There is no doubt social networking sites are here to stay and are becoming a valuable tool for expanding marketing efforts, especially for time-strapped entrepreneurs and small business owners.
But with hundreds of sites and millions of users, how do you create a buzz for your business and draw the attention of potential clients? Go where your clients are.
If you are trying to reach moms, then check out top parenting blogs.
This, of course, means have to know just who your ideal clients are, so the clearer you are on your dream client, the easier they are to find.
Run with the leaders.
Seek out industry leaders and follow them.
Take every opportunity to interact with them through blog comments and other methods.
Not only is this a great opportunity to learn from an expert, but also be seen as a leader.
Focus on one or two social sites.
Do not try to master all of the networking sites.
Choose one or two sites you can really be active on and look for ways to connect with your target audience.
Get organized.
Utilize sites that allow you to schedule posts and tweets and track keywords.
Then be strategic about what you say and and when.
Remember, social networking is just a small part of your marketing plan.
Once you have decided which sites you are going to use to reach your clients, then you need a way to create a buzz and get people involved in your activities in order to learn about your business and services.
Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Run a contest.
Ask people to name your latest blog or send a photo that will be posted on a popular site.
Be creative and have fun.
Request feedback.
Post a draft of your next book or project and ask for comments and suggestions.
Ask for help for a problem if you are stuck.
Give people a sneak peak into your business and they will feel like part of the team and be invested in your success.
Start a discussion.
Social networking is a communications tool, so make it a two-way street.
Ask questions.
Post a hypothetical (or real) problems and ask people how they would respond.
Solicit opinions and ideas- anything to get the conversation started.
Offer a discount for online friends.
Give people a reason to trek to your store or visit your website.
People want to feel special and providing a unique gift for those who follow you is a great way to get people excited about your business.
Produce exclusive content for social networking sites and promote through traditional media.
Reward your followers and fans for their loyalty and support by creating works specifically for their needs and entertainment.
Get involved and be social.
Just as you want your followers to interact with you, you should also interact with them.
Give people a chance to know you and let your personality shine through.
Taking the time to think strategically about your social networking activities will not only save you time and energy, but create a buzz for your business and increase visibility among your ideal clients.
(c) 2010 Kristina Shands and Authentic Communications
But with hundreds of sites and millions of users, how do you create a buzz for your business and draw the attention of potential clients? Go where your clients are.
If you are trying to reach moms, then check out top parenting blogs.
This, of course, means have to know just who your ideal clients are, so the clearer you are on your dream client, the easier they are to find.
Run with the leaders.
Seek out industry leaders and follow them.
Take every opportunity to interact with them through blog comments and other methods.
Not only is this a great opportunity to learn from an expert, but also be seen as a leader.
Focus on one or two social sites.
Do not try to master all of the networking sites.
Choose one or two sites you can really be active on and look for ways to connect with your target audience.
Get organized.
Utilize sites that allow you to schedule posts and tweets and track keywords.
Then be strategic about what you say and and when.
Remember, social networking is just a small part of your marketing plan.
Once you have decided which sites you are going to use to reach your clients, then you need a way to create a buzz and get people involved in your activities in order to learn about your business and services.
Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Run a contest.
Ask people to name your latest blog or send a photo that will be posted on a popular site.
Be creative and have fun.
Request feedback.
Post a draft of your next book or project and ask for comments and suggestions.
Ask for help for a problem if you are stuck.
Give people a sneak peak into your business and they will feel like part of the team and be invested in your success.
Start a discussion.
Social networking is a communications tool, so make it a two-way street.
Ask questions.
Post a hypothetical (or real) problems and ask people how they would respond.
Solicit opinions and ideas- anything to get the conversation started.
Offer a discount for online friends.
Give people a reason to trek to your store or visit your website.
People want to feel special and providing a unique gift for those who follow you is a great way to get people excited about your business.
Produce exclusive content for social networking sites and promote through traditional media.
Reward your followers and fans for their loyalty and support by creating works specifically for their needs and entertainment.
Get involved and be social.
Just as you want your followers to interact with you, you should also interact with them.
Give people a chance to know you and let your personality shine through.
Taking the time to think strategically about your social networking activities will not only save you time and energy, but create a buzz for your business and increase visibility among your ideal clients.
(c) 2010 Kristina Shands and Authentic Communications
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