Five Things You Should Know About...

...Getting Started in Social Media:

1. Watch for a while first - understand how people are communicating in the Social media arena you are considering. What are people really talking about and what are they most interested in? Here is a Great article on communicating in the Twitterverse. It is so much more than what you had for breakfast - http://tr.im/qyDc.

Watch for a while and then if you see obvious business-building benefits get ready to jump in once you...


2. Determine your niche - decide what your voice will be - choose an area of expertise in which you are comfortable to gradually build your presence as an expert with a consistent voice and regular contribution...


3. Be Sure you are ready to contribute consistently.

If you are willing to be a consistent contributor and approach it with authenticity then you are ready to start. Recognize that it is part of your marketing mix not the magic bullet in itself. Consistent social media contribution like Blogging or twitter adds valuable, relevant, searchable content and allows you to really establish your presence as an expert in your field, building loyalty and trust (and new prospects).

4. It is all good as long as it is all authentic. Choose a very specific voice - your particular are of expertise or passion - and begin. Here is a great example of a relative newbie doing it extremely well (only at it for a little over half a year as of Sept 09) http://solotravelerblog.com/ . 

5. Be sure it is right for you - don't dive in just because "everyone is doing it". Many small B-to-B companies struggle enough with the resources to truly handle the basics of online marketing well, so spending time and money to "dabble" in social media may not be right for you.


Before you dedicate resources to social media marketing:
 
- Clearly define your objectives

- Have a web site that is already your active marketing hub

- Learn to control content if you don't already so it may be a springboard to benefit from the addition of Social Media.

- Put analytics in place, watch activity and understand where your market is coming from, what they are most interested in, and least interested in etc.

- Considered including Email marketing in the mix. Seize this cost effective vehicle to be top-of-mind with your existing permission based network of prospects, nurturing new customers, building trust and loyalty and generating repeat business.

Otherwise, focus your time and marketing dollars on your Web site, search engine, analytics and email marketing first - build the foundation and then add the community and content benefits of Social Media to it.

Make the most of your online investment - it can be your most powerful sales and communication tool. Call Boost to begin to uncover your full online communication potential.