(NOTE: This is an updated repost of an April article.)
I want to make it clear that social media is NOT a fad and it’s here to stay. Not only that, but social networking sites are fast becoming the primary way people with access to the web make connections with others. Take a look at the figures presented in this video, called “Social Media Revolution 3” by Erik Qualman, based on his book Socialnomics: How Social Media Transforms the Way We Live and Do Business. This will really get you thinking about the future:
If you’re not using social media to promote your business you’re doing it a disservice. Creating a Facebook page, posting regularly to it, and building a base of fans or those who “like” your page is an excellent way to establish your brand and build loyalty. Twitter works in much the same way but with shorter posts called “tweets” and your fans are called “followers.” You post to Facebook and tweet regularly on things like sales and specials, upcoming events, new products, information customers need to know like changes in business hours, even personal thoughts and witty sayings.
LinkedIn is a networking site where businesspeople and professionals connect. It’s also a very important online recruiting tool.
Using video on your website and in blogs is a very effective way to grab people’s attention and “draw them in” – more so than just with written (typed) words. It’s also much underutilized because many still don’t realize it’s potential. The best way to post videos is to upload them to YouTube (for videos under 10min), and link to them on your website, blog, Facebook, and Twitter. Yes, YouTube is a social media site as well – you have to create a profile to upload videos, others can subscribe to your “channel,” you can be friends with other users and post comments to each other’s channel page (wall).
For an example of a well-known business close to home that uses social media to promote themselves very well, I recommend looking at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Busch Gardens uses social media heavily, posting to Facebook and Twitter multiple times in a day. They also have a blog and a YouTube channel. Here’s their links:
Website: www.buschgardens.com/bgw
Blog: www.buschgardensvablog.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BuschGardens
Twitter: www.twitter.com/BuschGardensVA
YouTube: www.youtube.com/BuschGardensVA
I hope that by viewing the video presentation above and looking at BGW’s links you’ve been inspired by the possibilities of utilizing social media. They’re endless! If you’re new to all this, I can help. Please contact me for more information or go here if you need a quote for my services.
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