October 2009 Edition

Implementing Social Media

Social Media for both Personal and Business use has changed how businesses get, develop, and maintain relationships with clients. The proper use of Social Media can radically change how a business conducts their client relations. The following sections set out some of the information a Business owner needs to know to begin to properly utilize Social Media and improve their business image.

Knowing The Most Popular Networks

LinkedIn: LinkedIn is the largest network of business professionals; it has a stronger business focus than any other network. It is primarily used to allow you to get introductions to those who might know or are the people with whom you want to do business.

Facebook: Facebook is the largest social network on the Internet. It is swiftly gaining ground with the 35+ demographic, and becoming more useful for business professionals. While primarily used for personal use, it is increasingly being utilized for business use. Businesses can create a public page which allows people to become fans where they can receive business offers and information or leave feedback.

Twitter: Twitter is a microblogging service that allows you to post updates with a maximum of 140 characters. Typically, businesses use it to promote events and share industry information. People become followers of a Business or individual and then receive your updates, thoughts, or offers on a real-time basis.

Building Your Profile

Both LinkedIn and Facebook require you to create profiles. Fill these out thoroughly, adding your business and personal information, as well as a picture so that people will be able to recognize you. This makes it easier for colleagues, friends, and clients to find your profile and connect with you.

Facebook also gives you the option to create a page for your business or oginization, which can be a great opportunity engage your customers and keep them informed about your company.

Making Connections

Once you have a profile set up, begin importing and adding your contacts as friends. You can also search for people individually, or scan your friends’ networks for people you may know. Add as many people as you can, but always make sure that you share a connection with them in real life too as some networks punish you for unsolicitated contacting of people.

Twitter also allows you to search for keywords or topics that people might be talking about. Choose some terms that are relevant to your industry and follow people that are talking about them. Chances are, once they see you are interested in them, they will follow you back.

Posting Updates

The most important thing you can do on social networks is to post content. You might advertise upcoming events or site changes, share interesting news, or give out tips on improving industry-related practices. Make sure to post these updates regularly to keep people interested. This also keeps your site popping up on Google’s radar, which is important for maintaining visibility.

Getting Results

Because social media sites are considered “newsworthy” by Google, it scans them closely to find out how relevant different sites are. When Google sees your company’s site popping up, especially in connection with industry news and relevant keywords, you should see page ranking gains.

Secondly, by participating in the conversations created by social media, you are building awareness of both your company and your expertise. If a client or colleague notices you posting thoughtful responses, they are more likely to remember your name when they are in the market for your service or to recommend you to a friend.

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