3 Things You Need to Know About Social Media Marketing
Posted by Beth Hrusch on Thu, Nov 19, 2009
As you develop a social media marketing plan, it's important to keep a few things in mind. Social media is fast paced and relationship based. People spend time on social networks to interact and to have fun - not to be sold to. The key to using social networking for marketing is to subtly sell, without being pushy or overbearing.
Build Relationships
Remember, your potential clients are spending time on the social networking sites to interact. For this reason, it's essential that you build relationships before you try to make sales through social media marketing. Spend time catching up with old friends, current and past clients, and acquaintances. Learn what they like, what they're interested in, and what makes them tick. Social media marketing is all about learning what the typical consumer is interested in.
Sell Without Selling
A key way to lose followers and social networking friends is by introducing yourself with a hard sell. Instead, spend time getting to know people. Talk about what you do, talk about why it's interesting. If the people that you're socializing with seem interested, than you can begin to try to sell them on your product or service. Don't be pushy, though, or you risk losing the ground that you've gained. For everyone who's using social media correctly and trying to get to know people, there's a spammer trying to spread the latest news about working for Google. Don't fall into this trap - use social media marketing wisely.
Provide Relevant Content
If you're trying to sell a product, be sure it's related in some way to the brand that you're advertising on your page. Don't pitch health related affiliate products on your personal Facebook page, for example. Know your audience, and provide each group of friends or followers with content that is relevant to their interests. Doing so will help ensure that they're interested in what you have to say, and is a great use of social media.