- March 26, 2015
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How to Share Better on SlideShare
Being fans of marketing author David Meerman Scott, we wanted to pass along his insights on how to gain attention for your business through the use of SlideShare.
Maybe you already know how to give your presentations new life with SlideShare. For the uninitiated, it’s a social network (owned by LinkedIn) where people can share and view slide presentations, like Keynote or PowerPoint files. Many integrated marketers, however, don’t use it as a social platform or are simply using it to pitch products.
Scott takes a different approach to SlideShare, emphasizing the value of sharing free content versus selling. Perhaps ironically, Scott’s most recent SlideShare is entitled, The New Rules of Selling. It was uploaded last September to coincide with the publication of his book, The New Rules of Sales and Service.
In a recent article for Huffington Post, Scott writes, “The first month was the fastest sharing of any of my content in more than a decade of sharing free stuff on the web. The SlideShare has spread my work way beyond my own network to reach many people who have never been exposed to my ideas.”
Here then are six simple lessons from David Meerman Scott to help you gain greater attention through SlideShare:
- Focus On What You Are Giving Away.
Most marketers focus too much on their product or service. Instead of promoting his new book, Scott decided to talk up the SlideShare on social networks and in media interviews.
- Offer Your Best Work For Free.
Scott included the best ideas from his book in the SlideShare version–free. Most people may just go for the free SlideShare, but there will still be plenty interested in learning more by buying the book.
- Use it As a Social Platform.
SlideShare carries a strong visual element. Since people love to share images, many will share your content for you, expanding your network and reach. The LinkedIn connection also makes SlideShare an effective vehicle for reaching key executives.
- Supply the Content Makers.
Because bloggers and online publishers are constantly looking for quality content for their own sites, many views can come from embedding SlideShare on other websites.
- Invest In Great Design.
An effective SlideShare presentation requires great design. Scott may know how to use PowerPoint and Keynote pretty well, but he still hired a professional designer to help him create his SlideShare.
- Use Only One Idea per Slide.
Don’t be intimidated by the 158 slides in Scott’s SlideShare. There’s only one idea on each slide, which makes it go fast without boring people.
Take a look at The Must-Read SlideShares of 2014 for ideas on how you can get your ideas across to a wider audience.