Thursday, August 6, 2009

The Role Of Social Media: To Sell Or Not To Sell

By Michael Fleischner

Can social media really help your business build it's brand or sell the products you have to offer? With more people using these web sites on a daily basis, there must be a way to turn followers into purchasers. I believe its possible with a few simple strategies. Consider the power of social media as communicator, leader, and sale person. Follow these guidelines for social media success.

Social media is all about building a dialog with like minded people or people who are in your target audience. Social media has impact when it is focused on the market you serve. If you are in shoes and you're trying to build a following in the area of automotive, you are setting yourself up for failure.

Create a social media plan. How are you planning to use social media? What are your goals? Who is going to help you manage the dialog? Take some time to consider all of these questions and others related to how you are going to manage your social media plan. It's important to know who can support your social media needs and how you are going to succeed online.

Share what you know with your audience. Everyone has something they like to do or know something about. What is your passion? Where is your experience? Share what you know with others who are just starting out or who are in a similar field. Just because someone is an expert in one area doesn't mean they are an expert in all areas. Pick and area that you know especially well and commit to sharing what you know with others.

Consistent communication is important. Posting information one day or one week and not the next doesn't do much to build a following. Those who are most successful communicate just the right information at the right time. Striking a balance is important to your successful over the long term. Start with small, consistent communications that provide value and you'll see results.

Invite others to participate. By inviting others to participate in your subject matter, you can create meaningful conversation. If those who are interested in your topic have an opportunity to participate, they feel a sense of ownership and want to give more. Social media is all about conversation that is two ways. Solicit topics and questions from your audience and keep them engaged.

Succeed by not selling. One of the biggest turn offs of social media is that a lot of people, businesses included, jump in and start selling. Just like the used car salesman, some individuals focus on selling without first creating value. This is one of the most important things you can do within the realm of social media. Start by creating a dialog and providing value to your followers. Once you do, they will want to use the products you're using and try the services you recommend.

Using social media for marketing success is possible. However, to do so you will have to walk a fine line between offering value, communicating regularly, and mentioning products or services. Your best bet is to create a following first, create value, and only offer suggestions that are relevant to the dialog. Make a social media plan that can help you succeed online and follow through every day. Social media should be a significant part of your marketing plan.

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