The Recipe for 2012 Success
Social networking is a marketing tool that most businesses know they need to be involved in, but often neglect when other costlier methods of promotion demand attention. If this describes your company, then you’re in a better position than some, but could still use some help.
Despite the rapidly growing popularity and societal dependence of social networks, there are still many established businesses who reject social media and continue to plough thousands of pounds into what they believe are ‘conventional’ marketing techniques. The truth is that the value of print advertising and email marketing has greatly diminished in recent years, paving the way to internet advertising and social engagement. Businesses who aren’t involved are missing out a customer base stretching to thousands, if not millions.
The biggest mistake most businesses use when utilising social media platforms like Twitter is that they forget their audience. Social media is not about closing a sale; it’s about planting the seed of your organisation with potential customers, and making them understand that you are people too! Social networking adds humanism to even the most corporate of companies, a prospect that excites the world of business and innovation.
Using networks like Facebook, Twitter and Google+ is a great way for companies to begin to build a reputation online, and it also comes in handy for keeping in the local business loop. If you can grab the attention of other likeminded trades in your area, you could create a new network of professionals who want to shout about you and your services! Company to company endorsements are becoming increasingly valuable in what could be described as ‘the age of interaction’.
Many companies who want to become involved with social media often complain that they struggle to keep up with frequent changes, updates and new developments in the social media industry. The best advice there would be to concentrate on a core of about 3 platforms, and ensure they’re manageable. If a new social network is launched, it’s worth assessing what value it could hold to your company, and if appropriate, explore further.
The latest platform on everyone’s lips is Tout, advocating video status uploads. It’s essentially a fusion of Twitter, YouTube and Instagram, and despite a slow start, is fast becoming a great tool for businesses who want to share snippets of advice or messages from their company. If you need advice on which social networks could prove most beneficial to your business needs, make sure you consult the professionals, like SEO & Social Media Marketers Domaincheck SEO. Quite often, these companies will also offer management tools, allowing you to remove yourself from the social media stranglehold, whilst still effectively hosting a strong online presence.
Social media marketing is no longer an option for businesses wanting to stay in the game, it’s a necessity. That, paired with a strong, functional website and good in-house communication, is the recipe for a successful business in 2012.
Follow me on Twitter @camilletaylor34 or add me to your circles …
Recent Comments