Sunday, April 22, 2012

3 Steps to getting started and staying active with Social Media

I'm going to cut right to the chase: if you're not using social media for your small business or company, a competitor is. You're missing out on a crucial aspect of connecting with your customers and potential customers.



Getting started with social media could seem like wading into the Amazon rainforest without a machete, so let me give you some pointers and tools to get you started. Below is a three step list to getting started and staying active with social media.


1. Dedicate your time to a few services. Don't spread yourself too thin, especially at the beginning. A Facebook page and a Twitter account are great places to start. Don't feel like you need to bog yourself down with a tumblr, Pinterest, WordPress, and Google+ account. Start simple and dedicate all of your time to those services. Focus is key.

2. Create a solid base of real people. Ask your Facebook friends to "Like" your new businesses page, but don't proselytize like some sort of door-to-door salesman. Tell them that, as a friend, you would appreciate it if they supported your business. You know those people that you're friends with who have 2,000+ Facebook friends? Get them on your side. Also, Follow people on Twitter who are in your area and start to communicate with them on a daily basis. Everything happens in the context of real, authentic relationships.

3. Post relevant material, at least once a day. Have a real estate company? Post relevant news stories and other material about the housing market that your followers and friends might find interesting. Own a bakery? Post a picture of your new menu, or even one of happy customers giving thumbs up! Don't feel like you have to make it all about your own company; the key here is to engage people in discussing, and sharing your material. If you were a customer or potential customer, what would be interesting for you to read? What would you ignore? Post accordingly.

Leave questions in the comments! Have a great day.

Colin

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