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1. Social media isn’t just experimental; it’s real ROI and can be tracked and measured

• Similar to website analytics that come with most hosting accounts, there are tools and analytics applications that measure real-time activities within social networks such as Radian6, Infegy Social Radar, Scout Labs, and Alterian
• Free sites like SocialMention.com and HowSociable.com quickly measure your influence and visibility over a broad social media spectrum

2. Get intimate with smart phones

• Social network activity is becoming more local and mobile with GPS in smartphones
• Location based services and features create competition, promote offers, and reward participants. Examples include Yelp, Foursquare, etc.
• Localized results help people connect more intimately

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By Jansen Granflor

A common misconception about social networks is that you have to be on them 24 hours a day to see results for your business. The truth is, all you have to do is create a basic profile on a handful of social media networks, like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, that your clients or customers already log onto. It doesn’t have to tell your entire company history, just some basic information regarding what you do, links to your website, and solid contact information. Your goal is not to gain thousands of fans and followers on these sites, but to spread the word around to a more specific clientele. The average computer user now uses social networks like Yelp to find businesses and reviews on products and services from real people. By linking your website to your social media networks, you can leverage testimonials from actual customers to web surfers. One positive review from a happy customer can open the door for so many more.

Social media profiles and company blogs are often setup by small businesses, but never maintained. The truth is social media information is very simple to update and can be used for marketing, customer service, and feedback via comments. It can also make you, the small business owner, seem hip and trendy in the eyes of your customers. The fanbase you build with these tools will bring you more business, and if you run out of things to say, you can post updates by simply announcing limited-time promotions or discounts, or introducing new products or services. Remember to always improve your SEO (search engine optimization) by linking your business to as many online directories and websites as possible, as this will not only put you on the map in your neighborhood and field of specialty, but it might also get you some media coverage, further boosting you up in Google search results.

Placing social media links on your homepage will help you increase web traffic, but keep in mind you don’t want your potential customers to link to a social media profile that hasn’t been touched in months, so update early and often. You can also use social media to get to know potential customers, by listening to their comments, and responding to their inquiries. Sometimes, they will be upfront and ask for a product or service you don’t offer, or tell you your prices are too high. You can address and reward them directly, and get to know them by name, which leads to referrals, and more business. It’s a sales pitch that doesn’t feel like one. Use social networks to tell your customers who you are, what inspired you, where you started your business, and how you got it all started. Set up a blog as a way to speak to your customers indirectly, and they can read and comment if they choose to.

Socializing is only half of social networking – the other half is networking, so use your social hub not only to get more customers, but perhaps you can meet better vendors, and cheaper suppliers. Social networking sites increase competition, but you can embrace your competitors, and exchange tips and feedback since you both experience similar issues on a regular basis. If you have a problem you can’t solve, maybe a similar business has a solution, which you in turn can pass on to help another business owner. Social media creates buzz, helps networking, and, of course, increases business for everyone. It’s a genuine way of getting to know your customers, and it doesn’t take too much of your free time, and can actually be fun, and engaging.

Jansen can be reached at jansen@executionists.com

Times are tough.  Business owners are trimming expenses wherever possible.  But now, more than ever, it is important to have a quality website that accurately portrays your product or service.  Statistics prove that companies that focus on their marketing during tough economic times do much better than companies that reduce their marketing efforts. Your website should be an integral part of your marketing strategy.

Don’t Lose Customers!

When visitors find  your website, they have already done a majority of the work for you.  They are seeking what you have to offer and if your website doesn’t paint a clear and compelling image of your product, then you have lost what could have been a potential customer.  Your home is the most important because the visitor makes a decision within seconds about the value of your brand, product or service.  The cost investment of redesigning an under-performing website is well worth it when you analyze the high “bounce rate” (the percentage of visitors who arrive to your homepage then immediately exit) because your website doesn’t properly promote your business.

A well-crafted website acts like another salesperson within your business.  You should make it easy for your visitors to navigate your site and gather the information they want  in order to make well-informed decisions.  If it’s difficult for the visitor to find what they’re looking for they will quickly be discouraged and jump to the website of your competition.

Experience Equals Quality

Don’t underestimate the value of a well designed website to market your business.  With over 15 years of experience we know how to work with you to build customized (not templated) sites that will deliver your business’ message clearly.  We can also implement search engine optimization strategies(SEO), online marketing solutions, and create social media profiles such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn to maximize your online marketing goals and push your business through the tough economy.

Call us for a FREE CONSULTATION about your website: 310.754.3807 or check out our Design Portfolio.

by: Jeanelle Rabadam
Executionists Marketing Team
email: jeanelle@executionists.com

Image Credit

Today there are hundreds of social networking sites (Friendster, imeem, Flickr, Myspace, Plaxo, Xanga, the list goes on) that are connecting people around the world with different backgrounds, interests, hobbies and professions.  The three major sites that remain at the forefront are Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.  What, you may ask, is the difference between the three?  Which one will be the most beneficial for my business?  If you are unfamiliar with the growing phenomenon of social networking, here is an overview of the basic differences between Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.  Depending on you or your company’s goals and objectives, you will hopefully have a clearer perspective of which service best fits your business.

Who’s using what?

Facebook was created in 2004 by Harvard sophomore, Mark Zuckerberg with the original intention to connect college and high school students.  By September 2006, Facebook had been opened up to everyone: from high schoolers to working professionals.  However, since the original target audience was comprised of 18-24 year olds, teens to mid-twenties do comprise of the largest percentage of the 175 million Facebook users.

Twitter is a relatively young company, beginning as a start-up project in March of 2006.  Although Twitter is growing at a rapid pace, the 25-44 year old users have seem to found the most use out of Twitter.  Unlike Facebook and LinkedIn, Twitter users consistently update their status in brief, 1-2 line segments so Twitter visitors tend to be younger, web-savvy and heavy Internet users.

LinkedIn was created in 2003 by it’s five original founders who invited 300 of their most important contacts to join.  As of February 2009 LinkedIn has over 36 million users, many of them being college graduates, working professionals and top-level executives.

Casual vs. Business

Facebook is perhaps the most complex of the social networking sites.   Aside from basic information (age, relationship status, interests, work and education information) Facebook has several add-on capabilities that allow you to do anything from “Invite friends to become a Fan of U2” to send e-gifts on your friends’ birthdays.  Thus, while Facebook does have the largest amount of users, it allows for a more detailed and personal insight.  In other words, while you may find that your co-worker graduated from NYU and was president of his business fraternity you may just as well discover his drink of choice during happy hour.

Since Twitter is based on simplicity, it is difficult to gauge whether it is more business or person oriented.  Unlike Facebook and LinkedIn, in order for your Twitter profile to be beneficial you have to update it on a regular basis.  Twitter users answer the simple question of “What are you doing?”.  Friends, family members and co-workers can “tweet” on anything from running late to lunch to links to their latest blog post on the benefits of great web design.  By “following” your favorite people, you get immediate updates to what everyone is up to in a quick, simple fashion.

LinkedIn allows you to connect with other working professionals.  Your profile is made up of your basic information, school/job history, and professional expertise and accomplishments.  Through your network you can recommend colleagues, create and collaborate on projects, market your company and/or blog, but most importantly be introduced to new business contacts.  LinkedIn is also a great place to join or start groups in order to gain new insights from discussions with other professionals in your field.

The Verdict?

Facebook is the site if you don’t mind combining both professional and personal aspects of your life.  With the greatest number of users, it requires little time and upkeep to create a profile which can potentially help drive other users to your company website or blog.  It is the more casual of the three and with the rising number of add-ons and features, your profile can become quickly cluttered with unwanted junk.  However, with Baby Boomers being the fastest growing demographic on Facebook and over a million Americans joining by the week, it would be a good idea to jump the Facebook bandwagon and begin “friending!”

Twitter is the site to use if you are a heavy web user and are looking to effectively promote yourself and your business on a consistent basis.  You will build a greater following if you constantly update, because you will always have new things to read.  If you rarely update, chances are not as many people will bother to read your Tweet.  Remember to be careful with your Tweets so they don’t get too “spammy”, you’ll want to mix promotions for your business with other relevant info. Twitter is simple, to-the-point and up-to-date.

LinkedIn is primarily geared towards professional use only.  Your profile summarizes your professional qualifications and expertise. LinkedIn promotes you with your connections, your connections’ connections, and the people they know… thus opening the door to literally hundreds of potential clients, associates and customers.  The time to set up your LinkedIn account, upload a picture and link your websites is well worth it.

by: Jeanelle Rabadam
Marketing Team
email: jeanelle@executionists.com