Is Social Media Really Worth It?
Social media is all the craze. Not only do we hear about how you need to be on it but I can’t count the number of people that have jumped on the Social media bandwagon just because they think they can make a quick buck.
So is it really worth it all? It’s time consuming. Many people still don’t really get it. There’s new sites popping up almost every day. How do you keep track of it all? And most importantly, is it actually a good use of your time?
Well, here’s the deal. It is worth the time IF you do it right. Here’s a few tips that will make your social media marketing a great tool to add to your marketing mix.
Go in to it with the right mindset
Social Media isn’t about blasting out all your latest specials and promotions. Think about a carnival barker. They are loud and annoying and usually the only reason you end up playing is because your daughter or girlfriend wants that really cool over sized Scoobie Doo stuffed animal.
Not because you were actually convinced by the staff.
You need to think about Social Media Marketing the same way. You need to have a conversation. Not just bark out your latest wares. Share great information. Build relationships.
Everyone is NOT your target
The size of your list is not what is important. It’s your relationship with a responsive list. You want people that love what you have to say. Not people that are just on your list so they can say they have 10,000 friends!
Don’t use auto follower tools. Don’t try to game the system. Don’t connect with everyone you see just because they are on Facebook. Are they actually someone that is interested or at least might be interested in your product? Are they someone that you could build a good relationship with?
Those are the people to work on.
Limit your time
Some people spend hours every day on Social Media sites. Are they actually effective though? Most of the time, nope!
You need to limit your time. Set up an egg timer. Be as active as you can in a short amount of time. Are you going to miss some things? Yes! Could you do more? Of course. But, is it actually going to be that much more effective for you? Most likely not.
Automate As Much As Possible
Schedule out your posts. Nothing says that you have to be in front of Twitter 24/7. Spend one hour once a week to build out a campaign of things you want to talk about throughout the week.
Fill in the rest of your time with direct connection, responses to people’s comments, etc. But get a bunch of stuff in a system that will allow you to focus on the more important stuff in your daily tasks.
Social Media is a great tool to help market your business but remember it is just a tool. Also keep in mind the first word “Social”. You can’t expect to get great results if you aren’t social and don’t build relationships with the people on your list.
Are you new to Social Media Marketing and want to know how to get started quickly and easily? Check out my free Quickstart Guide “Twitter For Business” and I’ll show you some great tools to help get you started with one of the easiest Social Media tools out there. Visit http://mybusinessmarketingmentor.com/twitterbusiness and download your free guide today!
About The Author:
Ely Delaney is a dad, author, speaker, marketing consultant and Founder/CEO of Your Marketing University. His goal is to teach marketing in a simple easy to understand format that businesses can use to help gain marketing ideas & market their businesses to boost sales.
Are you marketing in sequence? Are you following a strategy or focusing on tactics? Claim your copy of my free “Small Business Marketing Roadmap Report” to find out.
2 Responses to “Is Social Media Really Worth It?”
Lisa Raymond
Great post, Ely! Thanks for the nifty reminders of how we should be working the social media, and I know you’ve only begun to scratch the surface. Question: for a business not on social media but just surviving, do you recommend jumping on the social media to survive or save the business?
Sounds also like one should have a separate marketing plan for just social media! Do you recommend adopting an actual “company SM rule”, even for the solepreneur?
Ely
Lisa,
Thanks for the great questions!
Here’s my thoughts. If a business is struggling, I wouldn’t count on Social Media being the silver bullet that will save the day. It could be but it usually takes tie to get it rolling and make it effective.
That is why I recommend limiting your time and being very focused on your SM actions.
Second. As for a separate Social Media Plan.. It should be part of your overall plan. I think of social media as just one piece of your overall marketing mix. You need to have all your marketing working together so I don’t really think a “separate” plan is in order. It’s should all be part of a bigger plan.
As for company rules, the general rule should cover it. It you will look like an idiot, irritate your potential customers, or if it is something that you wouldn’t say in front of your grandmother… don’t do it!
I know most of the time that doesn’t quite cover it with big companies but I think that many big companies tie their employee’s hands and it hurts them in the long run.
Remember, it’s about relationships and conversations. That should always be the basis of everything you do.
Hope this is useful.
Cheers!
Ely