Social media is often confusing for the beginner, especially those who are swamped running a small business.
Even if you have been using social networking for personal use, networking for a business is much different. You can make or break a business through social networking. A brand is built by reaching out to consumers – one big mess up and you could be finished.
That's why it is important to understand how to use social media for a small business before you open an account.
Getting Started
Take a look at the social networking sites other businesses are using. Visit their Facebook pages and Twitter accounts. You don't need to comment, just browse their entries. What are they doing? Are they advertising? How many fans do they have? This is a small step to give you insight. If you see things that seem to be engaging customers, think about adapting those efforts to your own page or account. Don't copycat – add your own twists.
Make an account under your business name and fill out all of the information in the profile that customers want to know. This can be location, service or products offered, and never forget to add in your customer service email! If a customer can't figure out how to reach you they're going to complain or go elsewhere.
Let your friends and email contacts know you have created a page or account. This is easy as most accounts have functions that will access your email.
Engaging Customers
You will begin by adding content to your account. Talk about yourself, the service you provide or what your product does. Don't spam your fans – a few updates a day is fine until you have a large fanbase or followers. Under 500 followers on Twitter, do not update more than 5 times a day. Facebook fans will prefer about the same number of updates, unless you're constantly 'hawking' a product or service. Leave the advertorials out of your daily conversations.
You don't have to be boring. Engage your followers by talking directly to them. This doesn't mean to have a heart to heart in view of all followers. This means simple, polite chit-chat at times. Never reveal personal aspects of your life on a business account. Leave politics behind and religion, too.
Always address concerns of customers. Don't delete comments that are negative. Take these as an opportunity to prove that you are dedicated to providing great customer service. Set things right and you may gain more than just one happy customer.
The top sites for social networking are Facebook and Twitter. StumbleUpon, Reddit, and Plurk are a few others, but the 'Big Two' have more accounts than the others. Their reach is staggering and growing everyday.
Google Plus is also popular, but the majority of users seem to discount marketing efforts quickly. Users are less likely to share posts from businesses than on other networks.
So, are you ready to get more social about your small business?