How to Effectively Use Social Media for Business by:Wendy Moore
The use of social networking sites to connect people has become so widespread today
. But other than those who just want to communicate with friends, old and new, social media is also currently being taken advantage by business oriented people as a way to reach their target clients and improve their businesses.People involved in small business have found a powerful marketing tool in these social networking sites.
Among the top social media used by business people today are Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube. By using these sites, you are able to expose your business to more people, at both a local and international level.
Facebook has become highly popular in recent years attracting millions of users from across the globe. This popularity has, in fact, led the site's management to offer marketing platforms that encourage people to share their business endeavors and build communities as well.
To use Facebook to your advantage, make sure to create an interesting personal profile page. Include photos and business information that will attract visitors and encourage them to read through your profile.
Update your information regularly so that existing and potential clients know what you're up to. Discuss recent happenings regarding your business and interact with readers who post comments on your page.
Be friendly at all times and don't forget to create a "fans" page and invite clients to join.
In just a few years, Twitter has attracted a steady following that is increasing rapidly as the "buzz" around Twitter spreads. This is the power of social networking sites - they are viral.
One advantage of Twitter over the others is that it lifts the lid on the activities and conversations of other people. What we are seeing today is news being reported on Twitter before the media even has a chance to tell us.
For business people who want to maximize the vast communication potential of this social networking site, it is best to be consistent when tweeting (telling people what you are doing).
This means not only providing information to your followers about what you are up to with your business, but also adding value. You need to share tools, tips and strategies and make your updates interesting and engaging.
LinkedIn is an ideal site for entrepreneurs because it gives you the opportunity to grow your business using less of your own money. How? LinkedIn is used by many professionals to search for potential employees and also as a means to expand their business contacts.
Providing a detailed profile (business information and photos) is the best way to expand your network of contacts through LinkedIn.
You can include a link to your website or blog for those people looking to access more information about you and your business.
Interaction is key and you can do this by answering questions that provide valuable and interesting information.
YouTube
YouTube is a phenomenal success in terms of video sharing on the internet. This social networking site has become the Number 2 search engine, behind Google.
If you have not tried live video streaming as a marketing tool for your business yet, it is time to jump in front of the camera. Videos are very powerful tools in drawing online traffic.
Create a short but clear video featuring yourself talking about your business and how you started out. Tell them about your journey, provide them with success stories and share your passion about your business.
Create several short videos (perhaps video seminars you conduct, presentations you make, or other business projects) and upload them on YouTube. Make sure that you post your videos in the category relevant to your business to draw the right target audience.
In using social media to market and improve your business, building trust with your audience is essential. You can only do this by being honest and providing consistently interesting, useful and valuable information. What matters most is that you share your experiences and knowledge. Doing so can influence people's lives and encourage them to take action.
By Wendy Moore
Copyright 2009 Savvy Web Women Pty Ltd
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Wendy Moore is founder of http://www.affluencia.com and creator of http://www.SavvyWebWomen.com - inspiring events and programs that show women with client facing small businesses how to better monetize existing clients, attract new ones and create clicks and cash profits online utilizing the power of the Internet. How You Can Market Your Website For Almost No Costs by:Randall Drake Internet Marketing Requires Strategy by:Sheila Berg How I Made $10k in Just 4 Weeks Selling $10 Ebooks by:Betty Wiley Introduction to Autoresponders by:Darnell King Affiliate Marketing Programs - Can This Be Your Online Money Maker? by:Jacque LaMantia T Shirts are Forever by:Joy Bryant Internet Marketing - Best Way towards Online Success by:Brad Hauck How To Start A Sure Fire Success Business - House Cleaning by:Kathryn Maclean Delta Squadron - Michael Cheney's Next Internet Marketing Phenomenon? by:Art C. Woo A Look At Internet Marketing History by:Chris Goulart Real and Legit Online Jobs by:Neo Challanger How To Choose The Right Autresponder to Build Your List by:Peter Nouwens How To Make Money With Affiliate Programs by:Ray Ricardo