Social Media Marketing and Social Networks are huge. That is, if you know how to get the most out of your efforts.
Here are a few tips on optimizing your time and energy.
1. Know why you’re involved.
2. Limit your activity to a handful of targeted networks such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and one or two more at most. Where you invest time is based on your market and your overall goals.
3. Avoid simply using the platform as a way to market yourself. Granted, you can do some outstanding marketing but if you are not doing the “social” thing you are missing the mark.
4. Learn how to get the highest value for your time invested with each social network.
Here are a handful of things you need to focus on:
Profile
Take time to complete as much as possible on your profile. A scantly filled in profile will give you nowhere near the credibility as one that apparently took some thought and effort to complete.
Content
What content are you posting? Each social network will be focused on something unique. Facebook may include more personal information than say, LinkedIn. Post your content according to the environment.
Event promotion
Many social networks allow you to post upcoming events. As with your profile be sure to add enough content to create a robust description.
Article marketing
Not all social networks allow for this feature, but those that do can be very valuable. You can easily establish credibility by posting well written, relevant articles. Depending on the network you may be able to put a resource box at the end of the article to drive readers back to a landing page to opt in for something. This allows you to increase your opt in subscriber list.
Group postings
Many social networks have a group feature. You can join groups according to your market and interest.
However, in order to gain benefit from the groups you belong to you have to be actively involved.
There may be features with groups that allow you to get more “bang for your buck”.
Below is a video on how to get the most out of LinkedIn Groups. This is a very little known feature and one that can serve you well.
In conclusion
Remember to keep the “social” in social media marketing. If all you’re doing is promoting and selling you will lose credibility fast. Create value for the people you connect to and they will respond positively when you do have an offer to make.
Popped over to YouTube to hit the “Like” button on your video, Kathleen — super info!
I love a concise, clear overview with a step-by-step demonstration.
Something you said in the video really stood out and caught my attention immediately …
“The more valuable information you contribute, the more you will be viewed as a credible expert.” I have a strong conviction about that philosophy and I’m glad you mentioned it. It’s such an essential part of participating in LinkedIn groups and many other social media venues, as well.
Regarding article marketing …
I’m curious and would appreciate your expert opinion. Have you ever published articles on “Biznik”? Or do you have anyone in your center of influence who has published on their platform? I’ve heard very positive feedback and have had a few of my online connections say they prefer it over Ezine Articles.
Outstanding post!
Melanie
Thanks for your comments Melanie. I’m not familiar with Biznik but will check into it. Sounds interesting and beneficial.
Way cool, Kathleen!
Please let me know what you think of Biznik.
Thanks!
These are really great tips involving the correct way to utilize social media. Facebook and other networks can help you SO much if you’re using them in the best ways. Being personally involved and not just advertising is a huge key.
-Karen