Can I measure my Social Media results?

I get asked that question all the time.  I found a great article that addresses this very issue at the Blog on Hubspot.  Here is a link: How to Measure Your Social Media Lead Generation Efforts

This article talks about Lead Generation being below Brand Awareness in the Marketing Funnel.  The funnel takes you through Engagement, Opportunity, then Conversion.

Read the article then tell me what you think – will you start to measure your Social Media so you can get an idea of its effectiveness?

Get your Facebook Questions answered

Did you know that Facebook has made some changes to the FanPage layout and functionality?  If you are curious how these changes effect your FanPage then come to the Free webinar.

When: Feb 23rd from 2:30 – 3:30 PM (Pacific Time)

Where: My FanPage!

There is an Event on my FanPage where you can ask your question before the event. There will also be an opportunity to ask a question on the Live Webinar as well. Get your question in early to be sure there will be enough time.

You can also ask your question in the comment stream below!

Why a Fanpage?

I get this question almost daily ~ so here is the answer…

If you would like these Online Marketing Tip of the Week emailed right to your Inbox for convenience then register with the form in the sidebar.

I own a local business – Why do I Care about online Social Media?

Many people mention that Social Networking is a waste of time and will  not bring customers to a local business.  This cannot be further from the truth.  It is true that without a strategy time can be wasted, and huge efforts can go unrewarded. Having an Online Strategy for all your Social Networking is where the key to the gold lays.

Social Media Strategy

It is important to come up with a plan that can be used on a regular basis and that will yield the results that are needed.  Some small businesses are happy with 100-500 visitors each month and others need thousands of visitors to make their efforts show in the bottom line.  Many service industries do not want more business than can be handled so creating a workable and sustainable strategy in the onset is quite important.  There are no cookie cutter answers – but there are some generalities that can be used for most small businesses.

Online Strategies

Social media should be a part of an entire online strategy.  There are many different marketing ideas and methods that can be packaged into a workable strategy.  Some of them are:

• Blog
• Pay-Per-Click Advertising (AdWords)
• Social Media
• Forums
• Commenting
• Other Peoples Blogs / Community Blogs
• Article Marketing
• Online Directories
• Link Sharing

Social Media plays a large role in online marketing because when used properly it creates a huge web of back links to your website.  It also creates a large following of potential customers that like you and what you do professionally.  They become a rather large source of referrals that will start to fill your sales pipeline.  Do not think that social networking will give instant results – it is a process that grows over time.

• Here are a few ideas of how to use Social Media Sites in Traditional / Service Businesses.
• Post the Special of the Day
• Create a Special for Online Customers that walk into your store
• Offer Electronic Coupons
• Make Announcements that affect customers
• Create Customer Appreciation
• Customer Service

The ideas are limited only by your imagination.  If you need help to learn how to use Social Media effectively then consider joining the online training- a step-by-step video training system for business owners that have the desire to learn social media and need guidance.

What is the Buzz about?

There are thousands of Social Media sites – blogs, video sites, FaceBook, MySpace, Twitter – hundreds of sites where people can interact with each other.  Some of these sites are business related and some are not.  Many niche businesses have their own Social Media sites.  If you are a traditional business owner then there are four different social media sites that are a must for you to join.  Here  they are in order:

1. LinkedIn
2. Twitter
3. FaceBook
4. BizNik
5. Any site that is specialized in your personal niche

LinkedIN

LinkedIn is the first social media site to join.  This is a site for professionals that are looking to grow in many different aspects.  It can act as an online business card, resume, and portfolio.  LinkedIn offers the business owner a way to distinguish themselves from the rest of the pack – creating trust that is hard to earn online.

Twitter

Twitter offers ways to meet potential clients, potential power partners, potential joint venture partners, and your local customer base.  It can communicate and broadcast what your business is doing in your local community, distribute electronic coupons, facilitate customer service, and many more important business related tasks.  This is the ultimate in free marketing.

FaceBook

FaceBook provides a platform to interact with your customers and target market.  They offer FaceBook Pages specifically for businesses.  This is a great place to look for potential clients, post specials for your online clients, and to share about your business.  Does your business  participate in the community?  Sharing these types of community connections can be a great Public Relations move for your business and FaceBook is one of the best places to get that information out.

BizNik

BizNik is a website just for businesses.  This is a place to post business related articles, look for potential employees, look for power partners, and offer paid workshops or classes.  This is a growing community of business owners that has a great deal of marketing and promotional ideas that are freely shared to help the community as a whole.

Marketing Traditional Businesses website is designed to guide and help business owners that want to gain customers from Internet Marketing.  It is also here to get your questions answered and to help you to decide if your business needs more in-depth coaching in the area of Internet marketing.  If you need personalized help then consider Renegade University – this is where people like yourself come to learn how to effectively market their business online – at your pace and convenience.

How to benefit by Marketing with Facebook

I get this question all the time – Facebook is so personal – how can I use it for my business?  The answer – Facebook Pages.

Facebook Pages differ from a regular Facebook profile in many ways:

• Facebook Pages are ranked in Google and other Search Engines
• Pages are for Branding your business
• Page Fans get notified when you update your page
• Tabs can be customized and linked to directly
• Facebook Pages allows for Event Posting
• Applications will pull in your Blog via a Feed
• Add a Fan Box to your Blog/Website

Facebook Profiles and Pages get ranked by Search Engines

Why not take advantage of this fact?  When someone searches for your business name (they may be doing research on your business before making a purchase) you need to be in control of what they find.  If someone has ever made a negative comment about your business it will likely be served up by a search engine on a silver platter for your prospective new customer to read.  You can take control of this and BURY any negative comments about your business with positive items like a Facebook Page for your business. If someone was to search my name on Google I control the entire first page and most of the 2nd page with content posted by me.  Facebook Pages can get you started in the right direction by controlling the information on the Internet for your brand.

Facebook Pages are for Branding

You can include brand information for your business through images, videos, photo albums, portfolios, etc.  You can also set what tab is the default view when someone finds your page.  I don’t want someone to see the Wall first – I would rather they see my Blog that is imported via an RSS feed first.  Facebook Pages can help to get Brand recognition for your business – if you use these features.

Fans Fans Fans…

Fans is where the gold is.  Getting Fans for your Business Page is like getting a captive audience – if you use the feature.  A Page without Fans is like having a business on a deserted island.  It may look pretty but what use is it really?  Your Fans get notified when new content goes up on your Page.  The more often you update your page the more often your fan base will get your updates and you will be in front of your audience.  This falls right back to brand recognition – the more you are in front of your audience the more your business will come to mind when they need your product or service.

Facebook Pages Tabs: Customize to Promote Your Unique Selling Points

The Page Tabs can be customized – reordered and personalized through Applications to suite your business and its needs.  I have one Tab dedicated to my Blog (default for visitors), my business websites and contact information in another, a web portfolio in another, business videos in another.  Make the tab system work for you and extend your brand and promote what makes your business unique.  Tabs  also have unique url’s.  If you have a tab for a special event in your business you can promote that specific tab to people that click on the promotion link to go right to the correct tab.

Events: Get better attendance for your business events

Facebook Pages allows you to publicize your business events and invite all your Fans (did I mention you need Fans?) to your events.  Are you hosting a Webinar, Speaking in public about your business, having a Teleconference, or any other business event?  Facebook has 175 million members.  Do you think that is a large enough member base to get better attendance for any of your events?  Did I mention FaceBook Pages are listed in Google?  This is a way to get your events on the search Engines.  Do you think that might help your attendance?

FaceBook Pages will integrate with your Blog

Get more mileage out of every Blog post by using the RSS feed to pull your blog into your Facebook Page.  This will update your Page as often as you update your Blog – and notify all your Fans of the update.  This gets your Page updated with no more effort and will get your articles more exposure (did I say FB has 175 million members?)  I have my Blog Tab set to be the first item visitors to my Page sees.

Include Facebook Pages on your Blog

It is very easy to put a “Fan Box” into the sidebar of your Blog.  This invites your Blog visitors to become Fans of your Page and it also puts a stream of your Facebook Page onto your Blog.  (Did I say more results with the same effort?)

I really like the idea of doing less and getting more.  By using Facebook Pages as a tool for your business you will get more milage out of everything that you do Online.  People ask how I have the time to be “everywhere” online – now you know part of my secret – Tools and integration.

To learn more about Social Media …

Dotty

How to use Twitter successfully!

Twitter can be a confusing technology.  I often get asked, “What’s the point?”  There are 2 ways to use Twitter – the right way and the wrong way.  Many people use it incorrectly (at least for business).

Think of Twitter as a way to build a huge opt-in list of followers.  These are people that are interested in your business, your specialty, your knowledge, and in how you can help them either directly or indirectly.  They are watching what you are doing - learning from observation.  As you build your relationship with these people they begin to trust what you are doing/saying.  As we all know – on the Internet people buy from people they trust – period.

Who To Follow

I follow people that are in the same industry (what can I learn from them), people that are experts in a field that interests me (what can I learn form them), and people that I can see needs help in my area of expertise (what can I teach them).  I also usually follow people that follow me - this builds a mutual relationship and also allows direct messaging through Twitter to occur.

What has Twitter done for me?

I have only recently started to seriously use Twitter.

• I have met people that I can outsource jobs that I either do not want to do or that I am not qualified to do.  This helps my customers directly.
• I have also had opportunities to bid jobs directly from Twitter inquiries.
• I have received referrals from Twitter.
• I am building my opt-in list of trusted followers for future use.

What Tools can make Twitter easier to use?

• Here is a list of Firefox add-ons for Twitter.
• Misc. Twitter Tools
• Twitter Directories
• Twitter Applications

What is the incorrect way to use Twitter?

People come to Twitter to learn information, learn about people they are following, and to share information.  They do not Follow people that are constantly pitching some new product all the time.  You need to build trust before trying to sell anything to your Twitter followers. I get annoyed at people that are using Twitter for spam.  Also do not send an auto responder message to your new Followers with an offer for them to buy something – it is just rude and a great way to get banned from Twitter.

If you would like to Follow my progress on Twitter I will gladly Follow your Twitter progress and we can learn together.

What have you gained form using Twitter and do you have any insights into the website?

Learn more  on Social Media …

Dotty

Twitter Can Bring You Business

As a web designer I often get asked how to use Twitter as a business tool.  I would like to take a moment and outline what Twitter basics and what Twitter has done for my business then you might have a better idea how to use Twitter in your own business.

Twitter Basics

Twitter is a site to share short thoughts, share information, and share useful links.  It builds credibility and gives insights into the Tweeter.  Twitter is an excellent way to reach Local Internet Users.  Most business owners are looking for ways to reach their own local markets – Twitter serves this purpose very well.  There are tools designed to use with Twitter that will help you to find people in your local area.  My favorite is TwellowHood. Twellowhood will interface with your Twitter account when you sign in with your Twitter information, then find your location on the map and it will find other Twitter users in the same city.  It also allows you to follow them directly from the TwellowHood website making it very easy.

Another tool is the Search feature on the Twitter website.  Just enter your location and Twitter will bring up a list of people that have Tweeted something using the words you entered.  Not as thorough as TwellowHood but useful just the same.

A few thoughts on Following people – I follow people in my area, people that are in similar businesses, people that are in complementary businesses, people that I feel may be a potential customer, and people I find interesting.  People I do not follow – people without a Bio, Photo, or people that are obviously using Twitter as a spamming tool.  If you are mutually Following each other then Twitter is designed to send Direct Messages that go to your email – sometimes very handy.

What Twitter has done for my business

Referral Partners – I have found people that I call Referral Partners for my business on Twitter.  These are businesses that offer a service that my customers need, or a service that dove-tails onto my business.  Examples are Graphic Artists, Copy Writers, Coders, and Ecommerce website creators.

Power Partners – Businesses that share my potential customers are Power Partners.  These are businesses that work well with mine and we share contacts to build each others businesses.  Some people call this a Joint Venture opportunity.

Actual Business – I have gained clients from Twitter.  These are people that needed a website and saw what I create through various Tweets I have produced.  When I finish a site for a client I use my Social Marketing network which includes Twitter to get the word out about the new website.  I also Tweet when I am speaking locally about Social Marketing and have pulled clients from the people that have attended my free local seminars.

I hope this has given you some ideas about using Twitter to help you build your business.

Learn more about Twitter…

Dotty

Get Noticed On LinkedIn

LinkedIn has added Applications to help your profile stand out in the crowd – why not use them? I am taking advantage of them on my profile – Dotty Scott

When you are signed into your LinkedIn Profile there is a navigation box on the left hand side. The bottom option says “Applications”. Clicking it will take you to a page that lists the available applications you can add to your profile.

I am using the WordPress App to link my blog to my LinkedIn Profile. This pulls the last 5 blog posts into my LinkedIn profile so people can read excerpts from my posts then click to go to my blog for more of the post. Linkedin supports WordPress through the WordPress Application and TypePad, Movable Type, Vox, WordPress.com, WordPress.org, Blogger, LiveJournal and more through the BlogLink Application.

Do you have a professional PowerPoint presentation for your business? Are you an Artist that would like to display a portfolio? There is an App for embedding a PowerPoint Presentation, Word Documant, or PDF file into your Profile. It is called SlideShare Presentations.

Google Presentation is another Application that will link any Google App presentation you have for your business into your LinkedIN Profile. It can:

• Showcase a recent talk or presentation
• Display a visual portfolio of your professional accomplishments.
• Introduce yourself to recruiters and professional contacts viewing your profile

Are you reading any really great business books? Share them with Reading List by Amazon.

Would you like to create a Poll to gather data for a business presentation? Add the application called Polls.

There are 10 different business related applications that LinkedIN provides to create a really professional and very unique profile that can greatly benefit the exposure your business gets from the Internet. By not taking advantage of these free tools you are letting your competition get ahead of your business. Who wants to do that?

Social Media plays a huge role with your online marketing.

Learn how to use LinkedIn…

Dotty

Using Social Sites to Create Backlinks to Your Business Website

When I first joined LinkedIn – I was like most average business owners – registered because someone invited me and then never completed the profile and never participated. Guess what – I never got anything out if it either! After reevaluating online networking sites I discovered a potential huge pool of people that can help my business grow in one way or another.

LinkedIn has become one of my best sources of business information and a great resource for potential customers. There are “secrets” to using LinkedIn – and now I am going to reveal the secrets to you.

1. Fill out your profile completely – this means a current photo as well. LinkedIn’s profile area is really quite complete for an online networking site. If filled out properly you have a great opportunity to “shine”. Google will rank profile pages – This can be to your benefit or deficit – it is up to you. When searching for my name (Dotty Scott) I own the first 8 out of 10 listings on Google, with my Google Profile showing at the bottom of the page. All of these are either profiles at different Social Sites, Blog posts, or my website reference. The bottom line is trust – people do business online with people that have built up their trust and a complete profile is a great starting point for building trust.
2. Make sure your websites and blogs are listed in your profile as something other than “My Website” or “My Blog”. Use meaningful keywords for this text. If you need instructions to make this change here is a tutorial on customizing LinkedIn.
3. Invite business associates, referral partners, and acquaintances to join your LinkedIn Network. When sending invitations take the time to make them personal – don’t just use the generic invitation. Whenever I go to a local Networking Event I always invite the new people I have met to link up with me. This will grow your personal network and allow others that are just one step away from you to see your profile.
4. Take advantage of LinkedIn’s Answers section. When you have a business related question then ask it of your network. If you want to know if a certain software, product, or service has been useful to others then ask. Other LinkedIn members are generous with getting your question answered so you can make a sound business decision.
5. Take advantage of LinkedIn’s Answers section. (No I am not forgetful!) If you are an expert in some area – if you are in business for yourself you better be an expert in some area – then share with others. When someone asks a question that you can answer then take a few moments to share your expertise. Bring value to the table. This will help them and it may help you. If they like your answer best then they can assign you as the expert and this will show in your profile. I have increased my “reach” beyond just local through answering questions and I have even had job inquiries through the Answers section of LinkedIn.
6. If you are in a position to hire workers then use LinkedIn to “ prescreen” applicants.
7. Promote your “Public Profile” on your blog or website and in your email signature.
8. Recommend people that have done an outstanding service or provided an awesome product to you. Ask others that have used your service/product to recommend you as well. This is another step to building trust.

Just like anything else – you get out of it what you put into it. Schedule a little time each week to spend on LinkedIn and you will be rewarded with increased traffic to your site as well as potential new business from your new found resource of online clients and customers.
Learn how to use Social Media in your business…

Dotty

Using Social Sites like LinkedIN to Drive Traffic

LinkedIn profiles have so many opportunities for Search Engine Placement and the majority of people do not take advantage of it for their business. Here are some easy things to change on your generic profile to make it really personal to you and your business as well as giving it Google Juice.

Here is a screen shot showing the placement of the “edit” links referred to below.

1. Make sure your profile name is in the form you are using online. Example: Dorothy Scott vs Dotty Scott. Since I am using Dotty I went into the Account Settings and changed the Dorothy to Dotty.
2. Change your public profile URL to reflect either your name or your business name. When you are in the Edit Profile mode there will be a link next to your “Public Profile” that says edit – click the link and enter your new profile url. Then use this link on your website, blog, email signature, and forum signatures.
3. Change your website addresses to say something other than “My Website” or “My Blog”. This is anchor text and it needs to have your key words in it. When you are in the “Edit Profile” mode click the link next “My Website”. This will take you to a screen where you can choose the drop down arrow and choose “other”. This will allow you to enter in whatever text you want – again choose something with your main keyword. Then enter the website URL in the box below the text just entered.
4. Edit the “Professional Headline” – (words directly under your name) to contain your Title and a few of your keywords. Mine says “Owner, Premium Websites – Website Design and Social Media Coach”. I want my profile to come up if someone types in Website Design or Social Media Coach. This can be edited by clicking the “edit” link right after the phrase.
5. Make sure you are listed in the correct Category by clicking the “edit” link next to your category listing.

These are the top 5 easy changes to make on your LinkedIn profile. Making these changes will get your profile to come up in Google searches and it should drive more traffic to your website.

For more ideas on SEO …

Dotty