to raise the bar.

COVID-19 has shaken up the speaking industry in a way that we have never seen before. Events are canceled or switched to live streams, holograms, or virtual Zoom presentations. The speakers who have continued to thrive during this time are the ones that invested in social media and building a brand pre-pandemic.

We've worked with many keynote speakers in 2020 who are now ready to explore social media and find ways to diversify their income. The #1 question we get ” where the hell do I start? Keep reading for our step-by-step guide to getting started.

Step #1: Define Your Goals

Many people struggle to find the ROI of social media, and that is because they didn't take the time to define clear goals. How will social media advance your business? If you can't answer that question right now, we have some work to do.

Think of social media as another tool in your marketing toolbelt. How does your business currently make a profit? Is it exclusively keynote gigs, or do you also earn income from book sales, coaching, or consulting? Social media can complement your overall business goals and even provide new income opportunities if that's what you want.

If your goal for social media is to have a million followers just for bragging rights, there are plenty of tactics that can get there fast if you have money to invest in advertising.

The problem is that if these followers don't necessarily drive your business forward. If you haven't heard the story about the influencer who couldn't sell 30 t-shirts, it's worth a few minutes to check it out. (Please, please, please do not ever use bots or follower apps.)

We recommend focusing your energy on the platforms and tactics that support your broader business goals. If your goal is to expand your consulting business, your social media strategy may use targeted thought leadership content and an InMail campaign to reach your audience.

If your goal is to create an online course for a new income source in your business, your social media channels can be used to market and sell the course through value-focused content and targeted advertising.

Suppose you want to show your chops as a keynote speaker but not sell additional services. In that case, social media can be used to complement your existing content marketing through value-focused videos and stills that demonstrate your expertise.

Define your goals and stick to them.

Step #2: Pick Your Platforms

Now that you have your goals defined, it's time to download TikTok and start posting. Right?

Wrong.

To maximize your time and return on investment, you'll need to develop a solid social media strategy, and platform selection is the next step after you've defined your goals. For keynote speakers, we generally recommend LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram as the go-to platforms. If you're also an author, Goodreads and Medium are two more platforms to consider.

If you're a social media newbie and this is already overwhelming, consider launching your social presence in phases. Take a look at which platforms your target audience is using most often and start there. You're much better off starting with one platform and doing it well than half-assing six platforms at once.

Assess which platforms you know the best and what you'll need to learn. Can you teach yourself the basics of a new platform, or is it a better use of your time to hire a freelancer or agency? Steady social media content takes commitment, so be honest with yourself about the level of interest and how much time you want to spend. Outsource as needed.

Step #3: Content

You've picked your platforms, and now it's time to plan out your content. We recommend developing a few themes that reflect your brand and create content each week to align with those themes. If you want to promote yourself as an expert in your field, consider creating videos, writing articles, and sharing 3rd party news on your subject. Take it even further by starting a podcast, interviewing stakeholders or influencers on your topic for YouTube, or going Live with a weekly video to share your expertise.

We always recommend planning out your content in advance to avoid that "OMG, what am I going to post today?!" panic. If you're super busy, create a content calendar and plan out your content a month in advance. We have a free Google Slides template to get you started. Click here to check it out.

Just remember, even with a content calendar, there is always an opportunity to share real-time posts, tweets, or Stories. Whether you take a selfie on-stage at an event or share a behind-the-scenes video from your Zoom conference prep, people love to see your real-life on social media.

Step #4: Measure

Now is where we circle back to your goals. Social media is no longer about how many "likes" likes you get. If brand awareness is your goal, look at metrics like impressions, reach, and ad recall. If engagement is your goal, look at metrics like clicks to your website, and video views.

Social media is a fickle beast. One month a video might get 100k views, and the next, you may receive 1k. Short attention spans and constant changes to the algorithms are to blame. Try to keep an open mind and be willing to learn from your content performance.

These four steps are just the beginning of how you can use social media to expand your brand as a keynote speaker. When used correctly and consistently, social media can provide ample opportunities to diversify your income while also elevating you in your speaker category.

Next week, we'll share the top 5 mistakes we see keynote speakers making on social media and how you can avoid them. Follow along on social media for the latest and greatest.

If you have questions about how to use social media for your keynote speaking business, drop us a line. We're here to help!