Using Social Media for Business Marketing
It's a Powerful Tool for Promoting toward Success
Apr 20, 2009
Sure, Facebook and Twitter have become everyday tools for people from all walks of life. But the really smart users of these social media platforms are finding ways to use it wisely to build networks around their businesses and attract their ideal clients. Follow these tips to get started using social networking as a part of your marketing plan.
Build a Facebook Community
Facebook has gained enormous popularity over the past several years, and Facebook itself has set up some marketing platforms that allow people to share their businesses and build communities around them.
While having a personal profile page is essential on Facebook, also consider creating a "Page," which allows more information suited toward your business needs. A good Facebook page uses dynamic content - photos, discussions and frequently updated business information - to create a relationship with past, current and future clients. A Facebook page is a great place to post inside information before anyone else hears it, offer special deals or show off new things happening.
Invite friends and clients to become "fans" of your page, but don't heckle anyone. If a page is interesting and engaging enough, they'll find you and join.
Tweet, Tweet
Twitter is another new phenomenon in the social networking sphere and it's changing the way people communicate. Driving traffic to a blog is easy with a few simple phrases and a link that will draw people in. Some of the most successful users of Twitter remember, however, that people will only follow them as long as they're interesting. Those who use their tweets to inform, educate and entertain others will be rewarded with many loyal followers, and that's important to remember.
Another great feature in Twitter is to be able to see what others are doing and talking about. By visiting the Twitter web site and doing a Twitter search for people near you looking for a specific type of service, you can find potential clients and contact them about how you can help them.
Keep That Nose Clean
The great thing about social networking is the ability it gives people to share their lives and their work. The downside, of course, is exactly the same. Checking once or twice a week through social networking sites for incriminating photos, unprofessional behavior or other potential client turn-offs is a wise idea, and it's also important to conduct business in a professional way online all the time, which includes installing that proverbial screen-door over the mouth. Some biting words can come back to bite, especially online where things are not quickly forgotten.
Earn Trust the Good Way
It's important to be a business owner or marketer who respects people's choices. Spamming is a quick way to get a bad online reputation and fewer clients. Instead, make sure that people are given the choice whether to be a fan, and they'll value it more. It all comes back to customer service, and marketing in an aggressive way doesn't serve the customer very well.
Using social media to network and market a business is a great way to get attention and attract new clients, but there are also rules to remember to do it successfully. Now get out there and Facebook, Twitter and grow!
