If you’re a realistic business owner in the 21st century, you know that using social media tools for your business is a must. Your customers are using platforms such as YouTube, Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook, so your business needs to be there too.
But just being convinced that you need those tools is not enough. You have to be effective at using those tools too. If you’re just starting out with social media, here are some marketing tips that can help you make the most of it.
Get some help
Social media is a relatively new game, but there are still people out there who have been in the game for longer than you and who know how to use social media intelligently and effectively. As you start out, you need to consult those experts. An ideal option is to consult with experts who have helped Fortune 500 companies as well as small business owners with social media.
Have a Plan
Armed with the knowledge of the best practices for social media, you need to create a plan for what you’ll post, when you’ll post and interact, and how you’ll handle negative as well as positive attention. It’s easy to spin your wheels and make no progress – in other words, make no sales – even while using social media extensively. By creating a well thought-out plan, you can avoid that pitfall.
Be Ready to Interact
Unlike marketing campaigns you may have managed in the past, social media is much more interactive. When a customer asks you a question or sends you a message about a product or service, they’re going to expect a prompt response or you may lose their business to the competitor who was there with a quick reply. That doesn’t mean you’ll need to be available for questions 24-7, but it does mean that you’ll need to know how to set up your social media platforms to help customers help themselves.
Learning the tips and tricks of social media marketing is not difficult, but it does take some attention on your part. To make it as easy as possible, use all the tools, tutorials and books you have at your disposal.
The book “Sales 3.0 – The New Contact Sport” offers countless social media marketing tips and tricks, delivered by authors who know what works. Visit NewContactSport.com.
