Sharing is caring, right?
Right.
Sharing builds relationships, right?
Right and wrong.
Sharing, like any other action, has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Simply sharing others’ content is not going to get you anywhere.
Let me explain: I know that many bloggers have told you to share others’ content, and you should. You shouldn’t be like ego centric and only share your content. You should share others’ content too. But, there should be a limit and limitations.
And, if you go beyond those limitations, your actions (shares) would be useless.
In today’s article, we will talk about how sharing others’ content consistently (or constantly) can render your actions useless and can even hurt the relationship. We will also talk about what we should do about it 
Why You Shouldn’t Share Others’ Content Consistently?
Let’s take a general scenario:
You are trying to build traffic through networking.
And you are trying it to do it through commenting and sharing others’ content.
So, let’s just say you commented on a certain blog a few times (most bloggers start with commenting on a blog). You also share some of the posts.
So, you established the relationship.
Over time, you tweet every one of their post.
Now, here is the problem:
The first time you tweeted their post, you set an expectation on their mind.
The second time you did, the expectation increases.
Every time you shared their post, their expectation for you to share their post increased.
Over time the expectation sets.
The blog author realizes that you will share their post no matter what.
Once you set the expectation level, their perceived value of your action starts to drop off.
(Perceived value of an action is value we personally give to it).
Think about it.
I share your posts. I share it consistently, each time. I set an expectation on you.
You know that I will share your post (that also means that you don’t need to do any specific action to convince me to share your content = I share your content for free). And that my friend, decreases the perceived value of my action.
Need more evidence?
Let me give you another example:
Give a person two watches, both of them about the same in price and features.
You give the person two options: They could either pick watch A for free or buy watch B for a fixed price.
Now, most people may buy watch A, but in their minds, they have a higher perceived value for watch B.
Same goes for shares.
When you have to take action to get me to share your content, then you place more value over my action. And that’s powerful and effective. Not, just for me, but for both of us.
So, what’s the solution to tackling the expectation levels (and at the same time building the relationship?)
Share only the Valuable content?
Now, when I say valuable, I mean valuable to you.
Don’t go on and share every article the blogger posts.
Don’t go and comment on every article he/she posts.
Comment and share articles that you find valuable (and that you think your audience might find valuable – In this case, you really need to know your audience – why they followed you in the first place).
Sharing content that is valuable not just to you, but also to your followers builds relationships – between you, the blog owner and your followers you followed you because of the content you have to offer.
The Wrap
It is a simple concept, but when put into action, it can be very powerful. Try it I can guarantee that it will only help you to build the relationship.
Don’t share others’ content consistently.
Comment and Share what’s valuable. Leave the others. You don’t need to read every article or comment everything to build the relation.
Image credit: Original author
Yet another great topic.
I have become a fan of your writing style from the day I read your post on BasicBlogTips. You pick up unique topics and present it amazingly. No sh*t, just useful content.
Thanks for such a great article
Arbaz Khan recently posted..4 Blogging Myths prevailing in the Blogosphere !!!!!
Hey Arbaz,
Thank you! I am glad you liked my writing style.
No problem. Thanks for your comment!
It seems good to read this post. I like the way you write this post. I agree that we should not share others content until we have not found them valuable. It is good idea that share content that are valuable and informative as such.
Angel recently posted..How Dim Pro Guards Against Estrogen Extremes
Glad you agree, Angel.
Yes, we should only share content we find really valuable (only then, can it be valuable to our followers).
Hey Jeevan,
This is quite original.
I did not put it in as much words but I had these thoughts.
Thoughtless sharing of blog posts can even reduce the quality of the output during the writing process.
If people will share your posts anyway, sometimes without even taking the time to read it, why bother?
Great thought…
Yeremi Akpan recently posted..How to Move your WordPress Blog to a New Domain without Losing Link Juice
Hey Yeremi,
Yes, it can, in a way, discourage us too. Share what is valuable, comment on what is valuable, but be a little picky, even if they are your good friends.
Thanks for the comment, Yeremi!
Good, post, though I agree you should think about quality when you share other people’s content I have to disagree with the use of the watch analogy. The reason is, when buying something value is many times shown by price, the higher price item has more value. With relationships, the opposite is true. If someone shares my stuff and they don’t have to, I value that. It takes more effort for someone to share all my content and I know they aren’t only sharing the very best so I am thankful for those people more than the person who shares my stuff only once in a while.
It is like saying I will appreciate a friend more if I only see them twice a year on special occasions versus a friend I see every day. In this case you will have a better relationship with the person who you spend every day with. Good, post, thought provoking.
Hey Ross,
Of course, I agree. But, there is another aspect to it. Why would someone share your content? Either they found it valuable or they are doing it as automated (auto tribes, tweet exchange services etc). In the case of them finding it valuable, we actually wrote the “awesome” content and convinced them to share it to the world – so, we actually did some work for them to share the content.
In the case of automated tweets (ones you know are automated), you know that they are doing it because they get something in return (So you value their action less).
Well, you can’t really compare to that, because there are very different scenarios. I didn’t say you have to tweet once every month or so, I said don’t share every post that your friend writes (and there are a lot of bloggers who do – manually and automatically – this post was written as a note to them, so that they realize that their consistent actions can set an expectation level and make their actions to be perceived as less valuable).
Got it?
Hey Jeevan,
Well, I agree yet I disagree and I’ll tell you why!
I don’t think like that and I’m sure there are some other people who are like me. I appreciate people who load their Twitterfeeds with my posts. I appreciate the heck out of them but they know me well enough to know that what I share most everyone finds valuable. I don’t think any less of them for doing that either and I never take that for granted.
Am I the norm? Probably not but I get the point you’re trying to make here which is why I can say both.
In my opinion if you continue to always share valuable content this will never be an issue. Nor will it be if you really do care about your readers.
Me personally, I only share content that I believe is valuable to me and my readers/followers/friends. I don’t load up any feeds to automatically share posts, I approve everything before it’s shared.
Good point though and I understand what you’re saying. Looks like most agree with you as well.
~Adrienne
Adrienne recently posted..How To Build Successful And Profitable Relationships
Hey Adrienne,
I like when people disagree on the subject
Makes me think more about the topic and gain even more insight while conversing with someone.
Of course, but don’t you think setting an expectation level upon us makes the action a little less valuable (perceived value).
It is like the watch example: 2 watches, same features, one free and one priced. Even if we know they have the same features, we (Consciously or unconsciously) perceive the priced watch as more valuable than the free one.
Same goes for actions – when we do work (convince someone to share the content), we perceive it as very valuable.
The same thing, if done automatically, on a consistent basis (no matter what, you get the share). Over time, we perceive it less valuable.
Of course, there are other factors to count it.
If the same person who shares your content, comments on your post, it can counter act the “perceived value” (Isn’t that the case for you? I mean, most people who share your content are who read and comment on your posts, right?)
Of course, commenting on every post then again sets another expectation level upon us – but, since there isn’t any automated commenting and because commenting can take a lot more effort and time, the level doesn’t matter much in relation to the perceived value.
Of course, all this can also change if you have a really good relationship with the sharer. There are other factors to consider
Thanks for the comment, Adrienne (You gave me a lot to think about!).
I don’t necessarily agree. People have different perceptions of things so in your view, one watch is more valuable because they are asking for money. I would look at the watch and decide for myself which one really is and it might not be the one they are asking money for.
I have people sharing my content that don’t even read it. Why? Because they know I crank out valuable content and they want to help me spread the word. Some of these people who are doing this I don’t even visit their blog. They just took it upon themselves to do this so does that make my content over time less valuable? Absolutely not. If people drop by my blog and read my content their views will remain the same.
That’s what I’m trying to get across Jeevan but then again this is just my own personal opinion. I’ve come to learn that what other people think is none of my business.
Thanks for the reply, I appreciate it.
~Adrienne
Adrienne recently posted..How To Build Successful And Profitable Relationships
Yes, I do get your point, Adrienne
I am not saying that the action isn’t valuable. Of course, it is. But, we may perceive it to be less valuable (then again, like you said, we can overcome our perceptions).
Thanks for the reply!
Jeevan Jacob John recently posted..Content isn’t the King, Blogging Isn’t a Monarchy!
I don’t agree at all, Jeevan. Bloggers who write quality content always write quality content. They DO appreciate me sharing it and I doubt they hope I’ll stop feeding their blog posts so I’ll feel more appreciated.
We are all really busy and there is no way to consistently support the best bloggers we know manually, so I strongly feel we should support their content – but that said that means we must continually raise our standards for any guest posts we publish as that is the weak spot as our blogs grow.
Gail Gardner recently posted..Traditional World View Versus Creating a Better World for All Through Supporting Small Business
I don’t know about Gail. I have seen bloggers I respect write posts that aren’t really useful, or posts that just reiterate what they said in the previous post.
Yes, I do get your point. But, I think that setting intervals in between (With sharing) is better for the relationship. Anyways, that’s just what I think.
Thank you for sharing your opinion, Gail!
Yeah I have to say that when someone shares my content automatically I sould not value that less, I would value that the most. The reason is that they are broadcasting my stuff consistently.
See if someone shares my content once in a while, that doesn’t make me think they care as much about me, they may only be sharing it because they liked the random article. If someone shares everything then I know they are a real fan of my writing and that means much more to me. Social media is about relationships and relationships are measured by consistency.
An example I would give you is, if you got to do a guest post on someone’s blog versus them asking you to be a permanent writer for them. This means they will post all you write and yes some pieces are better than others but the fact is if they want to promote everything from you I think you will value that more.
In the world of social media having more people spread your content just isn’t a bad thing, so I have to disagree that people would find more value in someone not sharing everything of theirs automatically. I have relationships like that and it isn’t arbitrary. I share some people’s content all the time because they write good content and we have a relationship and help each other out.
Ross Quintana (@Ross_Quintana) recently posted..How to Catch an Empire Avenue Cheater
I totally agree with you, Ross. I value the bloggers who consistently share my content – and there are about 27 of them who have the content on GrowMap automated to Twitter – the most and I have over 70 blogs in my own Twitterfeed.
I only automate the bloggers who have such consistently strong content and high moral standards that I can trust them not to publish anything objectionable. If they have a weak post now and again that is NOT the end of the world.
Sometimes we publish guest posts and they frequently are not as strong as our own content. But then some that didn’t do much for me are very popular with my readers or bring in a lot of search engine traffic – so just because they’re “different” doesn’t necessarily make them bad.
I’m off to check out your blog, Ross – even though I detest Empire Avenue. I’ll try not to hold that against you.
Gail Gardner recently posted..Bloggers: Promote Your Blogs Here
Hey Gail, thanks for checking out my blog. Empire Avenue is a love hate for many people. I write about it sometimes because frankly not many articles are written about it so I try and fill the gap :] I will check out your blog and other social media profiles.
I do get your point, Ross.
Yes, when someone consistently shares our content, we should value as – as our fan. But, over time, the perceived value of their actions, drop off.
Take for example: If I know that someone is going to buy my products consistently and that I don’t need to put it any more efforts into convincing the buyer, then I start to perceive the action as less valuable. Of course, in reality, they are valuable to my business.
I know it’s all sounds messed up, and it is – because that’s how human behavior and psychology works. Things change upon situations and so does perceptions.
@ Gail – I am not saying that they are bad or anything, Gail. I am just suggesting that the action over time, will be perceived as less valuable.
Anyways, thank you for the comments, guys!
Jeevan Jacob John recently posted..Content isn’t the King, Blogging Isn’t a Monarchy!
As far as I’m concerned I don’t mind at all sharing someones content on a continuous basis as long as their content is worth sharing. I’m pretty tight with my social shares because each one is a reflection on myself so I’m not about to share anything just because I want the author to reciprocate.
Sire recently posted..Is There An Alternative To ClickBank?
Hey Sire,
Yes, of course. But, no one is consistent with writing quality content, Sire. Even the experts can write weak posts.
I like your thinking, Sire – considering the shares as reflection of us and our blog.
Thank you for your comment!
Sorry for the late reply – I was out of town
In that case those weak post won’t get shared
Sire recently posted..Spam Alert! How Many Emails Does It Take?
I guess it also depends on who you are trying to connect with. You only have to connect with a few big movers and shakers who might then get the word out about you or your blog. As long as you don’t become totally sycophantic and develop a give and take relationship with them over time then it could work. Everyone wants everything now….this is a needy relationship that scares most people.
Ade recently posted..The Right Way To Craft An Email Call To Action – Call To Action InfoGraphic
Yes, Ade.
We can easily change all this by constantly conversing with those followers – by engaging with them (And I don’t mean just sharing!).
Thank you for your comment, Ade!
Hi Jeevan,
I appreciate everyone who shares my content. I’ve never placed any expectations on anyone, whether they’ve left a comment and shared the post or not.
When I leave a comment, I always share it. (yes, I will be tweeting this
) The fact I’ve made the comment, I have found the article, helpful, interesting, funny …..
I also share articles without leaving a comment, for whatever reason I didn’t comment, I still shared the content because I thought it was something others may want to read.
If one consistently shares worthy content, whether it be from several different source or the few regular ones, either way, your followers know that that content from ‘whoever’ is always good and worth reading. It’s about what you can offer your followers.
Interesting article Jeevan
Julie
Julie recently posted..A – Achieve Your Dreams
That’s the thing Julie,
We don’t set expectations – our unconscious mind does, whether we like it or not. And those expectations form our perceptions, through which we act in this world.
Of course, we can change those expectations and perceptions, but it does take effort.
Yes, I also share almost all content that I comment (some need only commenting – like announcements, feedback etc).
There isn’t always, Julie. Things change over time. But, yes, trust is very well appreciated.
The trust we place on others when we automatically share their content.
I appreciate that. But, as I said, it has its own disadvantages – everything in this world does.
Appreciate your opinion, Julie. Thanks!
Jeevan Jacob John recently posted..Content isn’t the King, Blogging Isn’t a Monarchy!
Good stuff Jacob. Overall I agree with your premise. I see some folks sharing everything someone else puts out, even when there’s really nothing there, and it makes you wonder if they’ve read the post. There are a few bloggers who put out good stuff with every single post, and if that’s the case then of course we’d expect those people to share. I tend to share only what I actually read; works better that way in my opinion.
Mitch Mitchell recently posted..Blogging Tips – Post Length
Hey Mitch,
Glad you agree, Mitch. Yes, it does make me wonder too. Some people just automatically tweet the content – I know, it is out of trust. But, we also need to be choosy because our followers expect us to tweet great and useful content.
Yes, that’s what I do too. Manual sharing after I read the post.
Thank you for your comment, Mitch!
Jeevan Jacob John recently posted..Content isn’t the King, Blogging Isn’t a Monarchy!
Great article, i really enjoyed reading abut it and learning what is needed to be done, thank you for sharing this very helpful information. This is going to help a lot of people with problem’s.
Michelle recently posted..Worldwide Second Quarter PC Sales Drop
Hey Michelle,
Thank you! Glad you liked it.
Thank you for stopping by!
What I’m seeing here is most people are disagreeing the post and I don’t know why, but I think Jeevan shared his own personal opinion and maybe it worked for him.
Ehsan @ GuideAndNews recently posted..Starting a Blog – Which Blogging Platform To Choose
Hey Ehsan,
I am glad that people disagreed – it gives me more to think about
Thank you for your comment, Ehsan!