Getting Started With Social Networks

Many business owners struggle with both blogging for their business and managing their social media marketing.  Just not enough time in the business day to get it all done.

How would you like to publish a blog post and have it show up on your social media platforms automatically?

Well, you can if you link you blog to your Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin accounts.  You can also use the scheduling feature in your blogging platform to schedule posts so even that is automated.

So how do I link my blog to my social media platforms?

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Oftentimes when I am out and about networking at events or speaking to groups of business owners, one thing that comes up a lot is, “I just don’t understand how Twitter is effective for my business, it’s to confusing.”

I agree.

Particularly when you acquire lots of followers, it can be difficult to keep up with the conversations in your Twitter timeline.

So how do I get my Twitter marketing clear and organized?

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Many entrepreneurs I coach, consult, or just plain talk to, are often hesitant to use Twitter for business, or anything else, because they simply don’t know how.  Many just don’t understand how sending a few short updates can grow their business.  They don’t see how knowing that “I’m going to the restroom now” is relevant to their bottom line.  It’s not.

Using Twitter for business is far different than just using Twitter for fun, like some kids and celebrities.

Even so, there is no one right way.

What works for one business may be totally wrong for another.  It depends on your company’s overall objective for using Twitter and your desired outcome.  Are you wanting to generate leads, make sales, improve your customer service, find out what’s being said about your business etc.

See my earlier post, “What Are The Benefits Of Twitter For Business” for information on ways Twitter and other Social Media platforms can enhance your business.

Although the “right” way to use Twitter for business varies from company to company, there are some general things you can do, and not do, to make the most out of your Social Media marketing efforts.

For instance:

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As I mentioned in a previous post, more and more large corporations are turning to Twitter and other Social Media platforms for effective, inexpensive alternatives to conventional advertising.

Originally, Twitter was created and used as a virtual water cooler, a place where it’s creators could gather, without leaving their desks, and share ideas.

Obviously, Twitter quickly caught on and people everywhere started “tweeting”.

Not intended for business at first, marketers soon discovered that the unique ability to build relationships with potential clients makes Twitter (and other platforms) great for business.

As of April, 2010, 105,779,770 Twitter users were reported and there is room for enormous growth.

Also, 51% of Twitter users follow companies, brands, or products on social networks.

These kinds of statistics let us know that, if done correctly, amazing things can be accomplished on Twitter for business.

What Can Twitter Do For My Business?

1. Grow your business/Dominate your market.
2. Establish and/or extend the reach of your brand.
3. Raise the profile of your business.
4. Build publicity for your products, services, events.
5. Build deeper relationships with customers, clients and other entrepreneurs.
6. Gain wisdom and advice from experts.
7. Gain additional streams of web traffic.
8. Give alerts to previous visitors of new content on your websites.
9. Promote blog posts.
10. Turn followers into visitors/visitors into paying customers.

Referring to an example I’ve used before, Twitter makes it possible to totally revolutionize your customer service.  When set up correctly, you are able to respond instantly to customer service issues, or simply follow up with customers and prospects.

So how do I effectively set up Twitter for business?

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