Why its Time to Get Down to Business With Your Social Media Marketing

In 2008, you offered up plenty of excuses about why your business wasn’t connected with social media marketing. Common refrains heard from marketing departments around the country included: “I’m not convinced it works“, “Let’s just wait and see where this thing goes“, and the ever popular “Facebook? That’s where my teenage daughter hangs out when she’s supposed to be doing her homework!”

Well people, this is 2009 and it’s time for a fresh attitude when it comes to social media. Why? Let’s start with the most important reason: you’re probably already behind your competitors! An established presence on the top social media hubs is the likely reason why they’re ranking so well…and above you!

But we’re not here to wallow in the past. Instead, let’s take a look at some measures you can inject into your marketing plan that will help you catch up – and then lap the field.

Choose the right channels. You’ve got to make sure that your products and services are a good match for the social networking sites you choose. If you want to reach out to tech-heads and liberals, then go with Digg. If you want to reach people interested in personal health and fitness, go with Mixx. The examples go on and on, but finding the best matches is a key component of success.
Create ridiculously awesome content. We love Top 10 lists as much as the next guy, but if you want to take it to the next level, you’re going to need content that people haven’t seen before. Work with a marketing company that has some seriously creative content developers on board and turn them loose on issues relevant to your keywords and phrases.
Run some tests. There’s a food chain in the world of social networking sites and everyone has their place in the pecking order. In 2009 it’s a good idea to try out new material and strategies on some of the smaller, less-trafficked sites to see how everything goes. Once you’ve mastered the distribution and linking of information, you’ll be ready to move on to the big boys!
Build more trust. Transparency and honesty is priority ONE for companies that want to succeed in SMM. Don’t try and fool your potential customers and brand loyalists. You will be exposed! Instead be consistent and offer those who take the time to get to know you great products, great offers and a life-long relationship.

Make this your year in social media marketing. Find a great partner who understands the ins and outs of this ever-changing landscape and have at it! There are few online marketing methods that are more cost-effective and do as good a job at building your brand online.