Social Media is not a trend, or a limited phenomenon. This new avenue is changing the face of business marketing, and businesses who do not move quickly will be left behind by their competitors. A lot of people give the impression that social media is easy and free, but that is a misconception. Like any marketing avenue, it needs careful planning and strategy to make it work.
There are no shortcuts with social media. It is a long term process, which requires continuous time and effort, and there are many unwritten rules which need to be followed to achieve success. Many books are now available and there are numerous blogs written on how to make social media work. If you can dedicate and invest time in understanding and practicing, the rewards will be greater than any advertising campaign you have ever run.
But what if you do not have time? What if you are too busy helping customers or running your business? How will you find the time to learn social media, put together a plan, and implement that plan on a daily basis? Then you need help.
The role of a social media manager is exactly that - to manage on a daily or weekly basis the online social marketing and networking activities of your business. They will perform pre-decided engagement activities to build your business's online reputation, interact with your customers and build your fans and followers.
This may include:
Facebook - managing your business page, or group, and slowly building real fans or likes Twitter - managing your Twitter account, posting engaging and relevant tweets, and building followers LinkedIn - if your business is B2B, or suitable for LinkedIn, they can manage your professional profile, help you engage, and manage your group YouTube - managing your profile, post videos (if required), and build friends Writing Articles and Blogs Submitting your Blog to Directories Engage in Social Bookmarking to spread your business profile
Benefits to your Business
Old advertising no longer produces the leads and business that it used to, and is still expensive, so to not move forward and start engaging where your customers actually are could be a big mistake.
In today's competitive world, businesses must strive to be more personal, and more engaging with customers. And by using the social networking media is currently the best way to do this. This envolves asking your clients and potential clients questions, and listening to what they have to say. As well as sharing your knowledge and expertise in your field.
To get real returns from social media, you have to view it as a long term and ongoing marketing campaign. Conducted daily for 6 to 12 months will show the best results for your business, which is more sales - more repeat business, and more new business.
Fiona Bosticky is an expert Social Media Manager at http://www.abnormalmarketing.com. She has 3 years experience and helps businesses manage their Social Media marketing, including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.
She can also assist with blog writing, amazing unique website design, and other marketing activities.
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