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How Your Business Can Use Social Media Networking Effectively

Posted on September 13, 2011 by Nigel A. Milne

Your business needs to implement each of the five different media channels in order to achieve the desired results in social media management. Most businesses recognize that social networking platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn offer countless opportunities to connect with industry professionals and consumers alike. But have you thought about the other ways that this channel can help your business?

Benefits of Social Media Networking For Business

Think about how much time people spend on social media networking sites today. Instant access is set up on their personal computers, laptops, office computers, tablets and smart phones. Notifications frequently draw users back in and the conversations that begin on social networks often stretch into online research, back links and trends gone viral.

These social networks can also be used for genuine customer reviews. Find out how your business is perceived and work hard to publicly deal with any issues that may arise – whether they are directly related to your business or to the industry as a whole. Establishing yourself as an authority is simple and direct on social networks.

If your business is not in on this channel, participating on a regular basis with valuable and relevant interaction, you will miss opportunity after opportunity to connect and build your brand.

How to Be a Giver, Not a Taker

Be sure that a majority of your interaction on these platforms is done with a “giver” mentality. Establish yourself as a viable and valuable member of the community before leaping into promotion. That means interacting with others within the network in a genuine way. Offer advice, listen and support with zero campaigning involved.

Be real. And be available. Use your Facebook page for promotions, but don’t forget to include industry news, shout outs for suppliers, customers and even competitors. Social media networking is more about giving to the community than taking. Remember that when establishing and expanding your online social networking platform.

Tap into the power of social media networking with purpose, making mindful decisions and following a strategy. This will ensure the presence of your business is headed in the right direction.

Posted in Social Media Optimization, Social Network Marketing | Tagged Social Media Management, Social Media Marketing, Social Network Marketing | Leave a comment

Understanding How the Different Media Channels Can Work For You

Posted on September 7, 2011 by Nigel A. Milne

Social media marketing is expanding at a rapid rate. As new and fresh platforms are introduced, the established giants continue to cement their importance. How can your business stay on top of this tidal wave, riding it towards growth and increased profits? It helps to understand how the different media channels can work for your business. This information helps to formulate a flexible, yet powerful plan of attack.

Five Main Social Media Channels

Social Networking – used by businesses and the general public alike, this channel is well known and has nearly immeasurable influence. Mainly used to connect, social networking can also be used for promotion and market research. Major examples include Facebook, LinkedIn and the latest, Google+.

Microblogging – fast-paced and efficient, microblogging can be used in a multitude of ways to connect, promote and garner current information on trends and market response. Twitter is the major, and possibly only, viable microblogging platform.

Picture & Video Sharing – constantly evolving and reshaping itself, this media channel connects with more images and is used to stir up emotions and immediate reactions. An excellent way for small businesses to put out commercials without the massive cost of television or radio, this media channel can also be integrated into your website and other online marketing. Major examples include YouTube, Flickr and Ustream.

Geosocial – Designed to promote increased interaction within a smaller geographical community, these media channels work well with mobile technology. Businesses can interact with their customers in real time, encouraging loyalty and word of mouth advertising. The major examples of local social media are Foursquare and Gowalla.

Blogs – Blogging can be done in a wide variety of ways, but it should always be consistent and valuable. When connected to your business website, blogs can drive traffic, increase your organic listing on the search engines and attract cross promotion. Examples of popular and easy to use blogging platforms include WordPress, Blogger and Tumblr.

Implementing each of the different social media channels into your social media management plan is wise and will ensure a much better response than focusing on one or two channels. Get into it, have fun and watch the results stream in.

Posted in Blog Marketing, Facebook Management, Facebook Marketing, geosocial, LinkedIn Marketing, Local Social Media, Social Media Optimization, Social Network Marketing, Twitter Management, Twitter Marketing, Uncategorized, Video & Photo Sharing | Tagged Social Media Management, Social Media Marketing, Social Network Marketing | Leave a comment

How Your Content Provides Value in a Social Media Strategy

Posted on August 1, 2011 by Lisa

You may have heard the expression “content is king.” As much as that idea is applicable in communication of all kinds, your social media strategy cannot be successful without content ruling the roost. This element is what your followers and potential clients will value above all else. And content is what your business needs to focus on.

Social Media Strategy

Why? Because in the end, the social media stratosphere is full of content being posted, read, shared and remembered. Your product or service is certainly important, but in the world of social media the quality of the content associated with your company is much more so.

How To Provide Valuable Content

Industry experts advise businesses to hit three key factors in social media development: content must be consistent; content must be helpful in the reader’s eyes; and content must be unique the majority of the time.

Consistent posting is essential and will keep your company blog, fan pages and social media accounts on the top of those all important searches. Whether it is daily, weekly or bi-weekly, keep those posts coming and your audience will be drawn in.

Helpful content is just as vital. Think about the intended audience and create content that will connect with them and add something to their lives. It can be humorous, meaty, thoughtful or instructional – whatever it is, make it valuable.

As a key part of your social media campaign, your business can and should share content within your industry. But make sure the information provided by your business is unique, at least for the majority of the time. Become an authority in your niche by being the first (or only) to comment and discuss key issues and concerns. Dig out relevant information through interactions with your clients and colleagues and then use that information to create fresh content.

Focusing on content in your social media strategy is vital to the success of business marketing. Being consistent, valuable and unique is the golden path in the world of social media.

Posted in Facebook Marketing, LinkedIn Marketing, Social Media Optimization, Twitter Marketing | Tagged Blog Marketing, Content Strategy, Social Media, Social Media Strategy | Leave a comment

The Importance and Role of Social Bookmarking in Social Media Optimization

Posted on July 18, 2011 by Lisa

Your company’s marketing strategy is bound to include social media in some way. This powerful method of connecting with consumers can be tapped into through various means, such as blogging and social bookmarking. These two elements actually work together in your social media optimization strategy to draw consumers in and keep them coming back.

Social-Bookmarking

What is Social Bookmarking?

The browser on your laptop, desktop or tablet likely has a mile long list of bookmarks. This private listing allows you to quickly find the content that’s important and relevant to your day. Social bookmarking sites take this one step further and actually share the bookmarks that their users post. Ratings are attached along with comments and other user data.

As personal as it may seem, the act of bookmarking your webpage or content on popular sites like Delicious, StumbleUpon, Digg and Reddit will give more fuel to a campaign than any other single action can. How will your business tap into that potential blast?

Using This Tactic in Social Media Development

Social bookmarking can be used to drive readers to your site, whether during the launch or for a specific campaign. Your own bookmarks will begin the push, but the recommendations and ratings of other social media users is what will make your campaign go viral. When used with other social media development tactics, social bookmarking will boost your site’s search engine ranking and move your business forward in the market.

Social media optimization takes all of the various avenues into account while attracting attention to the content on your site. With the help of a professional, your business is literally steps away from tapping into the power of social media in a whole new way.

List of top 10 Social Bookmarking sites by Google PageRank
1. Delicious (8/10)
2. Technorati (8/10)
3. Digg (8/10)
4. Reddit (8/10)
5. Diigo (8/10)
6. Folkd (8/10)
7. Slashdot (7/10)
8. StumbleUpon (7/10)
9. Squidoo (7/10)
10. Mister Wong (7/10)

Posted in Social Bookmarking, Social Media Management, Social Media Optimization, Social Network Marketing | Tagged Delicious, Digg, Facebook Advertising, Facebook Marketing, facebook promotions, local social, Reddit, SEO, Social Bookmarking, Social Media, Social Media Management, StumbleUpon | Leave a comment

Examining the Importance and Role of a Company Blog in Your Social Media Strategy

Posted on June 27, 2011 by Nigel A. Milne

Competition is fierce in today’s market and businesses need to find fresh and relevant ways of reaching their customers. Sure, traditional media still has its place. But if you want your company to have an edge you need to focus on your social media strategy. Your company blog works as a platform for communication as well as a promotional tool, but it is also the number one connection with popular social media outlets.

Are Blogs Important?

You may think that a company blog is expendable or at the very most, an attractive but unnecessary bonus for potential customers. But managers and business owners need to understand that a blog will actually plug their company into the constantly changing force of social media.

By posting timely, relevant and valuable information a blog will attract potential customers and keep your loyal base of clients up to date. Content expands far beyond your latest promotion and reaches into tips, industry news, advice and anything else pertinent to the market. It is important to post accurate, relatable and unbiased information that includes the keywords your potential customers are looking for.

Blogging is a key element in social media optimization, which will put your business at the forefront of discussions on leading platforms like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. By posting regularly on your blog, as well as integrating that post into your company’s various social media accounts, you will boost exposure and draw more readers to the site.

RSS feeds, share buttons and various other tools can be implemented onto your company site, adding value and breadth to your social media strategy. These tactics are a vital part of your marketing plan and when used correctly, social media will help launch your business into the modern market.

Posted in Blog Marketing, Social Media Optimization | Tagged Blog Marketing, Content Strategy, Social Media, Social Media Strategy | Leave a comment

The Power of Social Media Management for the Home Improvement Industry

Posted on June 6, 2011 by Nigel A. Milne

Your home improvement business deals with people and their property. It can be a sensitive job and requires you to build a trusting relationship between your business and its customers. Using social media management to do that is a simple way to take your home improvement business to the next level.

This industry is often locally based, but drawing customers to your physical location is not what you’re after. Since you are in the business of creating better homes for your clientele, it only makes sense that you would use social media to connect with them while they’re at home.

A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words

When selling an improved lifestyle to your customer, it’s vital to have visuals. A picture will inspire them, generate ideas and distinguish tastes. It also builds your credibility to display the gorgeous, impressive work you’ve completed. Combining social media with striking pictures is a surefire way to place your business head and shoulders above the crowd.

Facebook is the optimum way to tap into a huge market that eagerly consumes images. With professional social media management you can have a strong profile and albums of high quality pictures that will catch the eye of potential customers.

Fan pages are a popular way for businesses in the home improvement industry to gain credibility and show up on the radar of loyal Facebook users. With a well designed Page your company can display pictures and gather fans, which act almost like a referral in the classic sense. Current customers can also leave positive reviews and you can thank them publicly, improving your image and increasing customer service.

Promote seasonal information or sales on your Facebook profile. Interact with your friends and fans. Gather important market research and build a human presence on social media. It will boost the trust factor and make closing sales that much easier.

Draw Traffic to Your Website

Use social media management to drive traffic to your own well built website tol provide potential customers with everything they will need. Link building is a profitable way to draw traffic and is done well through the services of a professional social media management firm.

By posting helpful and current articles on big name sites like Ezine articles and StumbleUpon, browsers will find your information and follow the path right to you. Fresh content on your website and quality incoming links are important to your page ranking. Get noticed on the search engines and draw traffic through your social media channels.

Build awareness about the important services you offer to the public, allow them to become qualified customers before they even call you for the first time. Have a reputation as a home improvement business that stays on the edge of trends and industry happenings by keeping your social media channels up-to-date and fresh. The services of a social media management consultant make this worry-free and an economical option. Build a better business by tapping into the power of social media management for the home improvement industry.

Posted in Home Improvement Industry Social Media, Local Social Media | Tagged Facebook Marketing, home improvement, home improvement marketing, local social, Social Media Management, Social Media Marketing, StumbleUpon, Twitter Marketing | Leave a comment

Bar and Restaurant Social Media Marketing

Posted on May 17, 2011 by Nigel A. Milne

Eating and drinking are not only necessary; they are also social at their core. In an industry that literally banks on interactions between people, food and drinks, social media marketing plays a major role. But not all platforms are created equal. The recipe for success should include a combination of platforms including at least one geo local social platform (Foursquare, Gowalla, Facebook Places, etc..), Facebook and Twitter.

Geo Social (Foursquare) for Catching the Locals

Foursquare iPhone Interface

A custom Foursquare campaign can be used for both customer acquisition and customer retention, including incentives like specials or discounts targeted at users that check-in. Just imagine if you owned a restaurant near a movie theater you could reach movie goers with a special offer as come out of the theater, if managed correctly that’s exactly what Foursquare campaigns can do. Or, if you have a slow night you can offer a check-in special that generates viral buzz, driving customers in your door.

Don’t Leave Out the Other Guys (Facebook & Twitter)

With the huge growth and popularity of Facebook and Twitter, they are mandatory for success in social media marketing. Tweets about special offers, new menu items and events will help to get the word out. Also, by reaching customers on Facebook you let the customer control the relationship which can build trust and loyalty over time, increasing the likelihood that they will return again and again.

T.G.I. Friday's Lynchburg, VA - Facebook Page

A Facebook page allows new customers to easily find you and existing customers to share your page with their friends. Keeping your page up to date and fresh with new content like specials and in season offerings will make it more attractive and interesting for browsers.

Facebook Ads Can Be Targeted Carefully

Don’t underestimate the power of paid social media advertising. Facebook advertising is very adaptable and will allow you to specify a local audience, ensuring the word gets out to people who have the best chance of visiting your location. Managed correctly Facebook advertising is perhaps the most cost effective way to build community and ultimately generate foot traffic into your location. By combining advertising with optimized social network pages and platforms, you have a recipe for success.

Posted in Bar & Restaurant Social Media, Local Social Media | Tagged bar marketing, Facebook Advertising, Facebook Marketing, facebook promotions, Foursquare marketing, geo-social, local social, restaurant marketing, social media for bars, social media for restaurants, Twitter Marketing | Leave a comment

How To Leverage LinkedIn Marketing For Your Company’s Success

Posted on April 19, 2011 by Lisa

LinkedIn as a marketing tool is an important asset for any company’s social media because it targets professionals and companies. The ability to engage in meaningful conversation and thus build relationships with clients makes LinkedIn marketing a very attractive platform. Here are the basics and how your company can utilize the platform for greater success.

When a company decides to use LinkedIn for marketing, the first step is to complete a company profile. After a Company Profile is created, the company must choose an account type. Depending upon the company’s structure, it may be premium for business, or premium for recruiters and employers.

PREMIUM FOR BUSINESS
Premium for Business offers four levels: Free, Business, Business Plus, Executive.

PREMIUM FOR RECRUITERS AND EMPLOYERS
Premium for Recruiters and Employers offers four levels: Free, Talent Basic, Talent Finder, Talent Pro.

ATTRACTING CUSTOMERS AND TALENT
LinkedIn has over 100 million users, making it an exceptional place to woo new clients and fresh talent.

LinkedIn allows companies to feature its offerings in a Products/Services tab. Companies can enter in descriptions, highlights, pictures, videos and even assign points of contact within the company to answer any customer questions regarding products and services. Companies also have the ability to start LinkedIn groups and discussions to engage users, answer user questions, and build a community.

For organizations with open positions, the Company Page is a great place to increase exposure of available jobs to interested candidates and expand the talent pool. There are currently no free options to post jobs on LinkedIn. The costs associated with posting job positions is as follows:

1 Job Pack (30 day posting) = $195.00
5 Job Packs = $775.00
10 Job Packs = $1,250.00

When a company opts into posting jobs on the Career Page, upgrades to the Silver and Gold Career Page become available. These upgrades will allow ‘Audience Targeting’ where jobs can be targeted to each unique viewer, as well as enable rich content and extra features on the Career Page. Upgrading to Gold will give the company the ability to create up to 5 different versions of the Career Page that will be displayed based on different variables, such as location, job title, function, industry, and more.

These options should be carefully considered for any company hoping to maximize LinkedIn social media management and engaging in marketing with LinkedIn. It’s wise to be sure your employees know how to use LinkedIn and your organization’s LinkedIn team stays abreast of the emerging changes as these offerings may change.

(Information and Pictures: LinkedIn.com)

Posted in LinkedIn Marketing | Tagged advertise jobs on LinkedIn, advertising, how to LinkedIn, job posts, Linkedin, LinkedIn Advertising, LinkedIn Marketing, LinkedIn Networking, marketing, Marketing on LinkedIn, post jobs on linkedIn | Leave a comment

FanPilot Frequently Asked Questions

Posted on February 8, 2011 by Nigel A. Milne

Q: How long does the setup take?

A: Program setup typically takes 1 – 2 weeks from receipt of payment to completion.

Q: When do you start posting across my social media accounts?

A: We start posting on your social media accounts once the setup is completed and we have received the required content direction from you.

Q: How soon will I start to see growth and activity in my social media accounts?

A: Activity and community growth is directly related to the size of the audience for your specific content and interest area.

Q: What is social bookmarking?

A: Social bookmarking is a method for Internet users to organize (bookmark) websites and resources online. Some examples of social bookmarking sites include Digg, StumbleUpon, Reddit and Delicious.

Q: What are the setup fees?

A: Setup fees vary depending on the level of service you choose and the contract duration that you select. For example the setup fee for a pre-paid annual (12 month) contract is $0 (zero) and the setup fee for a 1-month contract can range from $250 – $500 depending on the package.

Q: What social media accounts do you post on?

A: We post on all social media accounts including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Myspace, Foursquare and many more.

Q: How frequently will you post updates and content on my social media accounts?

A: Frequency is a direct result of the available content. If there is enough valuable and relevant content to post every day then we will post daily.

Q: Do you create the posts and updates on Facebook and Twitter?

A: Yes we take content topics and details from our clients and edit them for posting on the different social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook.

Q: Do you research and create content for your clients?

A: We offer an additional service (not included in highlighted packages) where we research and source relevant news and other content to post on our client accounts. This helps to establish the client as a trusted source for useful information.

Q: Do you write blog articles?

A: Yes our professional writers create original blog articles (250 words) on any topic you like. Once these articles are approved they are posted on the client’s blog and promoted across all social media accounts. Please note that some of our packages include blog writing.

Q: Do you work with Google+?

A: Once Google+ allows business pages we will be working with Google+, currently Google+ is only testing their business solution with a few select companies.

Posted in FanPilot FAQ's | Tagged Fan Pilot, FanPilot | Leave a comment

Making Heads or Tails of Facebook’s Promotional Guidelines

Posted on February 1, 2011 by Nigel A. Milne

Facebook Sting

On December 1st, 2010, Facebook made revisions to their promotional guidelines. The biggest anticipated update was that they no longer require written approval from Facebook to run a promotion. Other subtle changes were made overall to reinforce their strict rules designed to protect users and the Facebook brand. Violation of these rules could lead to Facebook disabling your page and/or account. Speaking from our own experience these action will come with little or no warning and in most cases will be irreversible. This means that a company could lose all their Facebook fans (Likes) that on average cost about $3 per fan to acquire.

These are the most commonly violated rules:

1. You cannot use your page wall to collect entries for promotions.
2. You must include the Facebook disclosure statement adjacent to any promotion entry form.
3. You cannot condition entry to a promotion based on other actions on Facebook (e.g.: liking a status update or commenting on Wall).
4. You cannot notify promotion winners through any Facebook platform tool (e.g.: Facebook Wall, Facebook Chat, Facebook Messages).

For the complete rules see Facebook’s promotions guidelines.

To-date Facebook has not done much to police these rules, but based on the removal of the written pre-approval requirement, recent negative press around user privacy and the rate that other Facebook changes are occurring, it’s likely that they will start to crack down on this very soon. And when they do there will be no way to recover lost investment.

Posted in Facebook Management, Facebook Marketing, Social Network Marketing | Tagged Facebook Advertising, facebook contests, Facebook Marketing, facebook promotions, facebook rules, facebook slap | Leave a comment

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