If you own a small business and are looking for new and creative ways to save money on your business marketing costs, you should seriously consider developing a social media marketing campaign. Web 2.0 technologies like social media have created new opportunities for businesses to engage with their public, better understand their customer demographic and re-position their business in the minds of consumers. Whether your business is large or small, you should definitely make sure it has a presence on some of the most popular social media websites.
About Social Media
In its most basic form, social networks have been around since the early 90’s, but were first seen in the form of ancient chat rooms, online discussion forums and early forms of instant messaging. Social networks have evolved from these humble beginnings to become media juggernauts in their own right and are now considered to be a viable communications platform.
The increased interest in modern day social networks can be attributed to a number of factors, some of which include the continued development of smartphone technologies and an increased interest in tablet computers and other WiFi-enabled electronics. Today’s consumers demand interactivity and that is one point where social networks excel.
Popular Social Media
Today’s most popular social media destinations include Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, MySpace and WordPress. Through these types of social networks, individuals can connect with friends and causes, disseminate information and share information about themselves or their business.
Most social networking websites also offer additional features such as blogs and forums where members discuss issues and events, watch or upload videos and create user profiles. Social media allows your followers to become your ambassadors and provides businesses with key information about what issues and causes are important to their consumer bases.
Market Your Business
One of the easiest ways to gain public awareness about your business is to offer special discounts to your Facebook friends and Twitter followers. Try offering a special one-week sale on Facebook or try a social media blitz on Twitter. Many businesses have found success offering a one-hour-only sale on their products and services via their Twitter feed.
If you want to create a more personalized experience with your customer base, try uploading a video to your social media site. Some of the most beneficial videos to market your business are customer service testimonials from one of your favorite clients or a thank you message geared toward people who already support your business. If you’re looking for video inspiration that is more neutral, try creating a general video about your products and services.
One of the best ways to position your business in the mind’s of consumers is with a blog. There are a number of free blogging platforms that allow you to create a blog in a few simple clicks. Some of the most popular blogging platforms are WordPress, TypePad and Blogger. Many of these platforms allow users to create customized blogs that are hosted on the blog service site for free. However, few of these free blogging platforms allow full blog monetization on their free blogs; many have paid versions fully under the user’s control, though. Regardless of your preferred route–free or paid, to ensure your blog is successful, create discussions around news, events and other happenings that relate to your field or industry.
Post written by Holly Adams from CarInsurance.org.uk, where you can save on the policy for insuring your company car.
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