Talking About Women in Social Media [#SMTLive Recap]

In celebration of Women’s History month, yesterday we held an #SMTLive Twitter chat dedicated to all the amazing women working in social media.

Last year’s “Women in Social Media” chat was such a huge success, we knew we wanted to do it again. This time we asked the Social Media Today influencer women — Lucy, Deborah and Vanessa — to join me to co-host and lead the chat.

I say this a lot, but we had an amazing turn out this year. We had SMT friends tuning in from Washington, DC to California, all the way to Indonesia. Everyone showing up ready to talk about what it means to be a woman working in social media.

#SMTLive Hello there..Asti, here ^^
I’m from Indonesia.. 🙂 pic.twitter.com/OZ58jnvri8

— Asti Yulia S. (@asti_yulia) March 13, 2018

Hi! I am Jamila tuning in from Norfolk, VA! #SMTLive! I lead social media and strategy for Old Dominion University. And, since today is all about women…. pic.twitter.com/rqUqIbDSlE

— Jamila Walker (@iamjamilawalker) March 13, 2018

Questions asked during the chat:

1. What impact do you think social media has had on women over the past decade (particularly on those working in marketing!)? 

2. REVERSE: What impact do you think women have made on social media over the past decade? 

3. Who are some women that inspire you on social media? 

4. Are there any stigmas or misconceptions about women in social media roles? 

5. What about working in social media makes you proud? 

Because there were so many tweets and thoughts shared with the group, I am going to select a few of my favorite moments from this chat to share here. 

1. What impact has social media had on women over the past decade (particularly on those working in marketing)? 

A1: I believe social media has positively impacted women in the last decade by providing jobs (*raises hand), as well as digitally connecting us as a tribe. #SMTLive https://t.co/ZYtsgj3sVw

— Maree Jones (@mareejones) March 13, 2018

I love how Maree refers to the union of women on social media as “a tribe”. Couldn’t be truer. Deborah then came in with a “Yes! Your tribe is truly your vibe.”

A1: Huge impact because it’s the ideas that matter on social. Women have the opportunity to lead with our words and experience. Social is the ultimate equal playing field. #SMTlive

— Vanessa DiMauro (@vdimauro) March 13, 2018

A1. One of the biggest benefits I’ve noticed is the ability to build a #girlboss community and network outside of where you immediately live! #SMTLive

— Jessica Lang (@SocialLocalist) March 13, 2018

It’s great to connect women, and give women the opportunity to lift other women up in so many ways. By acting together we are stronger and i think our collective voices have never been so loud as on social media. #SMTLive https://t.co/eODvWDmmkB

— Cat Prill???? (@itPrill) March 13, 2018

What impact do you think women have made on social media over the past decade? 

A2: we’ve been able to change the narrative on social media and make it known social can be a platform for change- and move away from that annoying media channel some people view it as. #smtlive

— Jessica Lang (@SocialLocalist) March 13, 2018

I think it’s because there’s a little more freedom to be ourselves here? We’re governed by so many rules in person of how to act or how to dress and look (which is BS, but it’s a thing). The power of the keyboard is a certain kind of freedom and authenticity. #SMTLive

— Chelsea L. Doyle (@ChelseaDMorning) March 13, 2018

A2: I think there’s been a lot of kindness and self-acceptance and self love spreading on social media, lead by women and empowering more women. #SMTLive

— Loewe Chan (@sincerelyloewe) March 13, 2018

A2: It is no coincidence that empathy research, storytelling and customer journeys are now business imperatives. #SMTLive

— Vanessa DiMauro (@vdimauro) March 13, 2018

A2 I’m a believer that you treat people how to speak to you by what you do and say. Women have shown their strength on a global scale via the reach of social media and gathered a stronger army of like-minded people #smtlive

— LUCYrk (@LUCYrk78) March 13, 2018

A2: Social media has allowed us to truly build up and support women and their dreams. You can find mentors here and a community that believes in you and has got your back! #SMTLive pic.twitter.com/aUPLX5ZG5E

— Deborah Sweeney (@deborahsweeney) March 13, 2018

Who are some women that inspire you on social media? 

A3 – Everyone on this chat, definitely. Honestly one of the things I love about this industry is its positivity, and I’ve met so many great woman to share my passions with in particular. I never expected this kind of community when I started, it’s been humbling. #SMTLive

— Chelsea L. Doyle (@ChelseaDMorning) March 13, 2018

There were many shout outs given, but this one really stood out to me as a great representation of the power of social media. Every #SMTLive Twitter chat, I have had the joy of watching participants connect with others over ideas and issues they can all relate. It’s something special to note.

Are there any stigmas or misconceptions about women in social media roles? 

A4: We’re, y’know, just scrolling through Facebook, Twitter, Insta all day… and it’s an *easy* job to do… #SMTLive pic.twitter.com/xmhQR7xM5u

— Deborah Sweeney (@deborahsweeney) March 13, 2018

Deborah nailed it on the head with this tweet.

A4: Absolutely. It is hard work to do it effectively, yet there are many who say “I do social media” simply because they have a Twitter handle. Flip side: in mktg industry there are still barriers to break (good ol boys club) for women can LEAD in digital and social. #SMTLive pic.twitter.com/FVBNqiA5Ah

— Mrs. Brandi (@Brandi_Rand) March 13, 2018

A4 I’ve experienced the misconception that women who do #socialmedia are here because it’s easy. No social management is easy, and with a #crisiscomms/disaster specialization, it’s definitely not. There’s a lot more that goes into it than people realize! #SMTLive https://t.co/X6cKtRtPvE

— Amanda Saunders-Johnston (@ajsjohnston) March 13, 2018

A4: it is more about SM managers in general — that the role is ‘fluff’ work or really superficial. That our job is to make a ‘viral video’ but the truth is SO much goes into the plan. #SMTLive

— Alexandra Schmidt (@alliecherie) March 13, 2018

A4: That content creation means snapping a few cute pics and that’s it. :/ #SMTLive pic.twitter.com/Df9iEZZk9e

— Heather Taylor (@howveryheather) March 13, 2018

A4. That all we do is tweet for a living. Pretty sure we’re out here cleaning up your online presence ++. Can I get a RT?! JK. #SMTLive https://t.co/NGHUvObeqP

— Jomary Valente (@Ms_J_Jimenez) March 13, 2018

A4: Many people have misconceptions about social media as being a mindless task, which it’s not. Anyone can tweet, but It’s the strategy and campaign development behind those simple posts that takes a lot more brainpower, and many women are leading that charge today #smtlive

— Rick Barron ???? (@RedPhantom) March 13, 2018

What about working in social media makes you proud? 

I <3 that I get 2 tell stories that might not ever be captured. The reach/impact of SM is powerful. I never take for granted that I get 2 capture ppl’s personal testimonies and life-changing moments on SM. We have an opp 2 change the vibe of SM. #SMTLive

— Alexandra Schmidt (@alliecherie) March 13, 2018

A5: Moving the needle for brands big AND small. I love showing SMBs how they can leverage #socialmedia strategy like the big brands and get results! I also ❤ that it is always evolving. New algorithms to master, trends to spot, ways to test, try, and measure. #SMTLive

— Mrs. Brandi (@Brandi_Rand) March 13, 2018

Great question! A5 – I love being able to truly help great businesses grow, and connect with people otherwise unable, without the help of social media. I love the power to positively influence.

— Sani Golriz (@SunnySocial) March 13, 2018

A5: The connections and relationships you create in this space are just everything. Sometimes I think about all of the amazing people out there I have yet to meet and I get giddy just thinking about it! #SMTLive pic.twitter.com/Lh3hw5vwJZ

— Heather Taylor (@howveryheather) March 13, 2018

This was an incredibly uplifting chat. What an honor it is to be connected to so many smart and talented people in this industry. 

A3: Well I’m loving everyone on this chat today! #SMTLive

— Allison (@allisonlweiss) March 13, 2018

If you found this chat fun and insightful, make sure to join us again. We host #SMTLive events twice a month. Our next chat will be about developing a strong content strategy and how to weather the constant social media algorithm changes: Keeping Up with the Algorithms (And Adjusting Your Content Strategy Accordingly).

See you next time!