Owning and operating a business can be tricky and there are countless skills to master. Whether it is marketing, management, PR, or any of the countless pieces of the puzzle, you’re going to have a lot on your hands.
One of the most important parts about running a business is marketing. And with technology changing so rapidly, the face of marketing is likewise getting a makeover.
The rise of social media websites (like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, etc.) make it crucial to understand how social marketing and each platform works. Knowing how they work will directly benefit your business. These sites let individual businesses connect with millions of users (who are also potential customers) that could be interested in your product. But what are the best social media sites out there, and how can you harness their marketing power?
Businesses today should be putting some fire power into these three powerful and most effective social media networks for businesses, maximizing each accordingly:
1. Twitter
Twitter, a social media platform that quickly rose in popularity in recent years, lets users communicate with one another by posting “tweets.” Messages cannot be longer than 140 characters, but photos and links can be included.
With 140 million Twitters users, the site could house many future customers. But exactly how do you use it for your business? The great thing about Twitter is that it is fast and convenient to use, and gets the point across. If you have a solid following, you can spread new products, events, and much more in only seconds.
Remember to make your tweets brief but clear; leaving enough room for your Twitter account (ex: businessname@yourusername), letting people subscribe to your Twitter feed easily. Also including hashtags will also allow more viewers to find your posts in relevant Twitter category searches.
2. Facebook
Easily the most used social network on the planet, Facebook has an incredible 955 million users. With so many people to reach, it’s no wonder it is one of the premier social media networks that businesses use to interact with customers. The key to using Facebook is making sure that your posts are enjoyable to read and aren’t too “spammy.” Think about what people you are trying to reach, what they are interested in seeing— and focus your content based on that.
One of the great things about this social network is that you can now monitor who is seeing your posts, when they’re seeing them, who are “liking” your posts and more, using Facebook analytics. It lets you discover what people want to see, and exactly when to let them see it, in order to maximize your online exposure.
3. LinkedIn
LinkedIn is the biggest business-based social network, and with over 160 million users, it is the go-to place for business networking. Whether you are looking to start up a business partnership or find employees to hire, LinkedIn is a great place to connect with like-minded people in your industry.
One of the coolest parts about this particular social network is the “answers” section. Here you can learn peoples’ different viewpoints concerning a certain business-related topic. It is also a great place to showcase your business’s products and/or abilities.
Of the three social networking sites, LinkedIn is probably the most time intensive, but if you’re looking to make an important B2B relationship, it’s well worth the wait. Sharing your thoughts and ideas across these different social media networks will undoubtedly give your business valuable online exposure. Invest in them now and use them correctly and you’ll see the difference. Luckily their tools are easy to use and the services are free.
Andrea Fisher is an online marketer and content specialist for DISH satellite channels and iPhone spy apps. She has been published in a variety of publications, including the Chicago Tribune and Business Insider. You can follow her on Google+ and Twitter: @andreafisher007
About Ali Gajani
Hi. I am Ali Gajani. I started Mr. Geek in early 2012 as a result of my growing enthusiasm and passion for technology. I love sharing my knowledge and helping out the community by creating useful, engaging and compelling content. If you want to write for Mr. Geek, just PM me on my Facebook profile.
