There are, however, some social media mistakes which businesses must avoid. Remember that speaking through Facebook is not the same as speaking personally with anybody - the goal might be similar, but the ways to get it done are different.
So what are some of the things to avoid doing when marketing via the social media platforms? Here are a few.
Asking for assistance from your network and then never saying "thank you" after they have helped you. Part of basic courtesy is expressing gratitude after being done a favour. Have you ever come across those Facebook requests asking that you vote for something, or those that request that you "like" back their page?
After doing so, do you notice them thanking you? If actually saying "thank you" to each and every answered favour is too much, maybe it's not too difficult to at least send a general gratitude message to everyone. Remember that you are not a robot, and you are not talking to androids.
The people who take time out to read your page are humans, and they have feelings. They know right from wrong. Another good way to really express gratitude is to return the favour, should they need it in the future. An attitude of gratitude will really help you achieve your goals. Take note - the only time you may forget to say thank you may be the only chance your network will help you. It may very well be your last chance, too.
Asking for leads and referrals, yet never reciprocating. Again - another instance when paying forward does you wonders. When you ask someone to give you leads, does the entire online business relationship end there? Sooner or later, the person who gave you leads will ask for leads themself - especially if you two are not in the same line of business. It never hurts to help out others also, because that might be the start of a good and mutually-beneficial social media teamwork. You are both busy people, and it does take time to help out another, so be grateful for all the help you get - and reciprocate!
Talking one-way. Reality check - even if you do not see the person you are conversing with, you must realize that there is a face (mind and heart also) behind the monitor.
You may be speaking through a computer, but you are speaking to people. Some companies make the mistake of preaching to fans or announcing news as though they are talking to possible clients through a television or print ad. There is a reason why it's called "social media" - it's because the main purpose of the platform is to interact with fans, followers or friends.
You build a community of people and other businesses which have similar likes. You value everyone's comments and opinions, and must never be offended or feel disrespected when someone disagrees with your post. Sure, you can do this on a personal Facebook account, but certainly not on a business Facebook account. It must be noted that the more opinions you receive, the greater the chances to get feedback which may turn out to be beneficial for the improvement of your business.
It's like hearing it from advisers or consultants. While we're at it, we might as well point out that you can never really tell what sort of people you are speaking with - some of them may be captains of the industry under the guise of a fan name. Some may be parading as supposedly experts. So to be safe, always maintain an equal degree of respect for your social media contacts.
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Michael Griffiths is the CEO and Founder of My Small Business Marketing Guru. Helping small business owners generate more leads, clients and increase profits with relationship based marketing strategies. We invite you to get your free black mask marketing resources to help you business grow today, when you visit http://www.mysmallbusinessmarketingguru.com.au
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