Is Social Media Right for Your Business?

There is risk involved when engaging in social media. Learn the do's and don'ts.


All social media platforms are not created equal. They differ in purpose and tone, and they require different approaches. As a business owner, you need to assess the risks involved in engaging in a communications and marketing strategy that requires you to relinquish a measure of control.
 

  • Do understand the purpose of social media. Don't spend all your time promoting your business. "What?" you ask. "Then why do I even want to be part of the social media scene?" Because the conversation is going on, whether or not you partake in it. By not establishing a presence early on, you risk undermining your genuineness when you do participate.
     
  • Do what you can. Don't try to do it all. The trick is to understand what does and does not matter, not every conversation will require your participation at the same level. However, knowing what conversations are taking place is not enough, you need to understand the impact they can have. That understanding will help you develop priorities for your company and set goals for your participation.
     
  • Do create conversation. Don't create noise. Conversation happens when one person talks and another one listens and responds. Noise happens when one person talks. And talks. And talks. Often about things no one cares to respond to, even if they could get a word in edgewise!
     
  • Do build a network based on quality. Don't build a network based on quantity. Promote your involvement in social media by letting your customers know where they can find you on various social networks, but never lose sight of the purpose - to offer value to your network.

 

  • Do prepare for success. Don't forget to plan for it. We have become accustomed to instant gratification. A business that can consistently respond to customers' needs earns rave reviews. Likewise a business that fails to respond to customers' dissatisfaction earns negative attention. Instantly. If you do promote a product or service, be sure you can fulfill the orders for it!

 

  • Do understand that social media takes an investment of time. Don't be a "Twitter Quitter". While it's true that using social media for marketing your business is relatively inexpensive when compared to traditional marketing vehicles such as advertising, it does require an investment of time. Time to build your network and time to manage it.


 

The Cooper Group offers social media management services, let us help you start the conversation! Call 239-297-3638.