As an Certified Reach Online ID Strategist, I have learned and experienced how important the Web can be for building and maintaining credibility and a strong brand, so when I came upon this post by Lea Charlton, I wanted to share it.
Post:
Internet marketing is not as easy as we would expect it to be, especially when it comes to effective online business branding and working within a budget. In this case, you need to pay attention to every resource and detail of how you are marketing your business on the Internet. The wrong processes waste time and money. Excellent online marketing strategies provides increased online exposure and conversions. Fast branding success is the goal.
How do you accomplish your online branding goals as efficiently as possible?
Social Media Marketing (SMM) has become a popular alternative for online business branding. Companies no longer think of social sites (i.e. Twitter, Facebook, Myspace, LinkedIn) as "websites for kids". They are valuable Internet marketing and networking resources for business. On the other hand, there are 5 major issues involved with diving into SMM without the proper knowledge and strategies. These can "make" or "break" your success in social media marketing:
1. GETTING STARTED
Make wise choices from the beginning and move forward with a "plan of action"!
Prior to getting started in social media marketing
, you need to nip the urge to join every single social site on Google. It does not hurt to have a presence everywhere on the Internet, though there is no advantage in wasting time setting up a social account that is not used. The site owner may delete it - OR - it will get outdated and look unprofessional. Plus, there is no way that you can "work" them all unless you have a team to help you. You will still want to be discerning and make a plan of action. You need this to properly brand your business through social media marketing. You also need this plan of action in order to position your company correctly from the beginning. This concept holds true in Internet marketing in general.
, you need to nip the urge to join every single social site on Google. It does not hurt to have a presence everywhere on the Internet, though there is no advantage in wasting time setting up a social account that is not used. The site owner may delete it - OR - it will get outdated and look unprofessional. Plus, there is no way that you can "work" them all unless you have a team to help you. You will still want to be discerning and make a plan of action. You need this to properly brand your business through social media marketing. You also need this plan of action in order to position your company correctly from the beginning. This concept holds true in Internet marketing in general.2. PROPER SET UP
Meet where they work and play on the Internet!
You need to learn how to set up and position your company with the best social networks and websites. Some initial positioning details to consider: (a) determining which are the "best social sites" for your niche and interests, (b) choosing the right user name for your individual profile links, (c) choosing the most attractive profile information and media to share, (d) developing a knack for filtering activity according to what is appropriate at a particular social site, (e) establishing a time schedule that permits working as many networks as possible, (f) choosing the best initial connections...and so on.
Keep in mind that Account Settings, network protocol, niche and viral marketing all go hand in hand throughout time.
Additionally, some social sites have a more playful environment than others; even those with a professional focus. You need to select websites that not only fit your company's focus, but also the personal interests of the individual(s) that will "work" the social media marketing process for you. Note: Don't let the "playful" networks defer you. One of the goals of social media marketing is to reach your target markets where they work and "play" on the Internet.
3. IMPLEMENTATION: WHAT TO DO & WHAT NOT TO DO
Don't just "wing it"; move prepared to market effectively for your business.
