Social media is an essential component of business marketing. Millions of people are racing to social media sites on a daily basis and are using these tools to connect with people and businesses along with sharing and receiving information. Video Marketing, Facebook Marketing, and Twitter Marketing among others are highly effective for exposing your company to prospective customers and building your brand. For a business this presents an incredible opportunity to connect with current and prospective customers on a personal level. As more people use smart phones, to access their social media profiles, there is an increased need to provide information in short bursts that is easy to read.
Useful Social Media Platforms
• Facebook. By creating a Facebook fan page, your business can invite customers to participate in online polls, take advantage of web specials and provide feedback on your products and services. Run contest as part of your Facebook Marketing so that your fans can share with their friends and watch your fan base grow.
• Viddy. This video sharing platform is for uploading short, 15 second videos. You can create a channel and give your customers an inside look into operations. Let them see what life is like at your office, upload customer feedback and feature employees doing creative and funny things. Enjoy yourself. Video Marketing and Viddy are not for taking yourself seriously.
• Pinterest. This online cork board is a fantastic place to post pictures and share ideas. Through a graphic rich platform you can share pictures of your latest products, recipes, and ideas. You can also run contests to have customers upload photos of them using your products or enjoying your services.
• Infographic. This is a combination of short text, graphic images, and videos. They are shared frequently, which gives you exposure to a wider consumer base. Provide an embed code so that people can upload it to their own blog or website
• YouTube. Creating and uploading informational videos can help position you as a knowledge expert and resource. Make sure you leverage your video marketing by placing a link back to your website in your videos. This lets viewers follow up and client acquisition opportunities.
• Blogs. Provide informative content in an easy to read, digestible format. Deliver your message clearly and concisely. This is not an area to post the first chapter of your book. Keep the message short and sweat than direct people back to your website for additional information.
The key to using social media effectively is to make sure that you present a clear and consistent message across all channels. Be creative and unique. Social media provides an opportunity for you business, and your brand, to leap off the computer screen and become real and personal. Let your personality show through and consumers will respond in kind by letting you become a part of their life. Engage people through contest, promotions, and activities. In order to manage your social media profiles quickly, consider using an online portal that lets you post, tweet, and share all from one place. Local SEO provides this tool for all of our clients and it can save you hours every week. Social media requires a business to regularly post information, just like you would regularly call a close friend. Use it wisely and watch your business grow.