Free business marketing is there for the asking
Most Internet users have heard about the most popular social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. There are also a host of other social networking including sites like MySpace, Foursquare and Talkbiznow that have specific focuses that can help a business brand themselves. Those who have learned to effectively use these tools often find that they are several steps ahead of their competition. This is often the result of setting up a good social networking strategy. Developing a strategy should start with understanding that most social networking sites all have specific things in common including:
- Driving traffic - Social networks all allow users the ability to post links. This means that your friends or followers who are interested in what you have to say, may follow your links. When links get clicked on, traffic is generated to your website or your blog. This increased traffic helps your search engine rankings and also helps with your business and personal brand.
- Promoting Internet presence - Business owners who have websites or blogs have discovered that in spite of developing a world class website or blog, they may not be able to attract users. Social networking allows business owners the ability to promote their online presence. promoting an online presence successfully results in better branding opportunities as well as reaching a broader marketplace.
- Target audience potential - Social networks provide the opportunity for a business owner to target their potential audience. In some cases this is accomplished by keywords, location or by interest. Any one of these methods can help a business owner target their marketing efforts. The better targeted a marketing plan is, the more likely it is to be successful.
Many business owners sign up for social networking sites and then give up within a few days simply
because they have not figured out how to harness the power that is available to them. Ignoring social networking is not going to make it go away. Every person who has signed up for a social networking site should be creating a profile that they are proud of, one preferably that adds to their own personal brand.
Learning how to use social networking sites for business branding may seem like an overwhelming task. It does not have to be. Simply sign in to your social networking account and see what others are sharing. It can be very intimidating at first, even for the most tech-savvy. However, once you have reviewed what other people are doing with social media, you may find it is not as complex as you think.
Social media drives new business opportunities
Today, social media is helping drive new business opportunities all over the Internet. Facebook allows users to set up pages that enable you to promote a specific product or services. LinkedIn will allow users to connect with other users who have similar interests to create business to business opportunities. Twitter allows users to share valuable information with the public regarding your product or services.
Social media offers business owner's several opportunities to not only promote their business but help develop their brand. Creating a solid social media presence allows each business to develop a stronger marketing strategy at a fraction of the cost of more traditional advertising methods. Social media marketing is a powerful tool that should be used by all business owners. Developing a strong marketing plan that incorporates social media is a smart business decision regardless of the size of your business.
