Do you spend a lot of time pulling out your iPhone to check your social media channels?
Maybe you’re managing social media for clients or constantly checking your own channels for new updates.
We’re all guilty of that.
The bottomline is that social media can be time-consuming and interrupt our focus if we let it.
This can lead to a loss in productivity and if you’re a business owner, lost revenue.
What if you could improve the time you spend on social media each day?
For example, spend 60 minutes a day instead of getting lost for hours in your newsfeed?
In this article I’ll show you some ways you can use Apple Watch for social media.
This way you can begin to improve your productivity and accomplish more in your business.
Are you struggling with your social media marketing? Apple Watch can help you stay on-top of your game. Here’s how.Click To TweetLet’s take a look at some of the ways you can use Apple Watch for social media.
This way you can stay on-top of conversations, capitalize on new content ideas, and get more done on your social media channels!
20+ Ways to Use Apple Watch for Social Media
1. Set reminders and keep track of your to-do list
How many times have you forgotten to post your latest blog post or send out your email newsletter?
Or maybe you needed to pick-up supplies for a meeting with a client?
Your Apple Watch can help you keep track of things.
There are are a few different apps you can use to remind you to complete your to-do list.
For me personally, I use Nozbe for iOS as well as the Nozbe desktop app for managing my to-do list.
With these apps, I’m able to create tasks on Apple Watch, get reminders about upcoming tasks, and sync them with my calendar app, Fantastical 2 for iPhone.
If you’re looking for other alternatives, I also like 2Do, Evernote and Up Next.
Here are some reminders you might want to set using your Apple Watch.
- Update your social media channels
- Send out your email newsletter
- Invoice a client
- Collaborate with your employees on your next project
- And so on
2. Keep up with your team
Do you need to communicate with your team about a project? Maybe you’re working on a social media campaign?
Instead of pulling out your phone and getting distracted, you can use your Apple Watch and Slack to view different message threads for important projects you’re working on, quickly reply to members of your team and stay on-top of your communications in just seconds.
What’s also great is if you’re working in an office and you leave your phone in your office, you’ll still be able to reply from your Apple Watch without missing a beat.
3. Listen to podcasts
As a business owner, it is important to keep up with what is going on in your industry. You can’t always be reading blog posts though – especially if you’re traveling in a car, on a plane, or working out.
An alternative is to listen to podcasts instead.
A number of blogs have recognized this growing trend and have started turning their blog posts into podcasts. This way you can choose to read their latest post or listen to their podcast depending on your situation.
Two of my favorite apps for listening to podcasts on Apple Watch are Overcast: Podcast Player and Downcast. They let you easily subscribe to and download your favorite podcasts to your Apple Watch.
This way you’ll be able to continue learning new tips to help grow your business regardless of where you are at.
4. Create new blog posts or social media updates
One of my go-to apps to help organize my thoughts and to-do lists is Drafts.
I write a lot about social media marketing – 400+ posts to-date.
One way I keep my thoughts organized is whenever I have a new idea for a blog post, video tutorial, or podcast, I create a new entry in Drafts from my Apple Watch.
If you have existing notes you want to add your thoughts to, you can also do that as well from your watch.
Once you have your ideas down, you can easily sync them with your main writing app. For me, I use Byword.
Besides creating text for blog posts, you can also use Drafts to post your notes to Facebook, Twitter or to other social media channels.
5. Follow your favorite blogs
Your Apple Watch isn’t just a tool to tell time. It can also be used to keep up with your favorite social media marketing blogs (or any blogs for that matter).
To do this, I use Feedly.
With the Feedly app, you can organize your favorite blogs in one convenient location and then quickly scan new articles, tag them, and save them for later from your Apple Watch.
I don’t know about you but my Inbox is constantly overflowing with too many email newsletters. By moving them to Feedly, I can safely unsubscribe from many of the newsletters because I can read all of their content in Feedly at anytime!
6. See who is talking about your business on Twitter
Another way to use Apple Watch for social media is to monitor your Twitter stream.
This way you can keep with your tweeps or other breaking news on Twitter.
With Apple Watch and the Twitter app, you can also:
- View your timeline
- View trending topics
- See what your Twitter followers are tweeting about
- Reply, retweet and favorite tweets from Apple Watch
- Follow new Twitter users
For the past month, I’ve been using the Twitter app on my Apple Watch. So far, I find that it is faster to retweet, reply and favorite tweets and to follow other Twitter users.
This is because you don’t need to get your phone out, unlock it, and launch the Twitter app.
Instead, you can quickly perform many of the normal Twitter actions right on Apple Watch.
Overall, I’m impressed with the experience of Twitter on Apple Watch.
It makes keeping up with tweets a lot easier because there aren’t a lot of distractions such as other recommended accounts to follow, trends and promoted tweets.
One feature I would love to see in a future update is the ability to add someone to Twitter lists from Apple Watch.
For now, it does a great job at helping you stay on-top of tweets from your Twitter account.
7. Connect with your Instagram followers
If you’re a heavy Instagram user, you’ll love that your Apple Watch can be used to interact and engage with your Instagram followers.
While you can’t take a photo from your Apple Watch and post it to Instagram yet, you can use the Instagram app on your watch to interact with the accounts.
Here are some of the things you can do using your Apple Watch and Instagram.
- See posts from Instagram accounts you follow
- See recent comments or likes
- View Instagram profiles
- Receive notifications when friends, family or favorite accounts post to Instagram
- Comment using emojis
Using Instagram on Apple Watch works pretty well. In fact, like Twitter on Apple Watch, I find it’s a lot easier to use Instagram on my wrist to like, comment and follow new users.
While you don’t get the full Instagram experience yet (Instagram videos have to be played on an iPhone), I like how using Instagram on Apple Watch can help save time and still allow you to connect and engage with your followers.
8. Take a great selfie without a selfie stick!
Another way your Apple Watch can help with your social media is when taking photos.
Maybe you want to take a photo for your Facebook Page? Or maybe you just met one of your mentors and want to share a photo-op with your followers on Instagram?
Your Apple Watch includes a built-in camera remote that can help.
To get started, all you need is your Apple Watch, iPhone, the camera app and the camera remote app.
This way if you’re at a conference and want to take a group photo, you can preview your image from your Apple Watch, set a timer, and snap the perfect selfie before sharing it on your social media channels.
In addition to the stock camera remote app, I regularly use the Camera+ app which also has a camera remote feature as well for Apple Watch.
If you need something to prop up your iPhone on, check out the versatile Shoulderpod S1.
It’s a tool I take with me everywhere.
9. Complete complex tasks with ease!
Another powerful app for Apple Watch is the Workflow app.
If you’ve never used Workflow, it’s an extremely powerful app that helps you perform complex tasks with the press of a button.
For example, you can create an audio recording on Apple Watch and save it to Evernote.
Some other ways you can use the Workflow app and Apple Watch are to:
- Tweet out latest photo
- Keep up with your team on Slack
- Listen to a saved article
- View your reminders
- And more
10. Get notified about new social media updates
One of my favorite ways to use Apple Watch for social media is for Hooks.
If you’re not familiar with this app, it allows you to setup alerts so that you are notified when your favorite social media channels post new updates.
For example, I can setup Hooks to notify me when a specific blog uploads a new post.
You can also be notified when specific accounts you follow on Instagram share a new photo.
When they do, you receive a notification on Apple Watch.
Here are some other social media alerts available in the Hooks app:
- Tweet by Author
- YouTube channel new video
- Instagram by username
- Pinterest by user / board
- YouTube channel upload
- New Vine video
- RSS Feed
- And so on…
In a world where we’re constantly being bombarded by notifications, this app helps control which notifications make their way onto your wrist (and your phone).
This way you only get the updates you want on your Apple Watch and iPhone or iPad.
Right now, I have alerts setup in Hooks for just a handful of accounts I want to be notified about. This way I don’t miss any of their updates.
As your interests change and you want to change who you received updates from, you can quickly adjust the Hooks you’ve created.
11. Control your presentations
Do you give a lot of presentations on social media marketing?
Instead of buying a separate remote or having someone else advance your slides for you, you can use your Apple Watch instead.
All you need is the Microsoft PowerPoint app or Keynote.
You’ll now be able to control your presentation right from your wrist.
You can start your presentation, advance your slides or end your slideshow when you’re ready.
12. Track your time spent on social media activities
Anyone who spends time on social media knows you can’t just spend a few minutes checking Facebook.
Five minutes can quickly turn into an hour.
One way I manage the time I spend on social media more effectively is to use Apple Watch and Pomodoro Time Pro.
What this app does is it allows me to setup a list of specific tasks that I want to accomplish.
For example, you might want to setup call to action buttons on your Facebook Page.
Instead of just starting on this task, it sets a timer. At the end of 25 minutes, it reminds you that it is time to take a break. It also helps track your progress over time.
This way you can see if you’re giving yourself enough time to complete your social media related tasks.
In the time that I’ve used this tool, it has helped improve my productivity. I find that I am more aware of the time I spend checking Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram because I have a timer to remind me to stay on-task.
Overall, I’m surprised at how much more I can get accomplished in a short amount of time because of a timer.
13. Tame your Inbox
As a business owner, you probably receive a lot of emails from customers.
This could be questions on your blog, messages sent through your Facebook Page or notifications when you’re mentioned on Twitter.
In either case, your customers expect a response in a timely manner.
One app I’m currently using to help manage my emails on my iPhone as well as on my Apple Watch is Spark.
What is unique about Spark is that I can respond to an email – say a question about a Facebook training.
Alternatively, I can choose to snooze the message for later and batch all of my emails at once.
This way if I have a few extra minutes while I’m waiting for an appointment, I can respond to them from Apple Watch.
If you work in an office and you left your phone at your desk and something important comes in, you can respond to your emails from your watch.
Previously, emails would pile-up. With Apple Watch, you can address them quickly from your wrist to you stay in constant communication with your customers.
14. Connect with customers and employees anywhere!
One of the tools I use a lot in my business is Skype.
It is a big part of my Facebook coaching program. I also use it when I’m recording episodes for my podcast.
Therefore, I need to be available in case something comes up and a client or guest on the show needs to reschedule.
With the Skype app on my Apple Watch, clients and show guests can message me and I can respond right from my wrist.
15. Manage your calendar with ease
Managing a business takes dedication. There are a lot of things to keep track of – financials, product inventory, employees, and so on.
If you’re a solopreneur and you also handle your social media marketing and find you forget to post to your social media channels on a regular basis, it’s time to get organized!
One way to set your business up for success on social media is to use a strong calendar app.
This way you can stay organized.
I use Fantastical 2 for iPhone.
I chose this app because it allows me to view my calendar, and also combines any reminders I’ve created as well into one app.
When paired with Apple Watch, you get notified when it’s time for your next appointment – for example, creating posts for your social media channels.
By setting aside time to create content for your social media channels, you can start to apply good tactics to help you remember to create new content to post.
At first, you might find it difficult to post consistently to your social media channels. In no time though, you’ll be posting regularly to your channels, freeing up additional time to grow other aspects of your business.
16. Never forget a password again
How many times have you had an employee ask you for the password to your social media accounts?
Or maybe you need the password to access your Instagram account so that you can respond to a comment?
Having a password manager such as 1Password for iOS is a must, can save you a lot of time, and keep your accounts secure.
Considering how complicated passwords have gotten, why bother trying to remember them all.
With 1Password, you can manage all of your passwords right from your Apple Watch. This way you don’t have to go digging through emails or looking for a Google Doc.
Note: In addition to the iOS app, you will need a 1Password subscription. This subscription works on your desktop as well as your iPhone, iPad and of course your Apple Watch.
17. Copy and paste from anywhere
Do you find yourself constantly sifting through handwritten notes?
For example, maybe you wrote down a quote you saw that you wanted to share on Instagram.
Now you can’t find the note.
With the Clips app, you can copy any text you find. It gets stored in the cloud.
When you launch the Clips app, you’ll be able to access anything you’ve copied through their app on Apple Watch.
This way you can focus on creating beautiful images for social media rather than wasting time looking through your notes.
18. Give your brain a rest
If you want to keep your business in peak performance, you’ll need to make sure you get regular exercise.
I know how difficult it can be if you’re traveling to meet with clients, attending conferences, and constantly on-the-go.
Fortunately, you can get a workout in with the 7 Minute Workout app.
If you’re wondering if seven minutes is enough time to exercise, read this review from Women’s Health Mag.
All you’ll need is your workout clothes and the 7 Minute Workout app – which works on your Apple Watch.
Now there’s no excuse not to hit the gym.
19. Complete actions with one-tap
Save time updating your social media channels.
With the app, Do Note by IFTTT, you can quickly post an update to your Facebook Page.
You can also use Apple Watch for social media updates to Twitter as well.
Here are a few more ways Apple Watch can help with your social media marketing using Do Note by IFTTT.
- Post a tweet
- Update your Twitter bio
- Add a post to Buffer
- Create events in Google Calendar
- Create notes in Evernote
- Update your Facebook status
- Update your Facebook Page
- And more
Be sure to check out their other app, Do Button by IFTT which can also complete other more complex actions.
20. Join an upcoming video broadcast on Periscope
Periscope is one of the newest social media channels on the block. If you haven’t yet joined Periscope, it’s a live video broadcasting app.
I highly recommend joining one. They’re a lot of fun.
If you struggle with creating new content for your social media channels, consider starting your own “scope” to connect with your fans and customers.
You can follow me @ckroks on Periscope.
Right now you can only get notified about new Periscopes; however, because they’re live videos, you can quickly join them on your phone or tablet.
Your Turn
Hopefully this has given you some ideas on some of the ways you can use Apple Watch for social media.
Do you currently own an Apple Watch or plan to purchase one to help you stay on-top of your social media marketing?
When it comes to social media, I see a lot of potential with Apple Watch.
It’s not just for checking updates. You can also use it to post new ones, engage with your customers, and help your business get more efficient at managing your social media channels.
While you’re probably wondering why I didn’t mention using Facebook, YouTube or some of the other major social networks with Apple Watch.
At the moment, they don’t offer very good support on Apple Watch.
For example, Facebook provides you with notifications that you received a new message or comment; however, you can’t view them. Instead, they require you to use handoff on your iPhone.
I wouldn’t let that deter you from finding ways to use Apple Watch for social media though.
In the time that I’ve been using it, I’ve started to be more selective about which apps go on Apple Watch.
Besides the ways I mentioned, can you think of other ways you would use Apple Watch for social media to help your business?
Share your ideas on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or in the comments below.