Harnessing the Power of Social Media MARKETING Assessing and understanding social media resources. -Laurie Morse-Dell, Center for Technology & Business
Understanding Social Media Resources
1. Know what Social Media Marketing is Use of web-based and mobile technologies to turn communication into interactive dialogue with ability to share It is still MARKETING
What does that mean for small businesses? It means you can do it.
2. Understand that Social Media is Real Life Bring it back to real life & be authentic Would you say or do what you are proposing to do on social media in real life? If not, don t do it. Photo by purplemattfish
3. Follow the Informal Rules of Social Media Each social media tool has it s own social guidelines. Facebook = a pub: bring a friend LinkedIn = trade show: bring business card Twitter =cocktail party: bring a hostess gift Blogging = keynote presentation: bring a leave-behind
4. Be Realistic Social media is just another tool. It is not the silver bullet for your marketing problems Not every brand is going to do as well as Starbucks or Nike Time is money, make the most of it Can t set it and forget it, social media marketing requires interaction and conversation
What does that mean for small businesses? Set achievable goals so you don t burn out.
Assessing Social Media Resources
Should I Use Social Media for my Small Business Marketing? Should my business be sharing who we are and what we do with the public? If you want more and more customers to find you, buy from you and share how much they love you Yes.
Impact of Social Media on Marketing Efforts
Sales Cycle Prospects Awareness Leads Customers Evangelists
So what tools should you use for your small business? It depends on what you want to accomplish
Find Prospects - Listen Listening for potential customers at their point of need allows you to identify and make them aware ANY size business should listen You never know what you might hear Photo by tomhe
Google Alerts Google Reader Hootsuite Listening Tools
Google Alerts Google Reader Hootsuite Listening Tools
Google Alerts Google Reader Hootsuite Listening Tools
Create Awareness Building meaningful content and sharing it builds a relationship with prospects This is NOT about pushing sales or advertising
Awareness/ Relationship Tools Facebook Twitter LinkedIn
Tips for Small Businesses Recruit your current customer base first Put your Facebook address on your off-line promotional materials Form alliances with other companies for joint giveaways it will help bring their likers to your page, and vice versa.
Generate Leads Identify interested buyers Provide direct contact
Lead Generation Tools LinkedIn Facebook Blogs E-newsletters http://youtu.be/b6kbhr403ju
Lead Generation Tools LinkedIn Facebook Blogs E-newsletters
Tips for Small Businesses Set up your personal profile first, then your business Add your current contacts Give recommendations Get involved in groups Use advanced people search to find more contacts Ask for introductions
Customers Support: Keep the customers you gain. What else can you offer them to make them evangelists Research: Poll your followers for ideas on product improvements or new services Incentives: Give them coupons/special offers
Customer Support Tools You don t have to be a big business to go the extra mile for your clients. Facebook: Support, Market Research YouTube: How to videos LinkedIn: Market Research E-newsletters: Incentives (mailchimp.com)
Tips for Small Businesses Offer the same great customer service on-line as you do off-line Be personable Ask for feedback, it can only help
Evangelists Allow fans to tell your story Give them as much information and assets as possible You never know what they are going to create for you It will be authentic because it will be in their words
Tools to Support Evangelists Twitter Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Blogs List is endless!
Tips for Small Businesses Don t be afraid to let customers talk about you, they want to help you
So now what Remember to Start with a consistent message that you share on and off line Find where your audience is by listening Share the consistent message and engage the audience Create evangelists Measure, ask your customers where they heard about you
Start with LinkedIn! linkd.in.com/in/lauriedell