So you want to do social media…
Let’s start with that statement. What do you mean by “doing” social media. Are you looking to engage with potential customers on a daily basis and build trust through conversation and lifestyle or do you just want to set up a facebook page for people to find? Have you searched for your customers through the various social media outlets? Do you even know the options available out there? The questions can tear apart the best of intentions… even to the greatest among us.
Let’s start from the top. What are you trying to achieve? …and don’t say more business. Do you want to find new business through twitter conversations or inform and generate buzz though YouTube videos? Maybe you’d prefer to show alternate product views on twitter and field comments. The options are endless but you have to start by deciding what level of engagement you want from your customers as well as what you’re willing to provide. Remember that social media is a two way street… hence the “social” aspect.
In a nutshell, I think your best bet is to decide whom you want to reach… write that down, no really. I’ll wait. Got it? Good. Next step, figure out where they hang out and how involved they are in their particular communities. Use tools like twitter search to search your brand or product then view conversations that include that brand or product. Try to match that level of engagement on that platform. Step three, engage in conversation. Do not spam. I repeat, DO NOT SPAM. If you want to mention a special you’ve got, make sure the people you’re talking to want to hear about it.
Finally, like a good golf swing, it’s all in the follow through. Follow up with those people you’ve built a relationship with. Nothing says thanks like a facebook/twitter shout out and thank you. Everyone on twitter loves to see their name in the “mentions” column on TweetDeck. Make it a habbit.
So there you have it. A quick run through on getting started. Needless to say, this is only one man’s opinion and it’s very high level. I accept no responsibility for your results… unless they’re good of course. Got any pointers you’d like to add? Post them below! Comments are cooler than mentions in my book.
