The social networking arena seems to expand daily, and while it
offers many opportunities, it can also be confusing and overwhelming.
But the fact of the matter is business social networks are not going
away any time soon. Adding social business networking to your business's
marketing and sales plan is an easy way to boost your name and brand
recognition, boost your product visibility and boost your sales all at
the same time.
Instead of trying to get on every social site out there, select two or three good ones that will help you be most effective with your marketing and businesses goal, with sites such as Facebook and Pinterest. Business blogs or Twitter, it's important to use them wisely and consistently to attract customers. As you become more adept with business social networks, the process of incorporating them into your marketing plan will become easier. Use the following benchmarks to ensure your use of social networking is benefitting your business.
• Your Networking Efforts are Local, Not Just Global. Social networking does put your business on a global platform but if you don't make sure to include your local customers, you'll miss perhaps the most important market you serve. Include local expositions, trade fairs and other promotional opportunities in your marketing plan. Take the time to encourage local customers to spread the word as they'll appreciate being able to support local businesses.
• People Are Engaged. The longer you blog, Facebook, tweet or pin the more your following should grow. If you're getting more comments and interaction from followers it shows people are engaged by your social media efforts. Follow customer reaction closely so you know when you've tapped into a "hot" business topic so you can capitalize on it.
• You're Seeing Measurable Results. Have your followers mention something memorable such as a code or comment when they react to your status change or Tweets. When customers frequently tell you "I saw your post about such-and-such on Facebook, you'll know you're on the right track.
• Social Networking is Your Business's Fluid Marketing Tool. Making changes to traditional marketing campaigns can be expensive and problematic but social media changes aren't. If you've got your finger on the pulse of your customers' needs, you'll change your social networking efforts to meet them. By staying flexible, you'll be able to stay ahead of the trend curves and not fall behind.
For social business networking to be effective for you, it must be used consistently. You're not likely to build a following with any social media venue if your presence is hit-or-miss. Be ever-present without being pesky so your name, business, products or services become a recognized and welcome part of your customers' social media experiences.
Instead of trying to get on every social site out there, select two or three good ones that will help you be most effective with your marketing and businesses goal, with sites such as Facebook and Pinterest. Business blogs or Twitter, it's important to use them wisely and consistently to attract customers. As you become more adept with business social networks, the process of incorporating them into your marketing plan will become easier. Use the following benchmarks to ensure your use of social networking is benefitting your business.
• Your Networking Efforts are Local, Not Just Global. Social networking does put your business on a global platform but if you don't make sure to include your local customers, you'll miss perhaps the most important market you serve. Include local expositions, trade fairs and other promotional opportunities in your marketing plan. Take the time to encourage local customers to spread the word as they'll appreciate being able to support local businesses.
• People Are Engaged. The longer you blog, Facebook, tweet or pin the more your following should grow. If you're getting more comments and interaction from followers it shows people are engaged by your social media efforts. Follow customer reaction closely so you know when you've tapped into a "hot" business topic so you can capitalize on it.
• You're Seeing Measurable Results. Have your followers mention something memorable such as a code or comment when they react to your status change or Tweets. When customers frequently tell you "I saw your post about such-and-such on Facebook, you'll know you're on the right track.
• Social Networking is Your Business's Fluid Marketing Tool. Making changes to traditional marketing campaigns can be expensive and problematic but social media changes aren't. If you've got your finger on the pulse of your customers' needs, you'll change your social networking efforts to meet them. By staying flexible, you'll be able to stay ahead of the trend curves and not fall behind.
For social business networking to be effective for you, it must be used consistently. You're not likely to build a following with any social media venue if your presence is hit-or-miss. Be ever-present without being pesky so your name, business, products or services become a recognized and welcome part of your customers' social media experiences.
Dell Garraputo knows the importance of the social business side of things to get the word out to customers. NewsGator can help your business get on the path with social enterprise software, SharePoint social solutions and more.
