Social Media has become almost an Internet cliche. It's often one of the first things that small business owners who are considering marketing their business online hear about.
"So, you're taking your business online - you'll want to get up to speed on social media." At least, this is a common piece of advice that home business owners hear.
In fact, social media and social networking have become so popular that there's even a blog/community dedicated to following social networking trends, Mashable. If you wonder what's the latest in social networking, then Mashable's the place for you.
What is social media or social networking? Social media is media that allows the general Internet population to participate by submitting information and graphics. Social networking can be described as the act of using social media.
The truth is, to a small business owner, social media and social networking can be daunting. The sheer volume of social media out there is overwhelming. Calvin's question is a timely one.
So what are some of the social media secrets, and how can your home business take advantage of them?
1. The targeted approach.
Focus most, if not all, of your efforts on a few social media - preferrably those that your clients and prospective clients frequent. Many colleges have got this concept down to an art by creating a presence on Facebook and MySpace.
A drawback to this approach is that you may miss out on reaching small groups of potential clients at other social media.
2. The branding approach.
This approach views social networking as a part of your company's branding. Consistency is an important theme with this approach. No matter what social media you sign up under, always use the same user name and avatar. The user name and avatar should be easily identified with your business. (A logo works.)
A drawback to this approach is that your participation in a large number of social media will likely be shallow and lack any real relationship.
3. The organic approach.
Using the approach, you enter the world of social networking as yourself and participate only in those social media that truly interest you. You build relationships with like-minded individuals. Your business is just a part of who you are.
A drawback to this approach is that your interests may not match those of potential clients and customers.
4. The power user approach.
In this approach to social media, you attempt to become a power user of a particular social media. An example of this would be someone who deliberately sets out to become one of Digg's Top 100 users or one of the 20 Top Sphinners.
A drawback to this approach is that the goal of becoming a power user can conflict with the goal of positively promoting your business.
5. The balanced approach.
With this approach you dedicate a certain amount of time each day, let's say an hour, to social networking. When your hour for social networking is over, you move on to the rest of your daily activities.
A drawback to this approach is that it may become a shotgun approach with lots of effort and no real results.
What's the best approach for your home business? The truth is that most home business owners will benefit from a combination of approaches to social networking.
Here are some other useful resources on social media:
- How to Influence Powerful Social Media Users for Traffic and Attention from doshdosh
- 11 Guidelines to Social Media Success from Eric Enge at SearchEngineWatch.com
- How to Leverage Web 2.0 & Social Media Sites to Market Your Brand & Control Your Message from Jane Copeland at seomoz.org
- How to Write a Social Media Press Release from Muhammad Saleem at copyblogger
What about you? How do you use social networking to market your business? What tips do you have for using it effectively?
Leave a comment and let us know.
» Social Media Secrets: A WAHM's Guide to Getting the Most From Social Networking from Babblz.com
This is the post that I wish had existed a year ago when I started to become active on social networks.
Social Media has become almost an Internet cliche. It's often one of the first things that small business owners who are considering m... [Read More]
Tracked on: December 28, 2007 9:15 AM | Permalink to Trackback