Here is my KISS(Keep It Simple Stupid) definition of social media: Online tools that link people, broadcast information, and help you build rapport and trust with prospective clients.
Here are some of the pros and cons of using social networking: Pros - Promote your business - Connect with prospective clients (that you otherwise would've never reached) - Interact with these people to build trust Cons - Time - you need to dedicate some time to it - Effort - you need to think outside of the box These ideas are very general, so let me elaborate.
Your Facebook page is not the place to hard-sell your products, post 100 updates-a-day, or tell people what you had for lunch, because nobody cares if you had mustard or mayonnaise on your sandwich.
You should begin by posting FREE information, in the form of reports or videos that will help your prospective clients see the value in what you do, and begin to trust what you are selling (whether it's a product or a service).
Put yourself in your targeted prospect's position - what information do they need that you can provide that will enhance their businesses and help you grow yours? Using social media to promote FREE webinars and teleseminars is a great use of this media channel.
You provide a service and great content at virtually no fee but you increase the size of your marketing lists as people enroll for the program you're offering.
Here are two ways NOT to use social networking:
Operative word: asset - social media is NOT a stand-alone million-dollar machine.
You should be marketing through multiple media streams (advertising, public relations, etc.
) and using social media as one of your marketing tools.
Remember, tools are made to save you time and effort.
Social media does just that, but wait...
didn't I say that the cons to social media are time and effort? Yes, these two factors can impact you if you do not use social networking correctly.
You should not be sitting at your desk all day, posting personal updates and mind-numbing videos.
There is a fine line between being productive and effective, and inefficient and annoying.
There are also automated tools that can increase the efficiency and effectiveness of your social media presence by saving you time and money.
Personally I try to limit my time to about an hour a day max, some days more, most days less.
One question that is always asked is, "How do I separate my personal life from my business on line?" Some people don't want their clients, affiliates, etc.
to see pictures from their vacation to the Grand Canyon.
My advice is to put some of your personal life out there; you want your clients to see some of your personal adventures, because they don't want to do business with an autobot, who's chained to their desk all day.
Creating a dimension of personalization in your online presence allows prospective clients to learn more about you, which (if done correctly) leads to stronger trust and rapport, which you know by now leads to more sales for your business.
Well how do I do it "correctly?"
Whether you're not online yet, have a few websites set up, or you live online, optimize your image and presence to the fullest, put your best foot forward, engage more clients and potential clients and use social media marketing as one powerful tool in your overall marketing arsenal.
Here are some of the pros and cons of using social networking: Pros - Promote your business - Connect with prospective clients (that you otherwise would've never reached) - Interact with these people to build trust Cons - Time - you need to dedicate some time to it - Effort - you need to think outside of the box These ideas are very general, so let me elaborate.
Your Facebook page is not the place to hard-sell your products, post 100 updates-a-day, or tell people what you had for lunch, because nobody cares if you had mustard or mayonnaise on your sandwich.
You should begin by posting FREE information, in the form of reports or videos that will help your prospective clients see the value in what you do, and begin to trust what you are selling (whether it's a product or a service).
Put yourself in your targeted prospect's position - what information do they need that you can provide that will enhance their businesses and help you grow yours? Using social media to promote FREE webinars and teleseminars is a great use of this media channel.
You provide a service and great content at virtually no fee but you increase the size of your marketing lists as people enroll for the program you're offering.
Here are two ways NOT to use social networking:
- Posting 34 updates a day.
Yes, 34 was an arbitrary number, but it doesn't matter how useful your information is, prospects will get annoyed by you and delete you as a friend, or connection. - Talk about pointless, self-absorbed information.
As much as she loves you, even Aunt Sally doesn't really care what color you got your nails painted, or what you ordered at the drive-through.
Broadcast valuable information to build trust and rapport!
Operative word: asset - social media is NOT a stand-alone million-dollar machine.
You should be marketing through multiple media streams (advertising, public relations, etc.
) and using social media as one of your marketing tools.
Remember, tools are made to save you time and effort.
Social media does just that, but wait...
didn't I say that the cons to social media are time and effort? Yes, these two factors can impact you if you do not use social networking correctly.
You should not be sitting at your desk all day, posting personal updates and mind-numbing videos.
There is a fine line between being productive and effective, and inefficient and annoying.
There are also automated tools that can increase the efficiency and effectiveness of your social media presence by saving you time and money.
Personally I try to limit my time to about an hour a day max, some days more, most days less.
One question that is always asked is, "How do I separate my personal life from my business on line?" Some people don't want their clients, affiliates, etc.
to see pictures from their vacation to the Grand Canyon.
My advice is to put some of your personal life out there; you want your clients to see some of your personal adventures, because they don't want to do business with an autobot, who's chained to their desk all day.
Creating a dimension of personalization in your online presence allows prospective clients to learn more about you, which (if done correctly) leads to stronger trust and rapport, which you know by now leads to more sales for your business.
Well how do I do it "correctly?"
- Do not post pictures and video of you and your friends doing keg stands.
You are the one who molds your own image - keep it positive! - Do not post anything that you wouldn't tell your Mom Sometimes our emotions can get the best of us and we say things we wish never slipped out of our mouth, so just remember, "Would you talk to your Mom like that?"
- DO post pictures, video, and information that enhance your image, show that you are a relatable person, and are successful and professional in your personal and business life.
i.
e.
Pictures of you: rock climbing, on a family vacation, and with your staff.
Whether you're not online yet, have a few websites set up, or you live online, optimize your image and presence to the fullest, put your best foot forward, engage more clients and potential clients and use social media marketing as one powerful tool in your overall marketing arsenal.
SHARE
