Getting Social

Social marketing has become a very important component in today’s marketing efforts. Small business or large, doesn’t matter…

As a marketing-focused website designer/graphic designer, since I began in this business a million years ago, I have seen a whole new market open up. When you consider how social media works, we realize just how useful it is in connecting and attracting new customers. I have personally witnessed how even the smallest effort in consistent (not annoying) messaging can be beneficial to my business. Each morning when I’m having my coffee I check my twitter feed – it’s better than reading a newspaper – there’s so much useful information every day. Headline news, tips and tricks specific to my business – the list goes on.

Don’t think anyone in your small town is tweeting? Think again!

Perhaps you’re thinking “Who’s going to see my tweets?” You would be shocked how many Twitter  users are out there and how much tweeting is going on around you. When you have interesting, useful information to tweet, tweets are bound to be retweeted, passed on and talked about. As your audience builds, you’re reaching more and more people and with some time and work, you’re reaching your customers and potential customers. It’s an inexpensive and incredibly valuable marketing tool when used effectively.

Creating a BUZZ…

Say you have a Deli with daily specials… why not tweet your daily specials, or what’s on sale? The idea is to get people to begin talking about you and to you. Get creative and figure out incentives to encourage followers and get people talking. Don’t forget, a picture is worth a thousand words. Add a picture of your best hero or lunch dish.

Quantity and Quality

Both the quality of followers and the quantity matter. Quality because the more you engage your followers the more loyalty they will show you. If you’re thoughtful and creative, providing valuable, relevant content, your followers will look for your tweets. It can be important information, a joke, a sports score, a question asking for advice or even a rant! Engaging your followers is what is important. 

Quantity counts too. Lets face it – business is all about numbers. The more people you reach, the more opportunities you have to sell to them or provide your service. But remember - selling is kept at a minimum. Building the relationship is your focus.

Finding Followers?

There are many ways to gain twitter followers – search the web – you will find thousands of ideas and step by step tutorials on how to get followers. Interaction with other Twitter users is one way. Involving people by asking questions is a good way to get a conversation going. Shared interests is another effective way to find and keep followers. It seems like a big mountain to climb, but it really isn't - and it's so worth it in the end!

Timing is Everything!

There are peak times for Tweeting and free applications to help you figure out when your “prime time” followers are tweeting. I use Tweriod. It’s simple, its free and it will help you to know when you’ll get the most bang from your tweet.

Sound too time consuming?

While there is no shortage of apps that will allow you to schedule your own tweets, there is considerable value in having a social media coach map out and consistently deliver your business messages. In short, when tweeting is done from the heart, the business will come.

You can find me at www.lakemahopacgraphicdesign.com