Social Media 101 - Learning the Basics

You've likely heard that it's important to make social media part of your business marketing plan. But what exactly is social media? How do you get involved? And how can it really help your bottom line? Here, we shed some light on all things Web 2.0. Is It Social Media? Social Networking? Web 2.0? Don't let the buzz words fool you. For the most part, social media, social networking, and Web 2.0 are all pretty much the same thing: user-generated content. Any time the content of a Web site is created by a person and not a program, it's considered user-generated. This can include blogs, online communities, e-zines and articles, networking organizations (including your profile), podcasts and Internet radio, videos and Internet TV channels, and bookmarking sites. Why Do People Participate in Social Networking? Aside from helping to expand your actual network, many people get involved in social networking to become part of a community. Like the word implies, being a "solopreneur" can often be lonely work. Networking, whether face-to-face or online, can be fun and easy. It may turn out to be just the five- or 10-minute break you need in your day. You Sales and Marketing Team Solopreneur businesswomen are often left to do it all by themselves. While this can oftentimes feel a bit overwhelming, it can be manageable. It helps if you think of social networking as being your sales and marketing team at work. This is how you get your message, your business, and your product out there to the public. How Can Social Networking Help My Business? <ul> <li>Helps to increase your search engine relevance</li> <li>It's an easy and natural way to get your name out there</li> <li>Lets you share your knowledge in your area of expertise</li> <li>Helps expand your contact base and your business referral network</li> <li>Allows you and your business to be accessible</li> <li>Can act as a customer relation tool for your service and products</li> <li>You can advertise directly to your target audience</li> <li>Lets you expand your network both nationally and internationally</li> </ul> Examples of Various Social Media and Networking Sites <ul> <li>Content sharing: Squidoo, EzineArticles, YouPublish.com, SelfGrowth.com</li> <li>Social bookmarking sites: Digg, Del.icio.us, StumbleUpon, Kirtsy</li> <li>Social networking: LinkedIn, MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, Plaxo, Meetup, Bebo</li> <li>Networking communities: Ladies Who Launch, Downtown Women's Club, Perfect Business, Ning, Brightkite, Ryze</li> </ul> So What's Your Media Strategy? <ul> <li>Know what you want to get out of the social networking scene: Increased SEO, new clients, page views and increased site traffic, advertisers or sponsors, media and news opportunities, more business-to-business opportunities, content for a book or article, etc.</li> <li>Know how much time you're willing to invest. Plan for 10 minutes a day or about 30 minutes a week or find someone to do the work for you (like a virtual assistant).</li> <li>Research which Web site or networking opportunity best suits your needs. Do you need to reach the teenage market? Are you hoping to become known as an expert? Are you looking to create a viral phenomenon? Are you expanding your clientele?</li> <li>Don't spread yourself too thin. Focus on two to three networking opportunities and learn the pros and cons and the ins and outs. Otherwise, learn the tools that can help you to cover more ground while doing less (Ping.fm is a good tool).</li> <li>Be realistic - while things could go viral and you could be the next big thing, know that it takes time to create your network and build your tribe. You have to actively go out and find your new friends and you have to put yourself in a situation where they can find you.</li> </ul> Tips for Service Professionals <ul> <li>Use Twitter to let your customers know about new blog posts, services, or discounts.</li> <li>Use testimonials whenever possible (LinkedIn is great for this).</li> <li>Focus on getting your profile, experience, and knowledge out there: <ul> <li>Share your resume and experience online (LinkedIn).</li> <li>Write in a blog and publish those articles (YouPublish.com and SelfGrowth.com).</li> <li>Share your knowledge in videos and podcasts.</li> <li>Create a "lens" on Squidoo.</li> <li>Share your bookmarks and favorite Web sites (Digg, Del.icio.us, Kirtsy, StumbleUpon).</li> </ul> </li> </ul> For Product People <ul> <li>Focus on sharing your products: Offer samples to bloggers, and take advantage of any PR opportunity that may come your way (Helpareporter.com).</li> <li>Offer yourself up to be interviewed on blogs and podcasts.</li> <li>Blog or tweet about your new creations or the process of creating your product.</li> <li>Use Twitter to let people know about new products, giveaways, partnerships or sponsorships, product placement, discounts or coupons.</li> </ul> For Creatives <ul> <li>Create your profile and let your creativity shine - yes, even you creative types should at least have a LinkedIn profile.</li> <li>Focus on sharing your creative products - look to places like Flickr, YouTube, YouPublish, uStream.tv.</li> <li>Blog, blog, blog and share the story behind your creative process and pictures of your beautiful creations.</li> </ul> Social Networking Basics <ul> <li>Even if you're not yet ready to jump into the world of social media and social networking, at least create those accounts to reserve your name - you never know when you might hit it big.</li> <li>Always fill out your profiles as completely as possible. Use those signatures and remember to link to your site or blog.</li> <li>When you ask to be connected or "friended," take the time to personalize the message. This is especially important if you're approaching someone you don't yet know personally.</li> <li>Be respectful, not confrontational - be real, and don't hide behind anonymity.</li> <li>If you wouldn't say it to someone's face, don't say it online. Remember, you're not just you, you're representing your business, your brand, and your products.</li> <li>Be relevant, on topic, and a part of the community - don't be spammy.</li> </ul> 2008-12-04T21:22:05Z

2008-12-06T07:32:47Z

-14.313

1057 2425

true

21689

social-media-101-learning-the-basics

2008-12-06T07:32:42Z

What exactly is social media? How do you get involved? Can it really help your bottom line? Learn how social media can help your business whether you're a service professional, a product person, or someone more creative in your business.

Social Media 101 - Learning the Basics

2009-02-24T09:47:42Z