Get your Business on the Social Web, but plan first, so you’re in for the Long Haul
Social Media, “Web 2.0″ is here to stay, It’s a Powerful Tool
Social Media is a term used for online interactive communication and participation in which you can connect with anyone located anywhere in the world, (friends, family, colleagues, like-minded people, etc.).
You can engage, share information, and network through blogs, podcast, video, photo’s etc., and others can interact: read your blog and leave comments, digg it, rate it, share it, add you as a friend on Facebook, become a fan of your Facebook Page, join your networking group on Linkedin, follow you on Twitter, the possibilities are endless.
You have control over the social media sites you participate in but you don’t control the people you connect with on these social sites and that’s the beauty of it.
And of course more social sites are launching on the social web almost every week. Professionals today have a plethora of Social Media Channels to choose from and when done right can create positive buzz for their business.
A short list of the most popular social sites
- Facebook – Social Networking
- Linkedin – Popular Business Social Networking
- Twitter – Real-Time Microblogging
- MySpace – Social Networking
- Ning- Create your own Social Networking sites
- Biznik – Business Networking Site
- YouTube- Video sharing
- Flickr – Photo sharing
A few reasons for joining Social Media Sites
- Introduce, promote a product or service
- Build brand awareness
- Build or repair your online reputation
- Gain credibility
- Boost online visibility
- Connect with others based on mutual interest
- Build online communities with like minded people
- Start a group for a cause
- Raise funds for a cause
Ask yourself a few questions before you get started
- Do you have an understanding of what the Social Media is about?
- Do you know what your reasons are for wanting to join the Social Web?
- Have you developed some kind of social media strategy for your business?
- What desired results do you want to accomplish, ROI?
- What tools (free or paid) will you use to measure your social media campaigns?
- Can you do all the work or will you need to outsource certain projects to stay current?
Once you get started be patient, so you don’t become overwhelmed and frustrated and remember it takes time to establish relationships on the Social Web. Be sure you have a plan, the time and energy to invest in your Social Media Campaigns so you’re in for the long haul.
