Do's and Don'ts of Social Media Marketing
I frequently get asked what social media marketing can do for a small business. So I have compiled this simple beginner's list on what to do, and what not to do, when promoting your business with social media.
1. Do keep your eye on the prize!
SALES and CONVERTING SALES- Social media is not just about getting traffic to your blog, or gaining more followers on Twitter. Popularity is nothing if it doesn't convert into sales. Don't waste your time trying to get fans on Facebook. Spend your time selling your product!
2. Get involved and get in the conversation.
Don't just use Twitter or Facebook to promote a sale or a great deal, or worse yet, your last blog post. ENGAGE with your audience. Ask them what they are doing, and then wait for the answer. Learn the art of the "retweet" on Twitter. Discuss, converse, and make friends. Don't just preach.
3. Do think it through!
Once you have said it online, its out there and you can't bring it back! Sure we have blog edit buttons, and you can delete a tweet, but chances are, someone will have seen your mistake or angry rant. Before you hit send or publish, stop and proofread, and ask yourself if your audience really wants to read that.
4. Do incorporate search engine marketing into your overall marketing plan.
A great marketing plan is nothing if the interested audience can't find it. Social media marketing is about people and what they say. Search engine marketing is about what search engines find. Learn the difference and use both to your advantage.
5. Do use multiple mediums to broadcast your message.
Do not keep your campaign in one place! Facebook, Twitter, blogs, Squidoo, Hubpages, yelp, discussion forums, and so much more! Why limit yourself?
6. Do have a sense of humor!
The best viral campaigns are humorous and engaging.
7. Do your research.
Are you using the most effective social medium to reach the right audience? While you should make sure you are on as many social mediums as possible, don't waste your time selling your carpet business on MySpace. Understand where your audience is and target them on the social network where they can be found. (Unless you are selling hot pink shag carpets, chances are the 16 year old girls keeping MySpace alive are not your target audience.)
8. Don't forget to have a clear message.
Being on a social networking site is completely useless if you don't have a clear message to send. Social media tools are only as effective as the marketing campaign and product they are used to promote!
9. Do keep your social media content fresh and relevant.
Update regularly! Nobody likes to add a Twitterer or blogger just to find out they never update. Be up to date and be an expert! If you can't do those two things, go back and review #8.
10. Do it with confidence!
Be proud of your company, your product, and your message! Share it with confidence and joy! If you believe in your message and product it shows.
Hopefully these ten quick tips will help you get started on your journey with social media marketing. There is much to learn, but much more to enjoy with social media. Take a chance and get started!
Erin McBride is the director of social media marketing for a large online retailer and her own dating life. As her best friend puts it, she's the only person alive who managed to make a career out of spending too much time online talking to boys. When she's not flirting online you can find her twittering about them as @erinannie. She also blogs at http://mcbridemarketing.wordpress.com between dates.
