Friday, December 20, 2013

Why I dumped and hooked back up* with Raheem DeVaughn

I unliked one of my favorite musician’s, Raheem DeVaughn, facebook page because he was just too pushy. I love the man’s music and voice, and wanted to find out when he was coming to a town near me, but was too put off by the constant requests to buy his album, A Place Called Loveland. I have it. And it was because of the facebook page that I knew it was released, but social media is more about connecting with your audience – offering something to them…sometimes not directly related to your product or service. If we like an artist’s or business’ page, we’re already a fan. Find that common thread that binds us and exploit that.

Raheem DeVaughn should take a page from Marsha Ambrosius, Jill Scott or Maxwell. They pose thoughtful questions, and/or share lyrics and personal pictures on their facebook pages. While sharing family photos is not for every celebrity (Marsha is comfortable with it), I believe Raheem’s audience would prefer a snapshot of his band practicing before a gig or the outfit he’ll perform in, an occasional 10-second video clip of him singing the interlude Dear Love Queen/ #10, a Christmas classic, or his rendition of an old-school jam we all love. That will garner genuine likes and authentic interaction. And it will certainly bring me back.

*Footnote: In gathering example shots of these artists’ pages, I am happy to report that Raheem has lightened up on the album pleas. I did see society related questions, a sound snippet, video clips, and candid snapshots. Someone must have said something, because he got the message.