Fact of the matter is that no matter how much you may hear screams of “yes!!!” to this question, it may not always, truly, be the case.
This question has been posed countless times, by numerous clients, and the response has never been the same twice.
There are many factors that will go into your decision of when is the right time to take the plunge, so to speak. Here are some questions you should ask yourself before you say “I Do” to any form of social media marketing:
- Is my business marketed primarily to other businesses or to consumers?
- How much, and in what venues, do I participate in face-to-face professional or social networking?
- How do I currently communicate with my clients/customers? Is that communication something I feel could be improved?
- Are my clients currently asking me if I have a social media presence for my business (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, a blog)? In other words, am I being missed in these places?
- Am I fluent in Facebook-ese and Twitter-ish? Do I know what a blog is, what a tweet is, and what the difference is between a comment and a “like?” If not, what is my plan to “get edumecated?”
- How much time am I willing to spend learning, and executing, a new way of marketing my business?
The answer to these questions will lead you to the knowledge of whether or not social media is right for you at this point in time.
Just as in any other marketing venture, particularly the newfangled varieties, there must be demand (from your clientele) and a commitment (on your part) to make it all worthwhile. Keep in mind, not all social media applications are created equal, nor do they all serve the same purpose (or target audience).
Maybe you’ve decided you want to become part of “The Conversation,” as I love to call it. But so many choices, so little time, you say? You are absolutely right, my friend.
Nothing was ever written – to my knowledge, anyway! – which says you absolutely must-must-must participate in everything, everywhere, all the time.
No. That just plain is not true.
It’s not true for life, and it’s not true for your choices in social media.
Submitted for your consideration:
- Facebook: Intended primarily for business-to-consumer marketing. While this is not exclusive, it is something to consider when working on your social media marketing plan. Additionally, its fastest growing membership is the 50 and over crowd, and it is in the top three of social media applications.
- YouTube: This venue seems to know no bounds. From humorous to educational and everything in-between, YouTube surpassed Google as the #1 search engine in 2010. If you have ANY content that may benefit from video, this is the place to shout it from the rooftops.
- Twitter: A very interesting application. Intended for “micro-blogging”, its main users are the Twenty-to-Thirty-Somethings. If you have a storefront, run specials and coupons, and want to reach the above crowd, Twitter is it. If you are involved with high-profile events, also targeting said above crowd, Twitter is it. While it is not for everyone, it can be immensely powerful when used appropriately.
- LinkedIn: Think of this as an online version of the biggest chamber of commerce meeting you ever imagined – or didn’t. People of all professions, in every corner of the globe, making “connections.” If your business, like mine, is primarily business-to-business oriented, this may be your ticket to untold wealth – or at least fabulous networking opportunities with people you would not otherwise have met. Every professional, in any walk of life, in any stage of their career, should join in the conversation of LinkedIn.
So now, you have some ideas to think about. Some options to consider. Did you learn some things? Do you have validation of some of your thoughts, questions or concerns? Do you now have a reasonable thought process to tackle this marketing dilemma?
I very much hope so.
If I can be of further service to you, please contact me. It would be thrilling to join you on your next marketing adventure. Who knows what successes we may find?