The Basics Of Social Media Marketing For Your Business
Your social media accounts are an extension of your business, so it’s important to have them represent you accurately and portray your business in a positive light. While the social media world can be overwhelming, it’s something every business owner can learn to navigate with a simple plan of attack.
Selecting Your Profiles
In the past 5 years or so, social networks sprouted up everywhere like weeds. While it’s important for your business to have a presence in social media, it needs to be a manageable part of your marketing. It’s not possible to be on every social network in the world, so it’s best to create accounts on a focused number of networks that appeal to your business demographic, and consistently nurture those select accounts. You can check out Wikipedia’s List for an idea of what’s available, but most businesses will want to select their accounts from the top ten social networks. Here is a quick rundown on some of the major social networks that we find helpful to businesses:
- Facebook – The current mainstay of social networking. It’s a general site that is essential for any business.
- Google Plus – Another general site that’s good for any business, and helps with establishing a solid brand presence in Google.
- Twitter – A mainstream site that’s good for promoting short and quick pieces of information and is highly oriented around current events and media trends.
- LinkedIn – Business and professional networking. It’s good for keeping it touch with actual quality business connections.
- YouTube – All videos, great site for businesses to upload commercials, seminars, video blog posts, “how-to” and informational type videos, and promotional clips.
- Pinterest – Very consumer oriented site. Great for companies with products & services to find ways to creatively promote themselves and have others spread the word. Users respond to topics like “fitness tips”, “diy” or “home improvement”, “recipes”, “fashion”, and “family activities”.
- Tumblr – Mainly a photo reblogging site. Great for businesses with exciting or beautiful photographs such as photographers, artists or travel companies.
Part 2
Now that we’ve introduced you to the social networks, check back next Monday for “Social Media Marketing For Your Business: Part 2”, where will discuss establishing your profiles and give tips on social media posting.