Social Media and Your Business: 7 Things you Must Know

by Victor J. McCoy

Social Media is the term we use to describe how we communicate online through various web sites. Many businesses use social media websites to develop professional contacts, share information and to generate sales.

By now you may have been told by many that your business needs to utilize social media to reach more potential customers, etc.
You've been told to get a Facebook page, Twitter, LinkedIn, a Blog, etc. After repeatedly hearing this you determine this is something you need to do for your business. Along with the other "1,000" things you already do. After signing up, you find that it's more then what you bargained for. And it very well may be. Developing and executing a Social Media Strategy can produce new clients, contacts, new customers, etc. But for many it will not - truthfully. Before launching into this I would like to share 7 recommendations that will help your strategy succeed. They are simple but true.

1. Have a plan. It will keep you from wasting time and resources. 
2. Set aside time. To develop and post articles/information. It will require a great amount of your time and many people fail because they do not plan the necessary time and attention needed to make their social media work for them.
3. Find someone who can assist you. If you struggle with developing content. Find someone that enjoys research and writing to assist.
4. Start out slow. If you are doing this alone try to enjoy the process. Maybe just have one blog  and several important articles.Gradually begin posting information on Facebook. 
5. Stay at it. It will take time to develop and grow you list of connections/followers and articles.
6. Provide relevant information. Writing articles or posting comments for the sake of social media is the wrong motivation for doing it. Write articles that you believe the people you are targeting want to hear.They want to know how this information will help them.
7. Grow in your knowledge. This could help increase the effectiveness of your social media. Stay current on industry news and current events that you can blog about or post articles on.

These recommendation may seem simple but if followed you can begin building your social media strategy with patience and discipline. If you want more information on how to develop your plan email me at victor@3vdesignmedia.com for assistance.

www.3vdesignmedia.com