For the small business owner, whether he or she has been running a company for years or is just in the process of putting together a business plan template, social media can play a pivotal role in helping to promote the business.
When used correctly, social media is a great tool for promoting one’s business, interacting with current and potential customers, and reaching out and networking with other businesses that are not rivals. When not used properly, however, social media can prove both a waste of time and frustrating.
So, do you feel as a small business owner that you have a good grip on social media and how to use it to your benefit, more importantly, to the benefit of your business?
If you have not put together a social media plan to date, here are some tips to keep in mind, be you a veteran of the business world or a newbie:
- Don’t intentionally dismiss social media – There is oftentimes the temptation to dismiss social media as nothing more than a fad that will eventually go the way of other products that came and went. Although no one can say with 100 percent certainty that social media will be here even five years from now, there are no true signs to point otherwise. If you have been dismissing social media with the idea that it will come and go, you are missing out on a relatively free means by which to promote your brand;
- Keep it Simple Stupid (KISS) – Social media used the correct way is a great way to promote your company’s brand, interact with consumers, and stay in the loop as to up to date happenings in your industry. Social media essentially takes time and effort, so don’t make it difficult. Too many CEO’s great frustrated with SM because they don’t see an immediate return on investment (ROI), so they bail on social media before reaping the rewards;
- Decide who oversees the program – In a number of businesses, the PR or marketing teams will oversee the social media efforts. If your company follows this model, there is a person and/or department responsible for spearheading the company’s efforts on social media. Many businesses will also allow (within the company rules) employees to comment on Twitter, Facebook, etc. in representing the company. If this is the case with your business, make sure the comments are first okay-ed by the individual/s heading up SM;
- Respond to comments today, not tomorrow – Whether you get one comment, dozens of comments or no comments at all related to your social media efforts, be on the lookout for them regularly. More importantly, it is important when receiving comments from other social media users that you respond to them as quickly as possible. Too many users of social media delay in responding to comments directed toward them left in social media venues. Not only does it give the impression that you are lazy, but it also creates the potential for those commenters to go elsewhere with their questions and concerns;
- Don’t talk down the competition – Make sure those in charge of social media understand they should not praise or denigrate the competition through social outlets. When your social media heads do one or the other, it gives the competition free publicity, something your company should not be doing. The focus should always be first and foremost on your small business when you are utilizing social media;
- Spread the Wealth – As most people know, there is a plethora of social media channels out there with which small businesses can connect with current and potential customers. Facebook, Twitter and Google+ get much of the recognition, but a simple Google search will bring up countless others. Explore your company’s options as to which sites are a best fit for your business model. Having your company spread across dozens of social media venues does not make sense if you are not getting anything out of them in return, so shop wisely and land on sites that prove a solid fit for your small business.
Do not expect overnight results from your social media efforts, but also plan to reap the rewards if you do your campaign correctly.
In today’s economic world, being a social small business owner sure beats the alternative.
So, how do you as a small business owner use social media to your advantage?
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