You’ve got a business. You’re an expert at what you do. (that’s most likely true, especially if you’re running your own business.) You know your products and services will help people and you can’t wait to get out there and help as many people as you can, and watch your business just thrive!!!
Hmmm, Social Media, Social Networking, Social Marketing, etc., etc., etc., Huh?
You’ve heard using social networks for marketing is all the rage. You’ve even been keeping tabs on your family with Facebook. You enjoy watching the occassional funny video on YouTube, but for Marketing?
- How do you start?
- Do you just push ads for your business?
- Just blast people with how awesome you are?
- What exactly are you supposed to be doing with these networks?
Don’t Worry, You’re Not Alone.
Social networks and social marketing have been around for a while now. As popular as networks have grown, many businesses still don’t really know how to best circulate, mix in and make new friends on these platforms.
Social Marketing Is Conversation-Based
Using social networks to market your business is about starting REAL conversations. Not necessarily with each and every person in your network, but your posts should be conversational in nature.
Relate to your followers and the needs that your business can help them with, but this is important….
Do Not Sell!
When I say, “be conversational,” I mean it. And not it a smooth, corporate voice, obviously telling them how wonderful you are. Put yourself in your clients place.
Be Personable
Act as if you were a co-worker, or just a friend and REALLY JUST TALK TO THEM. Make jokes, have fun, relate stories. Be genuinely interested in, and focused on your followers, clients, customers and relate to them as a human being. Not as a business looking for the next sell.
The Specifics
I can’t tell you what to say to your followers. What you talk about will be specifically determined by who you are, what your business does and how you can help people.
But, A Place To Start
– think about why you got into the business your in and how it helps fill a need
– think about the 10 top questions you’re constantly asked by your (potential) clients
– think about how you like to be talked to and understood
Hopefully this gets you pointed in the right direction. If you want to be successful in using the social networks to build your business, you’re going to need to approach it in the same way you work to develop a strong friendship.
How About You?
What have been the most successful things you’ve done to improve your marketing through social networks? Use the comments section to share! We can always use some good advice!
Google+ For Business by Chris Brogan