This document discusses the importance of social media marketing for businesses. It notes that while awareness of social media is high, many businesses still lack knowledge about how to utilize these channels effectively. Some key points made include: - Social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter have hundreds of millions of members each and allow consumers to share opinions. - Having a social media presence can provide affordable marketing, viral sharing of messages, enhanced branding, and engagement with customers. - Businesses must educate themselves on best practices, protect their brand identity, and measure their social media activities.

1. Social Media Marketing-Are you prepared?

2. “While awareness of social media is high among small businesses, education is still needed. Nearly one-half of respondents wished they knew more about the channel, and some of the biggest obstacles to doing more with social networking included a lack of knowledge”. eMarketer Digital Intelligence December 2009

4. The consumer now has control over how they will express their opinion about your product or service.

7. Twitter has more than 55,000,000

8. LinkedIn has more than 65,000,000A fan of Coca Cola created a Facebook fan page that now has 4,000,000 fans. Coke has allowed the fan to manage the site. MacDonald’s has approx. 1,500,000 fans Dunkin’ Donuts- 1,000,000 fans Nike shoes- 1,750,000 fans M&M’s- 47,000 fans Starbucks- 5,000,000 fans

9. Why Does Your Company Need a Social Presence? Affordable Marketing- no need for a large budget Viral Nature- easy to share your message with friends Enhances Brand- build and enhance your online reputation Builds Credibility- consumer generated endorsements have more credibility than traditional advertising. Increases Traffic- a well planned and executed social media strategy will drive more traffic to your website. Engages Customers- connect with your customers and respond to their feedback in real-time.

11. ensure social media policies and guidelines are established

12. ensure your brand is protected and consistent

13. create a social presence and community

14. utilize social media in your PR campaigns

15. measure your social activities

16. monitor your online brand reputation

19. create company branded templates for a consistent look and feel across all marketing materials

20. a consistent look and feel for your social pages will give visitors consistent experience with your brand

22. How Long are You Going to Wait? Get started today on a plan to incorporate social media in your business- your competition already has!