This is the second article in a four-part series on the dos and don’ts of marketing for small businesses. Click here to read the first installment. Also, make sure to Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to get updates on the rest of the pieces in this series, as well as other marketing tips, news, and insights for your small business.
According to Facebook, a whooping one billion people use its social networking website each month to share information. In light of this staggering statistic, it’s surprising that not all businesses are taking advantage of social media in their marketing efforts.
Utilizing social platforms, such a Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, is a highly effective and budget-friendly way of advertising your company’s products or services and connecting with customers. However, social networks are not a free for all. There are some small business social media faux pas – like posting pictures of the CEO’s vacation – that you need to avoid. To keep you on the right track, we’ve compiled a list of do’s and don’ts to keep in mind as you start sending out those company tweets, pictures, and posts.
* DO commit to staying active on your social media sites. Oftentimes, a business will establish a new social media account with all the best of intentions. Then, things get busy and, before you know it, a once buzzing Facebook page falls to the wayside. Don’t let this happen to your company—set aside a few moments every couple days to post interesting content, such as an in-store event or too hard to resist coupon. Or, if you’re too busy to make regular updates, partner with a company, like Mischa Communications, that can help you manage your company’s social presence.
* DON’T brag about your business (well, too much anyway). While it’s good to sprinkle in some brag-worthy points in your tweets or posts, don’t go overboard. Remember, your purpose is to serve customers, and you need to spend the bulk of your time expressing how your services or products help improve their lives.
* DO post questions to your followers. Want to know what customers think about a new desert your restaurant’s serving? Need feedback on your latest software product? Open the discussion up to your customers via social media and get the dialogue flowing.
* DON’T use social media as a forum to voice opinions. We know politics, health care costs, and Kim Kardashian’s baby are all hot button topics, but refrain from using social media sites as your podium for voicing opinions. It can backfire by alienating customers with conflicting opinions. Save your opinions for your personal social media pages, or better yet tell them to your dog.
* DO post special offers. A steady stream of incentives will keep customers engaged and checking your page regularly so they don’t want to miss out on any exciting promotions.
Oh, and one last thing — be sure to keep your content lively! Customers are more likely to stay tuned-in to your social media pages if you offer witty, engaging commentary – like this post! — that keeps them informed and entertained!
Want to learn how Mischa Communications can help your small business put an easy-to-manage social media plan into place? Give us a call at 202-596-7804 or drop us a line at info@mischacommunications.com.