How to Trend like Blaze

Buddha Blaze is a music industry writer and entrepreneur working around Africa and the Diaspora. He has been involved in many music initiatives such as PHAT! Magazine, Spark Africa, UN Africa Hip Hop Summit, WAPI, Nairobi Rapsody, Slam Africa, Emcee Africa, Coke Studio and so many more. His wide connections in the music industry have made him a consultant on many matters concerning the marketing of arts and culture around the world. He has used online platforms to promote most of his initiatives. Twitter is definitely one of the tools he uses the most for promotion.

Continuing the UP magazine Twitter interviews for the “How to” 140 character series, we asked Buddha Blaza on his tips on how to trend.

What is Trending and why is it important in the social media age?

Trending means having a Re-tweeted tweet. It’s important because it means that info you have disseminated is seen all across your network.

How do we find out what’s trending and what’s not?

You will see what’s trending by seeing what people on your timeline are Re-tweeting. Sites like Trends.com show you what’s trending where.

Is trending something that only happens on Twitter? What’s the FB equivalent?

Trending happens on Twitter and Facebook. Only difference is that on Twitter it’s about Re-tweets on Facebook it’s about likes and comments.

What’s a hashtag? How do we use it?

The hashtag is an un-spaced phrase, word or information used to drive conversations. Has a pound at the beginning or what we call a hash.

How do you trend? Can you give us any tips?

There’s no formula. In order to get there you must be consistent, true & original. It happens out of passion & can’t be duplicated or imitated.

Have you created any successful trends? Tell us about them.

One I can remember is when I trended sharing a message of love & peace on Steve Biko’s b’day. I think it worked ‘cause people forget past heroes.

Follow him @itsBuddhaBlaze