SOCIAL MEDIA + YOU
So you have a startup. You’ve done all the hard work and now your dreams are a reality. You have a small staff, office space, and even an office dog. Now, you just need customers.
It doesn’t take a PHD to know that a business isn’t really a business without a solid customer base. You can offer the most amazing products in the world, but if no one chooses to purchase them, they really hold no value.
How important is a strong internet presence anyways? How do you find a voice in this intricate web of websites, facebook pages and twitter accounts?
Over half the US population accesses some form of social media site everyday. With such a large market, it’s imperative that your small business find a voice in social media, and find a voice fast. How do you do that?
Do a little research and make friends
You probably had to research for your business plan. Since you’re an old pro, why not use those same techniques and apply them to your internet presence. Type your business name, product, service or key phrases relating to your company into Google. What comes up? Why not search for your brand on Twitter. If individuals are talking about your product/service, or something similar, why not follow them and begin a dialogue? Who’s to say your company isn’t exactly what they’ve been looking for?
Take advantage of your existing fans/partners
There is no one more qualified to talk about your product than your friends, existing customers, and employees. Think “word of mouth” but apply that to the internet. So, it would be something like “internet of mouth”. Ask them to retweet you, ‘like’ and recommend you on facebook, create hype on google+, etc. Don’t be ashamed to tap into your existing resources, they will be your greatest advocates (and it’s free marketing).
Make sharing fool proof
You may hesitate to be repetitive when it comes to your social media, but I believe it never hurts to remind people where they can find you. Share your twitter account on your facebook page, and share your facebook page on your twitter account. Provide links to your social media sites in your e-mails. Make signing up for your newsletter as easy as 1…2…3…
For example: If you use MailChimp as your primary e-mail client they offer a great e-mail signup app for your facebook page. Just link up their tab to your page and your ‘likers’ will have instant access to your newsletter.
Strive for 50 advocates over 500 ‘fans’
It’s easy to strive for numbers. It’s impressive when a facebook page has 100,000 fans, or when a twitter account has 400,000 followers… but what does that really do for your business? Your number one goal for your social media accounts should be to create a place for advocates to help spread the word about your business. So, say you have 1,000 fans and they all love your business, and they all say great things about you all the time, over time you’ll have not only tons of followers, but a really loyal base to back you up. On the other hand, maybe you have 100,000 ‘fans’… they know about your business, they gobble up your special offers, but when push comes to shove they don’t do their part to advocate for you. Strive for loyal advocates, not just fans.
Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day
Social media integration takes time. It’s easy for a brand like Coca Cola to gain followers by the 100,000’s in a matter of days because they are a globally recognized brand that’s been around for years. You just started a few months ago, it’s okay if you don’t break records. It’s even ok if it takes you awhile to build a strong social media backing. The internet is full of stuff, your brand might just take awhile to find it’s voice.
Be creative and create a consistent voice
It’s important that all of your social media sites speak the same language and promote the same values. I suggest starting from your mission statement, and then look at your company goals and values. If those 3 things are consistent and made apparent on your website and social media sites, you have nothing to worry about. You won’t gain your customer’s trust if your facebook says one thing and your website says another. Consistency is key. AND don’t be afraid to take chances… what’s the worst that could happen? It doesn’t work? Oh well, pick yourself up and try your next crazy idea. Eventually something will work.
Above all, have fun
Social media is awesome because it allows you to communicate with your customers in a way no one has had the chance to before. Instant communication is one of twitter and facebook’s biggest appeal for businesses. It gives your customers a chance to see what your company is made of, and feel like they are connected on a more personal level. My motto isn’t “all work and no play” … I think it’s okay to break up the serious business talk with a little light hearted humor. I’m always more inclined to buy from or use a service from a company who has a good sense of humor.
Bottom line: do your homework, make some friends, have patience, be creative and live a little. If you follow those simple rules you should be booming in the social media world in no time!
Do you have a startup social media success story?
