Whatever your “widget” is in business, you are first and foremost a marketer.
You do realize that, right?
And since you’re a marketer, can I assume you have a strong social media strategy?
Why?
Because smart marketers are taking advantage of the social media spaces to promote their businesses — and you should be, too.
Major brands market on social media.
If major brands such as Coca-Cola, Harley-Davidson, Six Flags, Apple and Pizza Hut are using Facebook to reach their target markets, Facebook should definitely be a part of YOUR social media efforts.
Are you with me? Say yes and make it happen! (You knew I was going to say that, didn’t you.)
Learning about social networking is uppermost in the minds of most marketers. And that’s a good thing. Never stop learning.
According to a recent social media study…
70% of marketers have expressed the desire to know more about effective marketing via these channels, Facebook in particular.
(I love Facebook. My friends and “fans” rock! ( LiveOutLoud Facebook Page >> ) We’ve got a lot of interactivity going on there. That’s why I want to talk with you about social media marketing. We’ve experienced both successes and failures. Both are valuable!)
Did you know that over 90% of marketers spend at least six hours per week on social networking? Some spend 20 hours or more! That’s because we know it’s that important to our businesses.
How much time do you spend social networking?
Do you do it by yourself or have support for it?
Let’s have a conversation about it in the comments below. (This blog is another interactive part of the Live Out Loud social networking efforts. We want to hear from you!)
Moving on…
What’s so important about social networking?
- Heightens visibility
- Increases “know, like and trust” factors
- Excellent source of qualified leads
- Positive effects on SEO and search engines rankings
- Cost effective marketing (free!)
- Increases conversion
- Partnership opportunities
- Traffic!
Which social networking spaces are the most important to deploy your strategies?
That depends.
B2C finds Facebook and Twitter as the most effective.
B2B relies heavily on LinkedIn and video (YouTube is becoming increasingly important), though they also use Facebook and Twitter.
Both types of businesses are increasing focus on their blogs because of the optimized capability of feedback.
Okay, so I’ve covered quite a bit today.
Now it’s your turn…
Think about the benefits I listed above and let’s discuss them in the comments below. Talk about which social strategies you use and why. Which ones are you ignoring and why? What’s been the most effective strategy for you?
Let’s get this conversation going. That’s what we’re all about at Live Out Loud!
