As we begin 2016, I wanted to share of my thoughts on how artists and producers use social media. So far I covered 5 Things to STOP Doing on Social Media in 2016 but now I want to give you some tips and examples to help you crush social media in 2016. This list will help you get a head start in 2016 and set you up for social media success. I know these techniques are successful because I have used them myself or I have seen artists use them. I've said it before and I will say it again. Social media can be very beneficial for you in many ways if used properly.

1) START replying to every fan.

Why even use social media if you aren't going to reply to your fans? You have a direct line of contact with people that support you. Take advantage of it! Replying to every follower, will make your fans more loyal.

2) START uploading your videos directly to your Facebook artist page.

In 2015, Facebook said that they will be focusing on video content more than any other type as they move into 2016 and forward. So what does this mean for artists? My thought is that Facebook will be populating your feed with videos. And I am already seeing it happen. Don't believe me? Go to Facebook right now and click on your feed. I bet you 6 or 7 of the top posts are videos. This gives you the opportunity to put your video in front of Facebook's audience. Their advertising platform is also extremely beneficial which can put your video in front of millions of NEW people.

3) START creating the same social media URLs.

"Something a lot of people overlook, but I feel can go a long way in your online presence. Stop having scattered social names (url’s). Example: Say your rapper name is Mike Trampe TV, Your Twitter & Instagram would be @MikeTrampeTV and your Facebook fan page would be www.facebook.com/miketrampetv. Youtube would be youtube.com/miketrampetv. Makes sense, right? It’s easy to remember, it’s clean, it’s professional. I continuously see rappers with social media not like this. The Facebook page may be mtramp2353, the Instagram @TRAMpe215 and the Twitter @TRAMpetv. Some don’t even have a youtube account. You know what this equals? Confusion. Not only are you sh*tting on your SEO, you are confusing the hell out of your potential fans. Keep it simple and keep it clean. But what if my name is already taken? You make it work! One Shot was taken, so all the social media is @OneShotShow. Think outside the box, but be consistent.” -Mike Trampe, Founder of MAAD Management

4) START showing support.

“Always follow the writers your targeting for a post on as many social media outlets as possible. Support is a two way street!” -Quinelle Holder @QuinelleHolder 

5) START commenting on your Facebook status with a link.

The first time I heard this technique was from Futuristic and then I started seeing it pop up all over Facebook. Say the photo or video you post is starting to get a lot of engagement (likes, shares, comments) and you want to promote your website. Just comment on the post with "New music at website url. Your comment will then be pinned to the top of the comment section making everyone see it. See below.

6) START replying to your own tweet after 4 hours to get it more exposure.

I haven't seen this technique until recently but it makes total sense. Say you are promoting a new track and you don't want to tweet the link again because your first post already has a bunch of retweets. All you need to do is reply to that tweet from your own profile and it will bring your tweet back to the top of your followers feeds.

At the end of the day it's about educating yourself on social media. There are thousands of articles on the internet that will help you become a pro at social media. YOU JUST HAVE TO READ THEM.