The New Game-Changer

There's no debate that social media (also known as new media and digital media) is accelerating and growing by leaps and bounds. People gather their information, share opinions and experiences about a company or a product through forums, social networks and websites.

I recently read a report that said that 80%

of consumers are using the internet to find and learn more about businesses and/or products. The report also said that most consumers prefer to shop within a 5 mile radius of where they live.

Since research

is providing this information, it is imperative that you take the internet and social media seriously.

Here's your Tip of the Day...

Write out your social media plan.

Start with what you already know about your business and plug it into social media. Here are a few elements to help make a great plan:

• What is your business?

• What are your products or services? List out each product and service.
  

• Use the above answers to define relevant keywords and keyword phrases, used by people and search engines to help them find what they are looking for.
  

• Track what other businesses in your niche are doing. You can use Facebook, Twitter and Google Alerts as search tools.
  

• Identify who the top influencers are in your industry. Finding and connecting with them can potentially open bigger doors. The goal is to get them talking about you and recommending your business in their spheres of influence.
  

• Read, watch and listen what experts are saying and doing. They all have a specific tone and direction they use to reach their consumers. You can learn strategies and get great ideas to use in your own social media networks.

• Pick which social media networks you want use to engage your audience. Once you answer the following questions about your audience, you will know where to focus your efforts.
  

• Where are they hanging out online?

• What do they want to know?

• What do they need to know?

• What tools (apps, software, technologies) do you need to engage them?

• How will you measure the feedback so you can adjust your messaging and position?

• Create relevant engaging content. The goal is to engage people with information that will build their trust in you. When this type of engagement takes place people buy services and products, and they will also tell others as well. Allow your audience to help create and share information. You can do this through a blog, multimedia, such as videos, ratings, reviews and recommendations. I highly recommend hiring a business growth expert. Having the right people on your team will increase your bottom line.

Social media is the new game-changer that is reshaping how businesses market to the world. You must look at this new form of marketing as a way to build trust, not as a way to push your product or services on people. We buy from people/businesses we trust, not just a cool marketing scheme.

How are you going to join in the conversations that are already taking place about you and your business?

We would love to hear your comments.