There are several social media venues available for marketers, in addition to your business website. I am listing some of the most popular I found below, but there are many more, and I am sure even more will be introduced in the near future. Don't be concerned about the long, boring list; I am only including a very short description (and my even shorter take on each) so as not to be overwhelmed all at once and will take them one at a time in the future. Some of these venues I have already been a participator in another context, so the concept of marketing there will be new. I do not claim to be an expert in any of these, and hey, that really is the purpose of this blog. I want to get very good at it.
Facebook is the current "ultimate" social site. Originally set up for college students, there is now a massive global audience of very diverse backgrounds. Most of the pages are made up of individual pages, consisting of text, videos, and images. Businesses and organizations or groups may set up their own pages, and even advertise. Connections are made by "friending" other users and "liking" businesses or organizations. And users may hide information or communication from others at will.
Twitter is used when you have up-to-the-minute images or information that you want to quickly stream out the individuals and business to which you are connected. These "tweets" use an interesting (if not confusing) method of hash tags and other symbols and are limited to 140 characters.
Google+ uses small groups of people who share photos and communicate. These are called "circles". There is also a group chat feature called "hangouts". One of the benefits, at least right now, of using Google+ is that they are fairly new. Clients can be directed to your circle there and not worry about them getting lost in a billion of other circles. And yeah, it's GOOGLE.
YouTube is extremely popular. When a customer cannot be in your shop (or home studio in my case), you can bring it to them. They may also stay on your site longer. Adding a video to your site increases its search engine optimization (SEO).
Pinterest is mostly viewed by women. Some may think this is limiting for advertisers, but I'm not so sure. First of all, it is all visual. Images. Products. People create boards and add "pins". These are items they like. Even though there are a few who have used Pinterest for negative or political grandstanding, it is a mostly positive and helpful website. Maybe it's just me, but I tend to be drawn to these types of venues. Maybe my clients do too.
Instagram is used to promote products among your followers through smartphone photos. Don't sell a product? You can always take photos of where you work, what you do, or events you attend.
Foursquare is a platform whereby you have a business listing and can get recommendations from other businesses and individuals, thereby gaining customer loyalty. They can also "follow" their recommended businesses. It appears that there is a much closer relationship with customers and clients on this mobile platform.
LinkedIn not only is a venue for businesses, but also their employees, and groups. As a client, you have access to the business AND their employees behind them. That's brand building! This is a very professional site, unlike any other. Many employers worldwide even go to LinkedIn to do research on prospective new hires.
Blogs have been around a long time. If you are reading this, you already know the value they are, and how they work. Blogs can be big money makers too with advertising.
Storeboard is used by small businesses, charities, and non-profits. They can add videos, blog posts, and status updates. And you'll find forums, coupons, deals, and a business directory to bring it all together.
Smartphones have become so widespread and necessary that if you don't have an app, or your marketing is not available by smartphone, then give it up. You are already a caveman in terms of communicating with your customers. Five years ago, I couldn't take a vacation without my computer, but now I won't take one with it. I don't take it on business calls either. My phone has all the relevant information I need immediately without lugging a laptop.
One thing I would like to stress here is that, other than the time involved, or the employment of a marketing coach or assistant, each of these venues can be useful for FREE. Yeah, there may be content that you can pay for (pro users, advertising, or advanced menu items), but they're not necessary.
Well, there you have it. That's what I have so far. Stay tuned.....
Have a fabulous week!
