Social Media to Market Your Offline Business
Social networks are the newest communication tools for businessmen as well as ordinary web surfers.
They can be used for entertainment, information, socializing and networking.
The potential in these social networking sites is enormous for your business if you learn how to use them and make them work for you.
First and foremost, social networks break down the barriers between businesses and consumers.
Instead of being an anonymous businessperson, you are a person who happens to have a business.
Because people can get to know you on a somewhat personal basis, your business becomes more than just a website to them.
It is your home on the internet where you "live" and they can visit you.
If this sounds vaguely strange and unsettling, keep in mind that Twitter, Facebook and other social networks are the fastest growing phenomenon on the internet.
99% of people that use these sites are ordinary people with no more motive than to explore new things, find new products and meet new people while maintaining most of their privacy.
When you become a member of a social network or start a blog of your own you open up a lot of doors of opportunity.
One way to increase your customer base is to join a forum dealing with the type of service or product you offer.
For instance, if you deal with home business products you would join a message board that deals with that subject.
Sharing your knowledge, experience and advice will quickly establish you as a knowledgeable person who has creditability and good business ethics.
And when someone is thinking of buying such products, who do you think they will turn to first? While you aren't allowed to blatantly advertise on most boards, it is permissible to post a link to your website as a signature.
Twitter is another social network that has burst upon the scene and is so popular that even congressmen and senators "tweet" during sessions! It's a way to share what you do during your day, interesting things you learn and keeping up on current events in 140-character postings.
Many media personalities, government officials, students, businessmen and people of all walks of life like to "tweet" and read other peoples' "twitters".
A few well placed comments will lead interested people to your profile and thus to your website.
Business is booming for those who tweet! Facebook is a bit more involved than and not as anonymous as Twitter but this can be a distinct advantage to you and your business.
You'll be able to connect with friends and classmates you haven't seen or heard from for years, share your experiences and knowledge of your product or service.
Most businesses whose proprietors joint Facebook see a marked increase in their website traffic within days of joining.
The best part is, you're not working at selling! Your personality and conversation leads the consumer to your site, consumers whose interest is piqued and are truly interested in what you can provide.
Joining a social networking site might be the most profitable action you can take in promoting your business.
Best of all, it's free!
They can be used for entertainment, information, socializing and networking.
The potential in these social networking sites is enormous for your business if you learn how to use them and make them work for you.
First and foremost, social networks break down the barriers between businesses and consumers.
Instead of being an anonymous businessperson, you are a person who happens to have a business.
Because people can get to know you on a somewhat personal basis, your business becomes more than just a website to them.
It is your home on the internet where you "live" and they can visit you.
If this sounds vaguely strange and unsettling, keep in mind that Twitter, Facebook and other social networks are the fastest growing phenomenon on the internet.
99% of people that use these sites are ordinary people with no more motive than to explore new things, find new products and meet new people while maintaining most of their privacy.
When you become a member of a social network or start a blog of your own you open up a lot of doors of opportunity.
One way to increase your customer base is to join a forum dealing with the type of service or product you offer.
For instance, if you deal with home business products you would join a message board that deals with that subject.
Sharing your knowledge, experience and advice will quickly establish you as a knowledgeable person who has creditability and good business ethics.
And when someone is thinking of buying such products, who do you think they will turn to first? While you aren't allowed to blatantly advertise on most boards, it is permissible to post a link to your website as a signature.
Twitter is another social network that has burst upon the scene and is so popular that even congressmen and senators "tweet" during sessions! It's a way to share what you do during your day, interesting things you learn and keeping up on current events in 140-character postings.
Many media personalities, government officials, students, businessmen and people of all walks of life like to "tweet" and read other peoples' "twitters".
A few well placed comments will lead interested people to your profile and thus to your website.
Business is booming for those who tweet! Facebook is a bit more involved than and not as anonymous as Twitter but this can be a distinct advantage to you and your business.
You'll be able to connect with friends and classmates you haven't seen or heard from for years, share your experiences and knowledge of your product or service.
Most businesses whose proprietors joint Facebook see a marked increase in their website traffic within days of joining.
The best part is, you're not working at selling! Your personality and conversation leads the consumer to your site, consumers whose interest is piqued and are truly interested in what you can provide.
Joining a social networking site might be the most profitable action you can take in promoting your business.
Best of all, it's free!
