These days, there are so many social media networks that it can be dizzying to try and keep up. But
social media is a crucial part of any successful marketing campaign.
Social media networks are an extension of your company's online presence. They offer another opportunity to find new customers and connect more deeply with the customers you already have.
Social Studies
At the very least, today's successful company needs to develop a presence on LinkedIn for business-to-business connections; Facebook is crucial for business-to-customer relations; and Twitter and Tumblr both have devoted users who may eschew the other platforms.
On top of those, there are many more varied options. If your business is visually oriented (such as an interior designer or cake decorator), you should definitely be on Pinterest, YouTube, and Instagram, which are image-heavy and allow potential customers t
o see your work in action.
A presence on Google+ is a must for SEO purposes, since it's owned by Google and is considered an important component in Google's ranking algorithm.
Smart Socializing with Your Networks
Maintaining a presence on social media platforms means having a completed profile with up-to-date, solid information showing why someone would connect with you, do business with your company, and interact with your profile. Keep your profile alive with regular posts and frequent interactions. Even a simple "thank you" to a customer's comment can yield great rewards.
Each social media platform is unique, with its own requirements and best practices that lead to success.
Do some online snooping to find out what works best for other users who have found success in their company's social media networking.
Above all, don't get overwhelmed. You don't have to plunge into every single platform at once -- that's too much for any mortal. Pick one or two social media outlets to start with, and do those to the best of your ability. That's preferable to spreading yourself too thin over all the networks and not using any of them to your best advantage.
