Social Media Influencer Marian Betancourt speaks on the power of social media

By Adaora Nnakwe | Published May 3, 2023

Social media marketing is becoming one of the most powerful tools for businesses and institutions and social media influencer Marian Betancourt, believes that it is important to use social media as a tool to build your brand as an individual. 

Kean Association of Marketing hosted the Power of Social Media featuring Betancourt in the Greek Lounge to discuss insight and tips for utilizing social media. As a Kean alumnus, she is a well-known fashion influencer and content creator on Instagram. 

Betancourt advises students to take a course in internet marketing and promote themselves online. She says social media is more than just posting videos, scrolling through pictures, and liking posts. It’s a source filled with major opportunities to make extra money. 

“If you are passionate about sports, start posting about sports,” Betancourt said.

Students should market what they’re passionate about and focus on that to build a following. Betancourt says that it’s normal to feel discouraged in the beginning, but followers will come in time through posting consistently every day and interacting with followers. 

“It’s not about the numbers, it’s about your content and how you present yourself,” Betancourt said. 

She encourages students to be original, persistent, and create quality content with every post. Students can utilize social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn in a marketable way for major brands to reach out for paid opportunities. 

Betancourt adds that engagement is also important to keep the algorithm going to hit more user accounts. 

“Be interactive with users who like and comment on the content you post,” Betancourt said.

Brand companies look for people who can represent their company in a positive and authentic way, which means that it’s important to be mindful and strategic about what to post and share on social media accounts. 

“Put yourself out there in a way that you want to be perceived,” Betancourt said. “Choose the platform that aligns to your audience.”

It’s also helpful to know your audience. Some users may have a larger female audience than male or vice versa, but it helps to understand the type of followers you have and what people are more interested in engaging with. 

Betancourt says students should take social media seriously and be mindful of what is posted. Students should post positive images that portray themselves in a positive light and be aware about what interests them online. 

“You can have a lot of followers but if you don’t have a clean reputation, well-known brands will not collaborate with you,” Betancourt said. 

She adds that well-known brands won’t take you seriously if you’re posting content that will ruin their reputation. It’s best to leave out the negative content, so users can’t view you in a negative light. Posting good content can increase the engagement of likes and comments on your content. Betancourt says that students who want to become influencers can do it if they put their minds to it. 

“If you want to accomplish something, work hard and be persistent,” Betancourt said. 

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