Social media is still a buzz word for many even though it has been around for a quite a while. If you are a business owner, there are many methods you can use to promote and build awareness for your business online. Social media is a great online marketing method that can work with almost any business. Social media is a great way that you can use to increase the effectiveness of your other internet marketing campaigns.
There are thousands of social media channels available and new ones are popping up on a daily basis. Find below a couple of social media channels that are easy to start with. This doesn’t mean you should start with every popular social media channel available. Only select the ones that will fit into your business and where you can find your target audience. Social media is all about engagement.
Popular social media channels
Blogging: Blogging can be the center point of your social media strategy. You can integrate all of the other social media channels that you are using on your blog.
Facebook: The Mac Daddy of social networking. This channel has become one of the top business networking mediums where you can connect directly with the audience you are targeting. Interact with your audience by sharing your latest blog posts with them, videos, and even discussion polls.
Twitter: On this platform you can post short (140 character) updates to your followers. You can also use this micro blogging tool to engage with your audience. Link your profile to your website and blog. Share interesting and relevant stories to start a a discussion on the Twittersphere.
LinkedIn: This is the top professional social networking channel available. On this platform you can connect directly with like minded individuals share knowledge, form alliances, attract prospects, and build authority for your business. This is an extremely powerful business networking tool that should be used in most social media campaigns.
YouTube: With YouTube you can create short educational videos about your services and products. Integrate these videos on your website, blog, and Facebook. When creating new videos, use attention grabbing titles that will draw in your target audience. Be sure to add a valid call to action at the end of the video to make sure your viewers take an action when they have finished watching the video.
Social media is really great and should really not be seen as an “add on strategy” to your existing marketing campaign. Make sure you integrate social media into your existing marketing campaigns to get the best out of it. The best part of social media is that everything can be tracked and measured.
