Are You Expecting Social Media To Help You Sell?

One of the most common questions I get is about social media. In fact, it’s pretty hard to avoid. Everyone is talking about Facebook and Twitter not to mention logging on to these applications multiple times throughout the day. The real question is whether or not social media can be used to help your business. Can it really help build your brand or sell your products? My answer is ‘yes’ as long as you consider these guidelines.

To be effective with your use of social media, you need to communicate in the area of your expertise. For example, if you are a designer interested in HTML you want to be communicating with other people who have an interest in web site development. By creating a following that you have something in common with, you’re sure to have a valuable dialog.

Create a social media plan. How are you planning to use social media? What are your goals? Who is going to help you manage the dialog? Take some time to consider all of these questions and others related to how you are going to manage your social media plan. It’s important to know who can support your social media needs and how you are going to succeed online.

Share what you know with your audience. Everyone has something they like to do or know something about. What is your passion? Where is your experience? Share what you know with others who are just starting out or who are in a similar field. Just because someone is an expert in one area doesn’t mean they are an expert in all areas. Pick and area that you know especially well and commit to sharing what you know with others.

Communicate on a consistent basis. One of the most important aspects of social media is having a dialog on a regular basis. You must commit some time to posting on social media related sites a few times per week. By staying in front of others on a regular basis, you make sure that the conversation continues to grow. The more you put in the more you’ll get back. Communicate often and consistently to be successful.

Invite others to join the conversation. Start a dialog around a topic or discussion. One way you can start meaningful discussion is by choosing a topic and taking a stand. By creating dialog that is on topic, you invite others to be part of the conversation. The more others participate the more engaging your content. This attracts new followers and others who want o participate on a regular basis.

Stop selling. Something that I see on a regular basis is direct selling happening on social media websites. However, what these individuals don’t realize is that nothing turns off individuals more than being sold. Rather, they want to learn about a subject area and choose products and services on their own after research, recommendations, and reasoning. Don’t use social media to sell directly. Rather, use social media to build a following. Once you have proved value, others will look to follow you and the products you use or try.

Social media can be a very powerful tool for promoting your product, service, or brand. But be careful. If social media is misused, it can turn off your followers. Unfortunately, this type of exodus is quick and permanent. Social media tools make it easy to unsubscribe or unfollow. That means you don’t have second chances and you have to be extra careful with your dialog.

Need guidance with your social media marketing? Start with our SEO training and social media class. Check out our Internet marketing forum for more social media guidance.