The Daily Social Media Workout
Many entrepreneurs shy away from using the social media networks mainly because they can’t see how it may benefit their business. They also may not want to dedicate the resources necessary to become part of an online community that could, if used correctly, help their business grow and become part of a positive influence on their reputation.
You Gotta Use It
Similar to buying exercise equipment, owning it will not make you fit. It takes time, energy and knowing how to use the equipment correctly to make the biggest difference. There is no doubt that the proper use of social media networks can help most businesses however, if they aren’t used correctly, it’s like the ‘miracle’ exercise equipment many of us now have in the garage collecting dust.
Before you do anything on social media, you should have your website design team integrate the media into your site so they can like, tweet and share your web pages. That’s the easy part. Next you should setup your own social media accounts and add links to your website making it easy for your visitors to join your social media community. Ideally, customers will feel a sense of belonging within your community and become loyal to your brand.
Commit Long Term
Like many who join gyms, they go crazy for a week or so attending every day and pushing themselves but eventually don’t turn up at all. Some entrepreneurs go overboard and join many different sites without the ability to maintain them all long term. It is best to focus on one social network and join communities that relate to your business, or at least to your industry, and focus your efforts on becoming your own brand within that network. Answering questions honestly and becoming part of the community’s resource for information will help build your brand as well as your reputation within the community.
Your visitors need to believe that when they come to you for answers they will get good, honest advice, even if it may not be the answer they are looking for. Providing an answer they want to hear instead of one they need to hear may make you popular in the beginning. In the long haul however, your reputation will suffer and your business will also begin to lose its integrity.
