It seems nearly every day someone is offering a seminar or webinar on social media. We’re told to sit in and learn about the various social media tools and social media strategies. You wonder: What more could be said about social media? What does all this mean for me and my business? Good questions.
Too often presenters talk about the various components of social media without fully explaining why businesses should be involved. Without understanding the why, you can’t fully appreciate what you’re missing. You also won’t know how to properly use those powerful marketing tools. Without that understanding, business people blindly post tweets, blog columns, and videos, and then wonder why they don’t get a reaction. They also quickly lose faith and stop their efforts.
Regardless of the industry they’re in, many businesses benefit from incorporating a social media strategy in their overall marketing efforts. You may still use some traditional media, but if you are trying to reach consumers, you should consider social media, as well.
Let me give you some perspective. I worked for an Internet service provider in 1997. Back then, many of our customers’ websites consisted of a single page. One client had a two-page site. Wow!
Cost was a factor, but there was more to the issue. Many firms, I believe, put up websites merely because their competitors had one. Admittedly, my company didn’t do a good job of explaining the true value of a website. (Keep in mind that e-commerce hadn’t become a standard practice.) They would pay to have a site developed, then go about their business.
What does that have to do with discussions today about social media SEO and using social media for business? And why should your firm incorporate social media in your marketing campaign?
Social media provide a quick and easy way to interact with your customers and prospects, thereby allowing you to establish and develop a relationship.
How people use social media
Customers of all ages use social media platforms to communicate. Imagine social media as a town square. People go there to chat, mingle, ask questions, gripe, and otherwise converse. If you’re not involved, prospects, customers, and plain folks could be talking about you (good or bad) and you would not have the chance to respond. Similarly, they may be asking for help in areas you could assist with. If you haven’t made an impression via social media, those individuals may go elsewhere for answers. And to buy.
What should you do? In short, get involved, but in a systematic way. Concentrate on putting out valuable content; content that piques interest, solves problems, and otherwise raises awareness of your firm. Observe the types of questions that are being posed and the topics raised. To what extent can you write about those (and other topics) as they relate to your business?
Facebook has proved to be a powerful platform for larger firms to hold contests and other interactive events. Think of fun ways to engage visitors to your fan page, and reward them accordingly. Gift certificates, coupons, and other awards help maintain interest and a following.
Be patient as you launch your social media marketing. You may not see a tremendous response right away. Keep it up, and over time you will develop a following. That following – those leads – are gold for your firm.
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I agree that in-person communications are best. However, with the growth of communications products and the platforms to support them, people are using those venues to an increasingly greater degree. Whether that’s good or bad for society is beyond me. I think it’s important, though, for business to recognize that and adapt as needed. Thanks for stopping by.
Good point about commenting posting frequently. And, yes, there are so many options out there to enhance exposure. Thanks for visiting!
Use both, and find out where you get the best responses from.
I have heard that twitter is the way to go, but I enjoy reading facebook better – it is easier for me to follow. One has to be active though – 1 or 2 posts a day will not benefit you. 5 to 10 posts a day is needed to keep your momentum going.
I think it is hootie that lets you put all posts on one location, the set times for the postings. No need to even try and run an online business with out being on facebook and twitter. Even a brick and mortar store will see an increase in business if facebook and twitter are used properly.
Hope that helps you. Cheers, thebigmozey PS also look into stumbleupon, hubpages, examiner, webanswers, and any other online media form that you can use to promote yourself or your business.