Social Media Marketing 101 | The Success Center

Social Media Marketing

Social Media 101

Social Media Marketing

Social media marketing has become the “buzz word” for internet marketers, entrepreneurs, and small business owners from around the world. If you fall for the hype, internet gurus will lead you to believe that you can get rich by blogging, sharing Twitter links, or advertising on Facebook. But, the truth is, you’ll only go so farwith this mind-set of “internet riches.”

What is social media marketing exactly?

Simply put, it’s one of the best ways to generate new leads for your business, get noticed online, build a marketing platform, and add sales to your bottom-line. However, it doesn’t plant a money-tree in your backyard like many “marketing mavens” would have you believe.

What are the benefits of social media marketing?

Maximized to its fullest business potential social media can be used to;

Position your business as a brand leader in its industry,
Grow a loyal following & community of your brand online, and
Boost sales through targeted advertising.

How can YOU get started marketing your business using social media?

There are many ways to build a following and profit from social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube. However, before joining those sites you should start a blog. Blogging for business can be your way of informing, educating, or inspiring your customers. It gives you the opportunity to share your story and build a web presence for your business.

Here are 5 of my best tips and advice for starting a blog and taking it to the next level;

1. 7 Keys to Blogging Success
2. How to Create an Editorial Calendar for Your Blog
3. 8 Magazine Strategies that add Value to Your Blog
4. Top 3 Reasons YOUR Business Needs a Self-Hosted WordPress Blog
5. HOW TO: Make a Mobile Version of Your Blog [iPad Too!]

Once you have your blog set-up and rocking, you’ll want to use Facebook, Twitter, and other social networks as marketing “outposts.” An outpost is a secondary position from your home base (which is your blog). The goal is to build a community across these sites, engage with them in new ways, and ultimately drive traffic back to your blog.

Here are 5 of my best tips and advice for maximizing social media & networks for your business;

1. The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Twitter Success
2. 7 Ways to Deliver Excellent Customer Service Using Twitter
3. The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Awesome Social Media Etiquette
4. 5 Tips on Managing Social Media for Entrepreneurs
5. The Barack Obama Guide to Social Media Marketing Success

Remember, social media marketing is an excellent way to build a marketing platform for your business online. It’s not to be confused with internet “get-rich-schemes” or wealth systems. Yes, some people do exploit social media in those ways to make money, but their success is temporary and never long-term.

I’d love to share more ways to maximize social media marketing for your business, so sign up for free updates from The Success Center to learn more.

- Rod Kirby, Editor-in-Chief, The Success Center