Are you using social media to drive traffic to your website and increase sales? Some of my local business contacts are doing just that.
Or are you still sitting in the skeptics camp not certain that social media is anything other than a waste of time? Some of my local business contacts are doing just that!
Which Social Media camp are you in?
If you are not using social media to promote your services, products and website, you are missing out on one of the hottest marketing trends in years. And in doing so, your competition is very likely capturing sales that could be yours. In the Internet world where there is so much competition, finding that traffic and getting the necessary exposure for your website can be difficult but, if you know what you are doing, you have a massive opportunity. You can use social media to increase your web exposure and connect with potential customers.
Social media is opening doors for entrepreneurs and businesses worldwide. Through social media you can:
- Drive massive amounts of traffic to your website, bricks and mortar or online store.
- Interact with people who are interested in your product and services and in you.
- Interact with customers and clients in real time offering support and guidance.
- Formulate joint venture partnerships with someone you otherwise would have never connected with.
And, if all that isn’t enough to convince you to incorporate social media into your strategic marketing efforts, the costs of social media most likely will. Aside from your time to network and connect with friends, followers and connections, nearly all social media tools and applications are free. Affordable and powerful strategic marketing, how cool is that? Ready to get started?
What Is Social Media?
Now that you know some of the reasons to employ a social media strategy, let’s find out what social media is exactly.
Social media, in simple terms, is the general term for the different ways you can network on the Internet. By creating relationships with others online, you can position yourself as the expert in your field, offer helpful advice, answer questions, and gain the trust of those in your networking circles. Once this trust is formed, those in your network will be more likely to buy your product or tell others about your services.
Who Is Using Social Media?
Simply put – everyone! Young, old, retired, working, professionals tradespeople and students are using social media. Even the Dalai Lama is on Twitter! Celebrities and average Joe’s alike are using social media to connect, build relationships and ultimately to profit in one form or another.
Social media, in many ways, is replacing traditional advertising. How often recently have you seen a commercial that said “visit our Facebook Fan page at www…..”? Social media is coming into our homes, our computers, televisions and mainstream lives.
Different Forms of Social Media
There are hundreds of social media groups we, as online business owners, can join. Some are very small and niche-specific while others are much broader in scope and have millions of users. Sites such as Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook (my top 3 preferred Social Media platforms, closely followed by YouTube) fall into the broad category. If you use a combination of these different platforms, spreading the word about your business can be done very quickly.
Which platforms do you find most useful? Let me know in the comments or on our Facebook page facebook.com/jododdspage.
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