Nobody can deny the power of Social Media, next time you look at a website you are more than likely to see the icons for Facebook and Twitter. However there is more to Social Media than having accounts linked to your website! I have lost count of the number of businesses who say 'We do Social Media'. Then when you look into their accounts you see they haven't tweeted for weeks or posted on Facebook for weeks. Social Media can and does work but as with most things in life it takes time, effort and planning.
Here are a few tips that may help you:
- Contribute with useful or interesting things. If you can’t contribute, no one will listen to you.
- As already mentioned Social Media will require time, energy, imagination and creativity. You will need to commit yourself in order for it to be successful.
- Show yourself as an expert in your field. You need to come across as someone who knows what they’re talking about. Give valuable advice to your followers. This will help to add “value”
to your brand too.
- Use images if possible. It's a great way to showcase your product/service.
- Remember Social Media is an open forum, be careful in what you say. Look at all the people recently who have got into hot water!
- Be polite
- Don't ignore people - interact with them when they speak to you! Too many people do not bother to respond if they see nothing "in it" for themselves right now. Remember, what goes around comes around - if you take the time to answer people, even if you see nothing in it for yourselves at the present time, they will be likely to remember you when they do need your product or service.
- Be patient. Social Media is a long term strategy. Nothing will happen overnight. Don’t give up after a short period.
- It is Social Media not Business or Sales Media! Try not to sell, sell, sell.
- Have fun
Lastly, Social Media isn't for everyone. If you don't feel comfortable, or don't want to use Social Media then don't. We have several clients who are very comfortable and adept at using Social Media. We also have others who don't have the time, knowledge or desire to use it. It's only another tool not a law!
