Social Media Tips for Your Business | Business

Is your business on Facebook? Twitter? Google+? Do you want it to be? Here are some great tips from local online marketer, Tina Roper (tina@tinaroper.com) for getting started with and managing social media within your business.

1. The goal with social media should not solely be “How many followers can I gain?” or “How quickly can I increase my fan base?” It’s not about the numbers of fans or followers you have. It’s about how engaged they are. If they aren’t engaged, your followers aren’t learning about your services or something that interests them, and they will quickly un-follow. That point on the balance where your messaging goes from being just words to where it becomes meaningful communications is the moment your marketing evolves into brand management. Brand management is what all solid business social media goals should be centered around.

2. Expect to spend time on planning, posting and responding your messaging. Unlike traditional marketing techniques like newspaper, radio or TV ads, social media is a two-way conversation, so anticipate additional time needed to respond to customer inquiries and comments after your message goes live. If you don’t apply the right focus to your social media efforts, your rate of return will take a nosedive, and so will the number of your fans and followers.  If you think you may not have the time to juggle all the pieces yourself, consider hiring a professional to act as your moderator.

3. Use a message style that is markedly unique. Whether you're a small business that is trying to grow or a large corporation focused on retention, the best advice is to be your brand. Customers want you to walk-the-walk and talk-the-talk. Don’t just be a reporter relaying the news. Keep that news interesting, relevant and – most of all – sincere. Speak to your social media feed as if you were speaking with your customer in person. Show them with your words how you would move them from product presentation to product ownership. It’s a sales technique, yes, but it won’t be successful unless you are truthful and genuine about what you have to offer.

4. When deciding what amount of resources to allocate to social media, consider the value of developing relationships with your customers. Don’t set out thinking “I have all these followers, when will they buy from me?” That’s a relationship that takes. Instead think, “I have all these followers, what can I provide that is of value to them?" The most successful online marketing campaigns are those that communicate the core values of your business, thereby strengthening relationships with your customers. You need to put thought and energy to the impression you are building. If you don't have the time to create a social media plan that will fortify your brand, it may make sense for you to consult with a professional.

To have success with social media in your business, be driven by what drives you. What do you love about your product? What makes you different from your competitors? Say it earnestly and people will respond, and your social media spectators will turn into customers. This is how you generate true organic growth using social media as a business tool.

Tina Roper is a Communications Consultant and Certified Social Media Marketer. Follow her on Facebook at facebook.com/ItsTrulyTina or on Twitter @ItsTrulyTina.