All About Starting to Apply Social Media to Your Marketing Strategy

In today's society, social media is one of the most important avenues that any company can utilize in its efforts to reach out to potential clients or partners. It is fast, easy, and (most of the time) free. However, even with this being the case, many business owners steer clear of it. Some don't like the internet and some don't believe in the power of social media (I don't understand that one), but most who fail to take advantage of it do so as a result of not knowing where to start. This article is here to help with the latter of those statements.

Key Steps in Integrating Social Media Into Your Marketing Strategy:

1) The first step to integrating social media into your marketing strategy is to identify what type of social media applies best to your target market. This really depends on both the industry and age demographic of your potential clients. For instance, if you are a cleaning company using a Facebook Business page might be just perfect for you. However, if you are a musician, maybe you would prefer to also have an Instagram and Snapchat where you will be able to blast small music samples out to your followers. You really want to figure out what type of media you need to get your message out best. Here is a short summary of some of the most popular social media sites and what they are good for:

Twitter-- What you are doing now in 140 characters or less

Facebook-- Can provide updates about things that you did and let people see them if they want to find you

Instagram-- It's all about the visuals. If you have something to show, this one is for you.

Snapchat-- What is going on right this second in pictures or video format. You can also apply fun filters.

LinkedIn-- Business, business, business. Post updates about your business (or yourself) on here. You can link and connect with friend of a friend. A great way to start connecting the business dots.

YouTube-- Post informational videos, fun videos, educational videos-- anything in video form.

2) Set up your profile and figure out who your top connectors are. These are the people who are your biggest cheerleaders and most connected friends (both professional and personal). Once you establish who these people are, reach out to them and have them like, follow, and share the things that you are posting. This will get word, awareness, and information about your company out faster and more widespread than you could ever do alone.

3) Start joining online networking groups in your field or just groups such as ones for entrepreneurs, business owners, or those dedicated to businesses in a particular area. Once joined, start posting in them and adding comments onto the things that others have posted. This will prompt people to start checking you out and, hopefully, help to jumpstart some sort of communication between you and that client/business partner/affiliate that you have been looking for.

Keep in mind-- the larger the social media presence you have, the higher the chance you will have at attracting those that you seek. So, have no fear! Reach out, connect, and have fun with it!

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