Most companies providing social media solutions are busy selling the statistics and the hype. They’re quoting stats such as the 3 year growth on Facebook, that Dell earned $3 million dollars from using LinkedIn, the number of new LinkedIn members … and so on and on.
Don’t get me wrong, I love statistics. But “how can you use social media to grow your business?” That’s where it gets exciting because most of the tools are free or relatively in-expensive in terms of cost. You just have to be willing to invest the time required to engage and interact.
So while many people are focused on talking about how they can help small businesses, we choose to show small businesses how to do it themselves. We knew that those who can, will do it themselves, and those that understand the need for social media, but lack the time or resources, will seek to outsource the work.
As a full fledged member of the David clan (small businesses), we continue to help businesses understand how to use the Social Web, making sure they understand the need for a strategy, and the tactics to accomplish their goals and objectives.
In business there is a process of familiarity that most people go through prior to making a purchase. The first step is they have to know that you exist. Next they need to like you or your product or service. Finally they have to have some level of trust. If they know, like, and trust you then you have a shot at earning their business.
Social media provides numerous opportunities to introduce you or your company to other, to capture their attention through sharing content, or build goodwill through being a resource.
- Using Twitter you might share a link to a interesting news article or blog, written by you or just something interesting you found on the internet.
- Using Facebook you might share an interesting photo or video that causes one to take notice.
- On LinkedIn it might be starting a discussion in a group or by connecting two of your connections.
- You Tube has grown into the number two search engine. When I want to know how to work a piece of software I look to YouTube first.
The effect of providing value to others, belonging to common groups, or being connected, is that your community begins to recognize you.
If people like your content or the value you share they will inevitably begin to form a positive opinion of you. How you interact with others will also factor into the “Like” equation.
The final piece, Trust, is something that will build over time if you consistently participate, help others, share great content and value. At Social Media Sonar we have used our blogs and video to share value, helping others better understand how the social web, advertising and marketing work together.
Be sure to check out some of the free resources:
- Our Blueprint: Graphically lays out a process to incorporate social media into a online marketing plan
- Conversion Rate Optimization Guide: Walks through increasing conversions using scientific testing methods. (the guide is on the Surge Labs site)
- Resource Center: Includes a collection of tools for LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook, three free Linkedin Guides, a look at three LinkedIn eBooks.
- The Linkulator: The only online tool to numerically grade your LinkedIn profile
Hopefully these tools will help you utilize social media to drive new business.
Social Media Sonar provides the following four resources for FREE… 1. The Blog, 2. The Online Marketing/Social Media Blueprint, 3. Conversion Rate Optimization Guide, 4. Resource Center. If these help you implement your own online marketing program, great. We love helping people. If you decide you need some help, great. We love new clients. Contact Us if we can help you.
