Social Networking for Small Business It’s 2010 and technology has not advanced to flying cars yet but the way consumers use information to choose who they do business with certainly has changed. As a small business, you are one of the main beneficiaries of these trends.
How To Get Started with Twitter: Twitter is important and useful to keeping your company on the edge of everyone’s mind.
1- Choose your brand, area of focus, personality and incorporate external resources and relevant information to “Joe Anybody”. Take some time to think about who you are, what is important to your company, the role you play, etc. If you are passionate about something in particular, focus on that.
2- Create an account and profile at twitter.com.
3- Update your settings.
4- Search for associates/friends/etc under “find people”
5- Add Mashable to your friends list and get their list of things to do for new Twitter accounts.
6- Use external links as often as possible. Use bit.ly in your browser to shorten links and make them fit.
7- Try to tweet at least once a day. Don’t tweet “I hurt my thumb.” Tweet consumer information or local information that is important.
8- Explore and build your network as you gain new customers and meet new people. Use twellow.com to find people by industry or location.
9- Get the word out- Link your user name to your email signature, business cards, blog and website.
Win New Business by word of mouth. People are more likely to use the web to find a business than the Yellow Pages. There are websites with customer feedback that help people choose the right and best company for their particular need. Build a web presence with Kudzu, DexKnows, etc. These sites allow the business to tell a bit about themselves. Ask your best customers to take a minute at these sites and let the world know how great you are! Use these sites for external customer testimonials when winning new business.
Be at a Customer’s Fingertips everywhere they go. There’s no denying that “apps” are making money. Some companies are using them to make millions of dollars. On the latest gadgets such as the iPhone, Blackberry and Google/Android phones, customers can easily access specific information about the San Diego Zoo, their bank accounts, weight loss, cooking, grammar, etc. Depending on your industry, customers are able to use this platform to get prices, current promotions, place orders, daily tips or upload pertinent information. If you think this may be a good fit, contact us and we will put you in touch with someone who writes these types of programs for companies.
Upcoming Social Media Training: If you think learning in person would be helpful to your business, there is a Social Media Event Seminar on January 14th &15th in Mesa. Presented by Greater Phoenix SCORE & The Arizona Department of Education Call 602-745-7250 or email Info@scorephoenix.org
LinkedIn: This tool is about business networking and finding the best employees. You can build a detailed profile, keep in touch with your business network and get testimonials at linkedin.com.
Facebook: I am personally a fan of my local sub shop, shoe store and a non-profit organization. You can build a business page that allows all Facebook users to come and check you out. The fans (most likely customers) can post comments about their experience with your company, share the company profile with their friends and basically reach thousands of people with no cost involved. Update regularly with fun photos, promotions, etc. As with Twitter, determine a focus and market a uniform message. Sign up at facebook.com.
Blogs: This is a great niche for people who like to write and share articles. It is an informative venue that you can link back to your twitter page, website, business cards, email address. Customers can subscribe to your blog and get your musings daily. As with Twitter and Facebook, determine a focus for your blog and plan out your articles. Free blogging sites can be created at wordpress.com or blogspot.com.
Bottom Line: Pick one or two things from these possibilities and give them a try. Some require more thought and planning than others but they are a great way to really promote your business at low or no cost. Get started and if you start up at Twitter, find me @ambermobile.com
