5 Rules for Social Media Marketing Success
If you haven’t spent the last two years in a bunker on a remote Pacific Island or if you have teenagers (in which case I have bunkers for you) you’ve probably heard far more of FaceBook, Twitter and even Google Buzz, than you’d have liked. And if you are like me, you’ve probably wondered what’s all this social media (SM) stuff – just so much hype, a passing fad or are you missing the next big thing?
Even trusty Google, spews 73 million results (in 0.24 seconds at that!) for the search phrase “Social Media Marketing” – making me want to close the browser window and head out to catch re-runs of Seinfeld.
Luckily in a recent weekly meeting of the Small Business Buzz forum, one of the participants made a comment about when do get on to social media – this itself can serve as a good starting point for explaining what’s all this social media stuff.
@BethBridges: Q2: Don’t get on any SM until you understand how to be excellent Face2Face networker: ie, give first, don’t sell, longterm perspectv #sbbuzz
Social media is nothing but engaging with your customers, prospects, partners even employees and neighbors. In the old days you did it face-to-face – and called it networking or meeting. The face-to-face meets usually meant you had to be present in close proximity to your audience and involved a few people to small groups unless you were at the company all-hands meeting. Technology and the ever-evolving nature of the web now allows you to do this, just as effectively with even folks who are not physically present – whether the same few folks all the way to very large groups.
The golden rule for social media is — no big surprise here — Don’t do stuff online that you wouldn’t do in person!
- Be consistent – people should see you and hear from you at a reasonable and consistent frequency
- Be generous – Give first! Before you ask for anything make sure you have contributed first and give freely
- Be considerate – don’t hog the air – allow others to express themselves – state any ground rules up front
- Be yourself – anyone with whom you intend to build a long term relationship better know the real you
- Be patient – technology has made it easier to reach out – but relationships still take time