It’s that time of year again when we take stock in what went well and where we need to improve in the coming year. This blog is a result of a recent poll conducted on the HOPEpreneurs Facebook page which showed that the top concern for the entrepreneurs who responded was marketing and expanding their business. Social Networking is a great way to gain new customers. If done correctly and strategically, this method of marketing can double your number of customers with very little financial investment. Here are five social networking venues that you should embrace and optimize to reach more customers in 2012.
1. Write a Blog
The foundation for a solid social networking strategy is a blog that is up-to-date. It is getting easier all the time to create your own web presence without spending a lot of money. Remember the KISS (Keep It Simple Sweetheart) principle and you will do great. Set up a schedule when you will blog and update the website consistently. I have two blogs in WordPress and have recently launched a new one on Tumblr, which is the fastest growing blogging platform.
2. Facebook
Earlier last year there were some changes that leveled the playing field for the business use of Facebook. The changes can put you in a great place to increase exposure to your target audience. With a few tweaks to your business page you can attract more LIKES. When a person clicks LIKE on your business page, they will get your updates. You can also make posts as your business page.
3. LinkedIn
This particular program is strongly geared to professionals who want to stay connected. Companies are using it to promote their companies and check out potential employees. There are many new changes there as well that will benefit a small business and have great potential.
4. Twitter
Twitter has been around for a while and has recently started growing exponentially. It is a great way to connect with what others are doing in common interest areas. Begin to follow businesses like your own and get an idea of what you can give. Once you decide to jump in it’s a great idea to use either Hootsuite or BufferApp to schedule your ‘tweets.’ I will be sharing my experience with these applications soon.
5. Google +
This is the one that I am going to try next. It is not as popular as some of the other venues yet but is growing quickly. The main advantage it offers is to position your information favorably in Google searches. More to come on that one as I tackle it in the very near future.
No matter what you do, don’t get overwhelmed. Instead, pick one venue and faithfully populate it with your ideas and find your voice. Once you have that one down, pick the next.
I am diligently keeping up with these Social Media venues because I see the potential and love to learn. This week I will be updating my LinkedIn profile and the following setting up my Google+. I’ll keep you posted on my progress. What are your plans in this area for next week?
Karen Sebastian is a serial entrepreneur who wants to help you succeed in your business. Please email her at hopepreneurs@gmail.com if you would like to receive one-on-one coaching. Subscribe to this blog for more inspiration on how to become a HOPEpreneur.
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