There is no blueprint to follow that will lead you to a successful career in acting. However, there are tools that can direct you in the right direction, and one of them is social media. Award winning Canadian actor, screenwriter, and producer, Michael Coleman, has achieved a successful international career; something many desire yet fail to achieve. As a seasoned actor with a long history in film and television, Michael knows a fair bit about how social media can help propel your acting career. However, many fail to grasp just how powerful social media can be. The following is a list of what social media can do for upcoming actors.

Michael Coleman on creating and growing key relationships

In a time where everyone is keeping busy and working on their own careers, it can be hard to bump into the “right” people. However, Michael explains, a social media platform can help you connect with many people, including people in the industry who can make your growing career and fans who will support your career. Key individuals such as directors, actors, influencers, and industry professionals all use social media to promote their work and view the work of others. For example, many artists including Rihanna have found collaborators by creeping artists Instagram accounts. Thus, it is very important to showcase your talents and unique personality or look online. You never know who is lurking! Platforms such as Instagram and Twitter are great for engaging with people in the acting industry.

Trends and practices in the entertainment industry are constantly changing every day. If you want to stay fresh and updated on the industry, you need social media. Even as a successful actor, Michael Coleman uses Instagram and has connections that keep him informed. Following the right accounts will keep you updated with useful details about the acting industry, and can help guide you into making the right moves. Additionally, these accounts can serve as great sources of inspiration to design your own work. Tired of looking for your dream role? Follow Michael’s lead and start writing your own comedy sketches, theatre shows, and movie/ television scripts.

Promote your work

Social media isn’t just for keeping in touch with friends, coworkers, and fans. It’s a platform used to display products and compelling bodies of work. Using social media to display your previous and current work, as well as updates on future releases, can draw the right attention towards you. Platforms such as Twitter can be the reason one of your stand ups goes viral. By displaying your work, you take control of how others in the industry see you. If you post frequently about your projects, they will see you as a committed and experienced professional. This could be the reason why a director or brand reaches out to you for career opportunities.

Build a fan base

As an up and coming actor, social media will help you build a loyal fan base where people who truly appreciate your work can stay updated with your upcoming projects. Social media has many platforms to offer, so experiment with the popular ones, such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter, to find what you’re most interested in. Giving enough attention to your most successful platform will pay off greatly. Be sure to use hashtags, engage with your fans, and be authentic.

Michael Coleman has personally experienced the positive effects of social media on his career. Not only has it allowed him to share his passions with others, it has also exposed him to various opportunities that he would have otherwise not known about. If you’re looking for a way to get your name out there, social media is a must.