by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

We all know the importance of staying in shape. Today I’m going to give you a workout plan to keep your social media life in shape. To stay efficient at social media we’ve got to be lean.

After all our goal is a writing life, not a marketing one.

To work efficiently online takes training and discipline.

Sit Ups:

This is the one where you sit up and take notice of what’s going on around your digital neighborhood.

Strength Training:

Where do you have the most followers and friends? That’s where you need to invest the majority of your time. For me, that’s twitter. I have over 12,000 Twitter followers, so I make sure my interactions on that platform stay fresh and current. I also spend time on Facebook, but not as much because I don’t have as strong a presence there.

Push Ups:

Make it a practice to push up your numbers. Spend a short time each day adding new friends and followers on social media. The best way to do this (actually the only way I recommend)? Be a friend to have a friend.

Hurdles:

Look at the obstacles ahead of you. If you’re struggling with something take a run at it. Learn a new skill to keep your social media on track and moving forward.

Sprints:

Keep watch on the amount of time you spend on social media. Don’t go over that 30 minute a day threshold. Don’t forget the law of diminishing returns. After 30 minutes, your productivity and value goes way down.

Endurance Training:

Remember this thing called social media takes time—it’s a marathon. Take small consistent steps and you’ll find success every time.

Cardio:

Make sure you follow your heart and your passion. Share things that mean something to you, and you’ll be valuable to those who follow you.

Now it’s your turn, what exercise would you add to my workout routine?

Edie Melson is the author of numerous books, as well as a freelance writer and editor. Her blog, The Write Conversation, reaches thousands each month and has been named as one of Writer’s Digest 101 Best Websites for Writers. She’s the Director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference and vice president of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA). She’s also the Social Media Director for Southern Writers Magazine and the contributor to www.Just18Summers.com and www.PuttingOnTheNew.com. Connect with her on Twitter and Facebook.