Thursday, 14 February 2013

Promoting Your Business Through a Social Media Specialist

By Roxy Albright


If you want to really get the most out of your social media strategy, you might want to seriously consider hiring a social media specialist to make sure that you are getting the most "bang" for your buck. You might be asking why? Before I answer that question, let me paint ask a question of you that might put it all a little more clearly in perspective. If you were traveling for one week to a country that you knew little to nothing about and will likely never visit again, would you simply lock yourself up in your hotel room content that you were actually present in the country? Or, on the other hand, would you research, find out about the country and customs, unique experiences or sights to see, and make the most of every minute that you could spend?

Social media is akin in many ways to this fictitious one week trip. You are either simply a presence in social media forums or you make the most of every opportunity you have. The chance to utilize your social media strategy and make a name for yourself and your business is often fleeting and many times you only get one shot with a potential customer. How do you gain trust and confidence? What are some common mistakes that businesses make and how can they be avoided? What should you do to get started and then to keep moving forward?

In order to be successful in any social media forum, you have to listen. A common and often fatal mistake that people and businesses make is getting so excited about what they have to present that they simply overwhelm people with information and offers. Coming across as "fake" or just in it for a sale has the potential to quickly turn off potential customers. This is where a social media specialist's expertise could really be a priceless benefit. They are more likely to be able to make conversations and responses natural and organic and draw potential customer in in such a way that they want to join in the conversation. They are also generally more experienced at creating value for what you are offering and promoting a better experience for all parties involved.

Another common mistake that businesses new to social media make is to turn the handling of social media forums over to an intern. No matter how tempting, don't do it! If your business were going to get a ten minute spot on a major news network, you would likely send your CEO or at least someone akin to a social media specialist in your business. You more than likely wouldn't hand this major opportunity to gain customers and build your business over to an intern. The same should hold true for your social media experiences. No one is as passionate about what you do as you are. You care about your brand and your company more than any intern ever will. Once something is out on social media, there is no way to get it back. Likewise, a carefully launched social media agenda can skyrocket the potential of your business.

Don't be afraid to plan for the future! If you want to be successful in any social media campaign, you have to be willing to set goals and reasonable ways to achieve those goals. Whether it is trying to get a million "likes" on Facebook and reaching 1,000 tweets in one 12-hour period, whatever your goal, set realistic expectations and work to achieve them. And don't stop there! Once you achieve one goal, set another and then another. Social media does take time and effort, but those who know how to play the game best, such as a social media specialist, can tell you that social media can skyrocket your business opportunities if done right.

If you have a social media strategy for your business, a social media specialist can promote your business in ways that will entice customers and increase your business opportunities.




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