Let Your Presence be Known!
January 23, 2013
You’re on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and perhaps a few other social media sites. Your posts offer great information about your industry and company, but no one knows you are there.
Too often companies forget about the importance of letting their current and potential clients know that they are active on social media. As with any type of advertising or marketing, a message is only effective if people see it.
Here are a few things you can do spread the word about your standing in the social media world.
This is an easy one to remember: cross-reference your presence. Tweet a link to your Facebook page, ask your Facebook fans to follow you on Twitter, and push people to your LinkedIn site to see recommendations.
You hand out business cards, right? In addition to your phone number and location, include the icons for the social media platforms you use.
Add your social media website addresses to your email signature.
If you have a storefront, put a sign in your window or at the register counter to remind people where they can find you in cyberspace. Do the same on your company vehicle.
Offer special discounts to your social media fans. For example, a local frozen yogurt store offers a 10-percent discount to those who show on their cell phones that they follow them on Twitter or “Like” their Facebook page.
Once you’re on social media remember to stay visible and offer value, meaning post regularly and offer information that is of value to those you value—your customers.
Facing Your Social Media Fears
January 14, 2013
If you’re afraid of social media, you’re not alone. Many people fear what having an online presence can mean for them and their company for a variety of reasons.
For business owners, the biggest fears stem from not understanding enough about social media, not having the time to manage it, and not knowing what type of content to post. Luckily, there are a lot of resources and information available to help business owners get the education they need to get online. If you’re unsure or have questions, get help!
Then there’s the issue of privacy. People often ask, “If my business is out there in the social media world does that mean my personal life is too?” The answer is no. Many businesses are effective and successful with social media without having a personal online presence.
Another big concern for business owners is the possibility of negative feedback. The truth is, negative feedback is a possibility whether or not a business uses social media. In some cases, social media can be an asset if your company is going through a rough patch or needs to explain an undesirable situation.
The bottom line is that you want to be where your customers are, and chances are that a good number them are on social media. So it’s time to face your fears head on and get in the social media game. The first step is to do your homework to get a basic understanding of the various types of platforms out there and what each one has to offer. Then you can decide which ones are best for you and your business.
Author
- Kelly Jones
Social Media Manager
