Social Media: A Business Strategy that Accomplishes
More Results!
Let’s face it, online marketing isn’t a fad-it’s not going away anytime soon. And social media is the fastest growing component of that marketing medium. As a business owner, speaker or consultant, it is important to realize that what you put out there reflects on your business, even if you are just being social! These tips will ensure that you put the best you forward in the social space and attract the right people online to your business!
1-Be real: Use your real name. Research actually shows that people connect more quickly and trust you faster when you use your name. More importantly, use a current, energetic headshot. If they meet you in person and you don’t really look like that, not so good! More importantly, that picture is actually very small where most people see it -in their streams, not on your profile. So look at it as a friend or follower would and make sure it connects energetically!
2-Brand and Complete Profiles/Pages: I am amazed by how many business people I connect with that have not fully branded their pages, filled out their info, and posted their websites/blogs for me to look at. Take the time to do this; it will only help people know you and what you do better and in a non-threatening way.
3- Project your authentic voice: This is the most important thing I work with clients on. And trust me, they all say: “But I know my voice, Ann!” Often when we write content for our Facebook page or twitter account we change that voice. People hire you because of who you are- so align that with the written messages you share. I’m feisty in person and feisty online. This is also why I say be careful of outsourcing the writing; it typically doesn’t sound like you (I wrote about this on my blog).
4-Determine “boundaries” in advance: So many worry about privacy. But I personally think it’s a different issue. If you determine what you absolutely will not share about your life, or conversations you will not participate in, then privacy doesn’t really become an issue. Will you discuss religion? Share pictures of your children? Decide, and then respect your boundaries and you won’t have privacy issues. Besides, most sites allow you to choose who you want to share which posts with, which helps tremendously.
5-Understand the difference between engagement and promotion: Why is it that so many people just turn into slimy sales people when they participate in the social space? The social space is just that: social first. Take the time to log in and participate in others posts. Listen to them and comment, without promoting. Believe it or not, this is one of the most powerful sales strategies there is.
6-Relationships Rule! Ok, makes sense after point 5, but the most powerful outcome of NETWORKING online is word of mouth marketing. Build relationships, follow though, and show you care. Get to know people. It works, people will LOVE you for it and will share your offerings!
7-Decide where to post what: this is actually a sales strategy, one that creates tremendous success for my clients! If you post the same content, at the same time to every site you have an account on, people have NO reason to follow you everywhere. And they start to hate it when you fill up their feed with the same thing at the same time on every site (and even worse several pages/accounts on a site)! If you share different things on each site, they have reason to follow you in more than one place and they love you for new and different content.
8-Repect and Know TOS, FTC and ICANN rules/law: TOS: Terms of Service, FTC: Federal Trade Commission, ICANN: Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers. These entities create the laws for website, sales online and rules for how to participate in their social media sites. Knowing and respecting the laws are the things that demonstrate you run your business ethically online and in the social space. For example, did you know it’s against TOS on Facebook to have a profile with a business name and your account can be removed if reported? That the FTC can fine you up to $1000 for not fully disclosing an affiliate link? Or that ICANN requires that any subscription have a single opt-in, preferably a double opt-in, and fines are up to $16,000 for email loading without it? Knowledge increases your professionalism online and ensures you represent your business well! Take the time to read the TOS!
9-Friend and Follow: Most importantly, the social space is about connecting with people. Friend people when they request it. Follow people back. Don’t just ask yourself if they could be a potential customer. Ask yourself: Is this someone that could become a referral source? Could they be a “true fan”? Could they become a part of my word of mouth marketing in the social space? Then accept that friend request. Follow them back. Get to know them. The rewards could be fabulous.
These 9 tips are powerful cornerstones to presenting the best you online. I could probably go on and on! I find if you start here, you will build a powerful following and grow word of mouth marketing, because your image is one people want to share!
Ann Evanston
www.warrior-preneur.com
e: [email protected]
Named one of the TOP 6 Marketing Consultants on About.com
Ann Evanston, MA, has been named by About.com as one of the Top Six Marketing Consultants, Feb 2001, and recognized in the Huffington Post for her unique approach in using Facebook to increase profits though giving. In October 2008 Ann created the Social Networking Coaching Club, a forum where you get personalized support to learn how to “discover your REAL edge” and make more online in less time with integrity.
there are five major uses for businesses and social media: to create brand awareness, as an online reputation management tool, for recruiting, to learn about new technologies and competitors, and as a lead generation tool to intercept potential prospects.
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