Market analysis giant Nielsen?s social media report for 2011 reveals that Americans spend more time on Facebook than on any other website. A large number of them are bound to be online shoppers, with better e-commerce infrastructures clearly soothing trust issues of the past. In such a scenario it?s a no-brainer that online businesses hoping to reach out to more of their customers would do well to join Facebook, or its fast-growing rival, Twitter. Especially when today?s marketing scenario is as competitive as a flea market on a Sunday.
But that?s not the case
It appears that most businesses are afraid to try the new social media phenomena or don?t have the time for it. At most, entrepreneurs join LinkedIn, as it seems more ?corporate? than Facebook or Twitter, which brings us to what appears to be the root cause of this apathy towards social media. Most business owners don?t know enough about it, and what a rich treasure trove of new contacts (and potential customers) it can be.
Social Media Boosts Outreach
Social media is not only about becoming a part of a cutting-edge trend. In some ways it?s a more effective way to reach out to a greater number of people than its face-to-face counterpart at trade shows. Think about it ? the internet?s ability to make or break reputations with a single ?tweet? or a ?like? is a rich mine to explore for those starting out with their new ventures. If you have strong products to back you, all you need is an online advocate for them to create what is known as a ?buzz?, and some of your online ?friends? will be happy to do that for you. You just need them to trust you enough.
Social Media Builds Credibility
The one thing that social media will give you more than any newsletters is a platform to show your authentic selves to your potential customers. There?s nothing like credibility to get people on your side, and your potential customers want to know more about the real face behind the press releases and the corporate website. Have your employees interact with your ?friends? and show that there are real people behind the products that they are using. Post relevant and regular content through your account; for it to be interesting, make it varied. But ensure that your ?voice? is honest and consistent. Savvy web users are quick to spot lack of authenticity.
That being said, some business owners that have their own Twitter account or Facebook account often find it difficult to decide what their ?voice? should be, how much information they can reveal without putting their company at risk and so on. The trick is to find a balanced voice, and make that work for you. Once you?ve found it, you?re bound to see the positive effect on your ROI.
Don?t Be Overwhelmed
Everything has its flipside, and social media?s weakness is that too much of it can be too overwhelming if you don?t know where to stop, which is probably why people don?t like to use it for work. It?s always good to know one?s limitations, however one will never know about these limitations unless they try something new, will they? And the best part is social media is inexpensive and ready at your fingertips!
?
About the author: Kelly is a blogger by profession. She loves writing on technology and luxury. Beside this she is fond of blogging. Recently an article on auto motto attracted her attention. These days she is busy in writing an article on cellphone beat.
spear of destiny rock hill sc kate middleton pregnant national book awards jessica sutta sexiest man alive 2011 ruben studdard
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.