Six Tips on Staying Connected While Social-Distancing
As it turns out, self-isolation can be pretty… well, isolating. Shocking right?
This is a truly strange moment, and it’s easy to get bogged down with feeling lonely or stressed about the state of the world. But as crazy as things may be, we are #blessed to be living in an age of technology that values platforms and programs that help us foster a sense of community and connection.
Check out our list of six tips for staying calm, cool, and connected — and how to engage with your followers and community.
tips for engaging with your community while social-distancing
When in doubt, ASK!
Does your audience want escapism or news-breaking information? The best way to find out is by asking! Choc an Instagram poll up in your Insta-stories, ask followers to DM you or to leave a comment on a blog post — you could even go live with a Q&A and answer questions there!
Maybe your audience wants funny memes to help them through self-quarantining with their kids, or maybe they want to know what you’ve stocked your pantry with to avoid having to go out again and again.
Take a page from celebrity chef Alison Roman’s book (and a few from her two NYT best-selling cookbooks) and give out some free advice on whatever it is you rock at.
Hi! I’m back for next little bit for a cooking pep talk! Questions comments concerns swaps substitutions ideas HOW CAN I HELP?
— alison roman (@alisoneroman) March 19, 2020
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Create an interactive challenge
Maybe it’s an immunity-boosting tonic giveaway, a home workout challenge, or a writing contest. Maybe it’s a House Party with your followers, or joining you on a quarantine-friendly app! Whatever it is, have your followers engage in something that preoccupies from the not-so-pleasant thoughts A LOT of us are currently having. Not only will it boost your engagement (and possibly even your following), but it will boost your followers’ moods and spirits.
Perfect example? These musically-inclined celebs are putting on Instagram live concerts through the #TogetherAtHome campaign, which is a collaboration between the World Health Organization (WHO) and Global Citizen.
https://www.instagram.com/tv/B920EARl9XS/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading
Let your followers be a fly on the wall
Call up your homie and hit record! Go live on Instagram, duet with followers on TikTok, or even try your hand at podcasting. Get your community active by interacting with them directly. In a longer form of communication (like an Instagram Live or a podcast), talk through how you’re feeling, how you’re coping — or let your creative juices flow and give your audience a nice zone out session.
Ellen DeGeneres has the right idea — she’s taking the time to phone her pals, and sharing these hilarious calls on Instagram for our pleasure. Check out her catch-up session with Justin Timberlake.
Throw a Netflix Party for your community
Have you heard of this yet? There’s a brand-new Chrome plug-in called Netflix Party that allows you to start a chat room and watch in sync with long distance pals. Simply pick a flick, grab your link, and share with followers and friends who you want to Netflix & Chill at a social distance with!
This is a great way to interact with your followers, keep in touch, and make the most of your self-quarantine.
Encourage self-care
Boost at-home workout routines you’re following (or creating!), encourage followers to take walks, meditate, FaceTime or Skype with their loved ones, take a bath, do a face mask – lead by example and share how you’re taking care of yourself, encouraging them to do the same! Check out January Jones’ recommendations for “human stew” self-care — AKA, a nice hot bath with loads of ingredients you can find in your pantry.
Share your sources
Let your followers know they can see what podcasts you’ve been listening to by following you on Goodpods, post what you’ve been reading, and where you’ve been sourcing your COVID-19 related information from. People are looking for things to do — and solid, trustworthy information. Do some research, find good sources, and share them with your community.
We know times are uncertain, and that uncertainty can be scary. But we at #BlogHer encourage you to keep on keeping on — continue posting great content, writing stellar articles, and engaging with the community you built from scratch. Your audience wants to hear from you — just ask them how!
Follow us on everything for more tips like these, as well as all the latest #BlogHer conference updates. Check us out on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram — and subscribe to our newsletter, dude.
