In Spring 2010, I started blogging, developed a facebook site and began tweeting! Since then, I’ve discovered it’s a lot of work. No wonder some people do this as a full-time job! As a small business owner, my number one priority is running my business … besides, of course, my family.
But after hearing the buzz about social media, I decided to take the plunge and have since discovered that you can’t effectively use social media on an ad hoc basis.
If you want it to be an effective tool for marketing, you need to carve out time every day to
- tweet, post messages on your facebook site,
- write blog articles,
- respond to comments from facebook fans and blog followers,
- and write articles for guest blog sites.
Why Do I Do All of This?
So why have I taken on this additional work when my business already keeps me hopping? Because it works! The social media tools are a great way to drive traffic to your web site. Within the first month, I noticed a 200% increase in hits to my web site. And the greatest thing about the social media is it’s free advertising!
There are definitely some do’s and don’ts. I’ve learned that a hard sell approach turns people off. Any marketing about your business has to be subtle. For example, if you position yourself as an expert in a field and then post articles on that topic, people’s awareness of you and your business, are increased. I am often asked to write articles on helmet safety because promoting helmet use is what Tail Wags Helmet Covers is all about! If you sell “green” products, an obvious topic for your articles is protecting the environment.
Within the first month, I noticed a 200% increase in hits to my web site
Another important point is the need to keep your social media sites active. During the pre-Xmas period, I was working 12-hour days and then coming home to fill online orders. By the time I was finished each day, I didn’t have the energy to write blog articles and tweet. Because of this lull in activity, I lost some of my followers. Next year, I’ll have to pre-write several articles that can be posted at the last minute, thereby avoiding this problem.
Relationship Building for Your Business
Social media is all about establishing relationships with your customers. You want to hear from them – it’s not a one-way communication of you talking to your customers (that’s the old fashioned advertising approach). In other words, you want customers to feel comfortable sharing feedback with you about your product.
I love nothing better than receiving customer photos on my facebook site and hearing their stories about their activities while sporting their Tail Wags helmet cover. But you’ve got to invite that conversation because people won’t necessarily share that information if you don’t request it.
What are your reasons for networking on social media sites? Do you do it for personal or business reasons or both? What lessons have you learned about social media along the way? I’d love to hear your feedback because we can both learn from each other.
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Blogging can be vary hard work, you have to really love it. and when I say love it, I mean all of the process. social media is about being social and you can build relationships and make money but you need to add time and value and treat people like people
Hi Karyn!
Thanks for your transparency here. I agree. Blogging IS hard work and some many people promote blogging for business as an easy, cheap, way to get leads.
Unfortunately, time is money and when you factor in the time commitment that is required to BUILD relationships rather than get LEADS, blogging is an expensive endeavor.
That said, it’s a must for me and my business and the benefits surely outweigh the demands on time and the required effort.
Great post!
Thanks Marlee for your comment. As a business owner, you probably find there’s not enough hours in the day as well. I’d love to hire someone else to help me but I still think it’s important for the business owner to be in charge of the social media sites in order to keep them authentic!
Hi Karyn
Well as I am one of the Tweethearts, I would definitely say social media is a must have in my business plan
I love networking and have found great posts through Twitter and also that’s where I can connect with people and leave a message if they are not online.
Opportunities are endless if social media is used correctly. And I will agree with you that blogging is hard work. Although I’m having so much fun it doesn’t seem like work….most of the time
Patricia Perth Australia
I enjoy the blogging & twittering too but when it’s one more thing to add to my already crazy schedule, I sometimes feel more stressed than excited about the extra work. I find it hard to find a balance as a small business owner. What type of business do you have? I’m going to check out your blog site now.
Social media does not work for all sites. I work in SEO and its not at all good for most of the “stuff” that I do. Nevertheless, there is no doubt it can work wonders if your website is in the “right” niche. Thanks for sharing Karyn and I wish you every success with the helmet covers business!
Thanks Joseph for your kind words. I agree that it depends on the type of business re: whether or not the social media sites are beneficial. There’s no question that it works for Tail Wags Helmet Covers. However, some businesses may benefit more from “Linked In” than Facebook & Twitter.
I definitely do social media for business purposes. For social, I feel social media is a half-ass way to connect with others. I prefer face to face contact
Henway: What do you find is the most beneficial social media for your business?
Hi Karyn:
Thanks for the blog post here. You do get 200% results and that is very good. However everyone is not that luck. Some response is always there. I agree with you.
But social media is already very popular and everyone is following it. Question is how to follow that it works for you.
fran A
Fran: Social media is not a quick & easy solution. What social media tools have you been using to try and promote your business? What has worked the best for you?
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