Resources and Knowledge for the Small Business CEO

SMALL BUSINESS CEO

September 9th, 2008 at 9:11 am

Take A Dip In The Social Media Pool

istock_000006376290xsmall1.jpgSocial networking is quickly becoming an easy and free way to expand your business’ reach within the online community.  Many businesses, large and small, are taking advantage of this free marketing resource and are realizing it can be of great value.  Take this list for instance, “50 Companies Using Social Media“.  You may be surprised to find that the list is full of already well known and successful companies that are finding great value is social media marketing.

Smaller businesses who are just now dipping their toes into the social media pool may find this a daunting endeavor.  Fear not, most social media sites are simple for beginners to understand.  However, you may want to read over this list of “Common Social Media Mistakes” before you begin.  They may seem self explanatory but you will be amazed at how many others you come across making these minor errors.

To me, the profile is the most important part of social media.  Afterall, isn’t the point of social networking to let others know about you and how to contact you?  I have come across many businesses who quickly open an account and neglect to fill in the important information.  They are missing tons of opportunity by never taking a few minutes to finish their profile.  Think about this, “Would you ever take a business seriously if you knew nothing about them but their name?” 

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  • 1

    Good points…social media really seems to be a way to expand your reach online. From what I’ve found it does take a little time and effort to get setup at the different SM sites, but the amount of traffic or business exposure you gain is certainly worth the effort.

    Thanks,
    Matt

    SmallBizBee on September 9th, 2008
  • 2

    Excellent point in your last statement. I, too, come across recognizable companies that offer virtually little to no additional information about themselves or their representatives. It makes it seem as if humans do not exist within them.

    And put a face to the name. If you do not want to show your face, an image is better than nothing. Taking the time to do so helps others to take you a bit more seriously.

    Chris on September 9th, 2008
  • 3

    Excellent point. I’ve spent some time getting a profile on social media websites, but rarely do I spend the time necessary to make the profile itself useful. It never even crossed my mind to do that.

  • 4

    Wow. I’m surprised with the list of well known companies. :)

    Rose Anderson on September 9th, 2008
  • 5

    I read this and spruced up some of my profiles last night :-)

    Chris on September 10th, 2008
  • 6

    I’m with you. I certainly wouldn’t look further into a company that doesn’t offer much in their profile area. I don’t feel I should have to digg for info if they really are looking for my business. I really distrust a company that doesn’t list the country they are in either.

    Don on September 10th, 2008
  • 7

    “Would you ever take a business seriously if you knew nothing about them but their name?” . Well, definitely I won’t.

    Luz Spielberg on September 11th, 2008

 

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