I was lurking around on one of my favorite forums a couple of days ago and noticed someone posted a social media question: “What’s the real purpose of sites like Twitter and Facebook? Can joining these sites really help my business?”
Here are the facts: social media isn’t going anywhere. It’s here to stay. But that’s a good thing. Really. Here’s why:
More Networking Opportunities
For me this is the best part. You get to connect with people in and out of your niche. You can learn a lot from more experienced Internet professionals, and you get to pass along helpful information to those just starting out.
Social media sites like Twitter and Facebook provide an incredible opportunity to build relationships with more people which can translate into more traffic to your blog, increased sales and other interesting opportunities.
Build Brand Recognition
Social media can literally connect you with thousands of people. But that’s only the beginning. Once you get access to all of these people, you have to do something. This is where personal branding comes in.
If you already have a blog that produces high-quality content that others care about, you’re off o a good start. Social media can further reinforce the brand identity you’re building. Use the same avatar photo on social media sites as your blog so that people instantly recognize you. Make sure all of your social media site links point back to your blog.
Get Access to Community News
Networking on social media sites can be a great way of staying on top of community news. You get the heads-up about up coming seminars, conventions, announcements and special rates on info products and much more.
Get Valuable Feedback
If you have a question and need help, social media sites can be a gold mine. Maybe you need help with a topic you’re thinking of writing for your blog, need subjects for a special report you’re developing, or just need help finding resources or info online. This is the place.
Promote Your Posts
Naturally, being able to expose thousands of readers to your blog posts is a plus, but be careful. That’s not all you should be doing on these sites. Always make the social aspect of social networking more important than self promotion.
Take time to respond to comments and answer questions. Help others promote information by sharing on Facebook and retweeting on Twitter. You’ll find that others will be much more receptive to what you have to say and the information you share if you don’t make all of your networking activity about you.
I totally agree. If anyone hasn't tested these networks out my advice to you is: “Jump in — the water's fine!” I've met some really great folks since I've gotten involved in Twitter and Facebook. I've also met old friends who have become clients of mine, so it's a very powerful force in building a business.
Good advice, Cheryl. The unknown can make us nervous, and then we start to have negative self-talk (e.g. “no one cares what I have to say.”), or make excuses for not getting started. Sometimes just closing your eyes and jumping in is the best thing.
I would love to use these networks more effectively! Thanks for the info! I'll give it a better try!
As Cheryl suggested, “just jump in” and give it a try. Good luck!
I too have built some great relationships on twitter and facebook. My current design client was through twitter. Someone I have built a great relationship with on networks, forums and facebook though out a recommend to one of their followers looking for a designer and she came and found me. I so agree that social networks can be very power tools!
I love the way you can get such fast feedback on Twitter. It can seem a little overwhelming to someone who never used it before, though. All those tweets popping up one after the other and running right off the page! I think it is important for newbies to add new people to follow gradually so that they aren't overwhelmed by a ton of tweets all at once.
I love Facebook!! I spend a lot of time there (sometimes too much). I need to get back into Twitter. I have met some great people on Twitter and made some great connections. People definitely need to check them both out.