Become a Social Media Pro

Written by Ray Larson

Not sure how to approach your social media campaign? With 93% of Americans saying that a company should have a presence on social media sites, according to a study conducted by Cone Business, it’s time for you to step into this global phenomenon with confidence. Even the President used YouTube’s Citizentube recently to answer questions from the public via a live feed, his first interview after his State of the Union. From the White House to the corner bakery, here are some pointers to help you use social media in your business. 

Find prospective customers. A keyword search on Twitter can help you find potential customers who may not be aware of your company. For example, if you are a realtor, you can reply to users whose tweets include “moving to Dallas” and “no-fee rentals” to generate appropriate leads. 

Offer sneak previews. Post new products and services on your site to help build demand and give you time to address any critical feedback before the main launch. 

Use online advertising. Some social media sites like Facebook allow companies to run ads that attract specific users based on information included in your business profile. For instance, to promote their student accounts, a bank could run an ad targeted at recent high school graduates going to college in a specific region. 

Reward customer loyalty. Offer promotions like coupons or free giveaways to show your appreciation and keep customers coming back for more. Simply get them to tweet a code word to receive a free treat. 

Demonstrate your skills. Go beyond words, and post videos of what your company actually does. If you make the best wedding cakes this side of Texas, show your baking and decorating skills and get viewers to send you a code via a tweet to get a discount off their order. 

Cultivate relationships. Whether you get positive or negative feedback, interact with your customers on a personal level. Ask them why they liked or disliked your product or service. People may be put off if they feel that communication is one way. 

Don’t over-promote. Social network users are open to marketing but don’t want to hear sales pitches. If your site reads like an ad, it will turn visitors away. 

Learn from others. This week marks the second annual Social Media Week, during which organizations come together via international online conferences and discuss ways to advance uses of social media in the corporate, public and non-profit sectors. Join in discussions and get up-to-the-minute advice. 

These tips will not only build brand awareness but also help increase sales. Use social media to your advantage.