Industry Today - Are you into it?
New Users - Register click here
Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Google+…the opportunities to get your business involved in online social media are growing if not by the day at least by the month. Before you leap in, there are a few things to consider to ensure you're using the right medium, for the right reasons, to the right effect.
Posted via Industry Today. Are you into it? Follow us on Twitter @IndustryToday
Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Google+…the opportunities to get your business involved in online social media are growing if not by the day at least by the month. Before you leap in, there are a few things to consider to ensure you're using the right medium, for the right reasons, to the right effect.
1 - Your budget: Online social media is low cost - it's free to sign up and use the majority of networks. But you must remember to budget in the necessary staff time for updating, monitoring and overseeing the various accounts.
2 - Raising your profile: A good, regularly updated, well read blog linking to relevant information is an ideal way to position you as an expert in your field, as is sharing up to date news and thoughts on Twitter.
3 - Relationship building: Social media is ideal for building relationships with customers - if they are already using social media. If they're not it may be better to research other marketing methods more likely to provide a better return.
4 - Your website: One of the key reasons for using online social media is to drive people to your website. Before you do anything else make sure your website is current, working, updated regularly and delivering the right message about your business.
5 - Your brand: Launching your business into cyberspace will help you monitor and enhance it. Be prepared to make the most of opportunities that arise, keep tabs on what's being said about you and be prepared to act quickly to good and bad online chatter.
6 - Research: Gather a decent number of followers on Twitter and you have your own market research group. A loyal band of customers is your very best sales force. Research also involves monitoring what's happening online before leaping in - listen and learn!
7 - A strategy: Don't launch yourself into online social media without a strategy. It's a big undertaking and one which should reflect your brand, company image and offline pr and marketing campaigns.
8 - ROI: If you have a successful strategy of offline marketing activity that provides an excellent return on investment, don't just give it up. Consider testing online mediums but don't perform a wholesale switch.
9 - Business culture: This is vital when considering how to use online channels. If no one in your company even has a Facebook account, making online marketing work for you is going to be an uphill struggle - even if only because of the lack of knowledge.
10 - Crisis management: What happens if you suddenly get a spate of negative comments on your Facebook page? Or a negative product review finds itself onto a respected website? Have a plan in place for what happens in these circumstances. And don't wait until it happens to develop that plan!
Contact Information
Angie Bull
Media Matters
42 Tyndall court, Commerce Road, Lynch Wood
Peterborough
PE2 6LR
BACK TO TOP