No matter what business you are in, social media needs to be a part of it. Many companies mistakenly believe that an online marketing presence isn’t necessary to the future of their company but in almost all cases that is simply not true. The majority of people under the age of 45 look to the internet when researching healthcare providers, popular restaurants, and everything in between. So even if your business caters to an older audience, your need for an online presence will grow over time.
Most businesses owners will tell you that trying to find the time to focus on their core business while developing an online marketing campaign is practically impossible. But finding the time is essential to the continued health of your business. Even if you do have the time, getting started can be a daunting task when you know little about the process. However, like anything else, once you get into social media you might be surprised at how much you enjoy it.
Most people will agree that Facebook, Twitter, and hosting a blog are the best places to make your entry into the world of social media. You can start with just one and you’ll quickly see how easy it is to make the jump to the next one. Below are a few things to keep in mind before you get started:
All Facebook pages are not created equal. The more upbeat and current your Facebook page is, the better. A picture really is worth a thousand words so include lots of them. Make your page as interactive as possible. Include a poll, ask for feedback, etc. The more people can engage on your site, the more likely they will be to return.
Get a handle on Twitter. Choose a Twitter handle (or name) that immediately identifies your brand or company and you are good to go. Twitter is a public forum where people go to read, write, and share short messages. It also is a place where people can gather to voice their opinions or chat. Therefore, make sure you don’t just use it as a platform to shout out news about your products or company. As with your Facebook page, use pictures, videos, and other items to keep people engaged. Retweet updates from other Twitter sites, as well. The more interesting and informative your tweets are the more followers you are likely to attract.
It’s all about the blog! If people are reading your blog, they are interested in your business. Keep them interested by posting often and on different topics. Not every blog post has to be – or should be – a sales pitch. Guest bloggers are always a good idea. Again, interaction is the key. Invite people to comment on what you have posted. Pictures also are a great addition to a blog. Don’t just write about that great new kitchen appliance, post a video of it in action. Most importantly, when you blog, be yourself. Skip the sales-speak and be conversational. People want to be entertained while being informed. When you do that, they’ll keep coming back for more!