The Basics For Getting Into Social Business | Online Success Articles

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By Dell Garraputo

Social networking is getting bigger every day and even though there are a lot of benefits, it?s easy to become overwhelmed and confused by it all. But the fact of the matter is business social networks are not going away any time soon. Including social business networking in your business?s marketing plan can be a simple and effective way to build name and brand recognition, promote your product and sales items, and build a following.

Once you?ve chosen two or three social networking sites that will most effectively help you achieve your marketing and business goals, such as Facebook and Pinterest. Business blogs or Twitter, it?s important to use them wisely and consistently to attract customers. As you get more familiar with business social networks, you?ll be able to incorporate them into your marketing and sales plans a lot easier. Use the following benchmarks to ensure your use of social networking is benefitting your business.

? Your Networking Efforts are Local, Not Just Global. Social networking does put your business on a global platform but if you don?t make sure to include your local customers, you?ll miss perhaps the most important market you serve. Include local expositions, trade fairs and other promotional opportunities in your marketing plan. Take the time to encourage local customers to spread the word as they?ll appreciate being able to support local businesses.

? People Are Engaged. The longer you blog, Facebook, tweet or pin the more your following should grow. If you?re getting more comments and interaction from followers it shows people are engaged by your social media efforts. Follow customer reaction closely so you know when you?ve tapped into a ?hot? business topic so you can capitalize on it.

? You?re Seeing Measurable Results. Ask social media followers to mention a code or comment when they act on your Tweet or status. When customers frequently tell you ?I saw your post about such-and-such on Facebook, you?ll know you?re on the right track.

? Social Networking is Your Business?s Fluid Marketing Tool. Making changes to traditional marketing campaigns can be expensive and problematic but social media changes aren?t. If you?ve got your finger on the pulse of your customers? needs, you?ll change your social networking efforts to meet them. Keep your social media use fluid to stay on top of trends and avoid falling behind.

For social business networking to be effective for you, it must be used consistently. You won?t be able to build a following with any social media if you aren?t using it or are on only occasionally. Be ever-present without being pesky so your name, business, products or services become a recognized and welcome part of your customers? social media experiences.

Dell Garraputo knows the importance of the social business side of things to get the word out to customers. NewsGator can help your business get on the path with social enterprise software, SharePoint social solutions and more.

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