No matter what your industry is, there is a good chance that your target market uses social networking in some form or another. This alone should inspire you to investigate using social media as a marketing tool. Discover which social media sites are of the most interest to your customers, and get your business branded on them immediately. WIthout it, you are missing opportunities to build deeper relationships with current customers, and to find new customers that may have never heard of your business before.
Put social network widgets on your website to help advertise your social media sites. Widgets are a great way to increase your followers. These widgets will also allow readers to re-tweet and vote on your content.
Always answer to the messages and comments you receive on social networks. It’s common to look over a question or comment, so keep an eye out for them.
It is important to used varied content to entice people to follow the social media marketing campaign that you are promoting. Put factual stories (or fictional tales) and include information that is actually relative to your niche of choice. Spark conversation with questions, run contests and giveaways and post photos. Engage those that follow you. Instead of focusing on product placement, encourage people to discuss your products. Unless your business competes solely on price, be certain you also focus on other attributes of your product or service that illustrate the value of your product or service in a consumer’s life.
Social Media
It is important to professionally address criticism and product feedback you receive through social media channels. This can make your or break you in social media marketing. You will want to pay special attention to negative postings from readers and respond to them right away. If you don’t, negative posts will take on a life of their own. A quick and positive response could resolve the issue, and leave a positive feeling in the end.
Try to interact with customers as frequently as you can. When it is appropriate and relevant, leave comments on a customer’s blog or Facebook page. Do not interfere in a personal discussion; you should contact someone only if they are talking about an issue related to your products or industry.
As you have seen, social media sites should be on the top of your “to do” list when it comes to marketing your business. It allows you to communicate with your customers, attract new customers and get the word out about your business. If you try out this form of marketing, you will be amazed at the results.