This document provides information on using social media effectively for business purposes. It begins by explaining the benefits of social media for businesses, such as spending time rather than money, directly connecting with customers, and networking. It then discusses common mistakes marketers make, such as underestimating the time investment required. Specific social media platforms like Twitter, blogs, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube are explained. Steps are provided for developing a social media strategy and allocating time and resources. The document emphasizes developing a plan and monitoring results.
Savvy Social Media Smart Steps for Business Owners
1. SCORE Arlington Economic Development Savvy Use of Social Media for Business Owners Jeanne Rossomme, President jeanne@RoadMapMarketing.com www.RoadMapMarketing.com 202-257-0663
3. Copyright 2010 RoadMap Marketing Why Social Media is a great tool for you: Spend time rather than $ You already are your brand/business You already directly connect with customers Efficient way to network Access to larger companies, press, networks Democratic: based on client opinions rather than media spend * Social Media Marketing Industry Report March 2009
4. Copyright 2010 RoadMap Marketing Biggest Mistakes Marketers Make with Social Media: I must be behind! Everyone is doing it. 72% of marketers have either just started or have been using Social media for only a few months. They underestimate the investment. 64% of marketers are invested 5+ hours and 39% 10+ hours per week Those reported sales effects have been using Social Media for years and investing 16+ hours per week They overestimate the impact on sales. They have no clear objectives, goals or plan Social Media doesnât âgoâ anywhere Social Media Marketing Industry Report 2009
5. Copyright 2010 RoadMap Marketing Top 10 Social Media Marketing Questions* What are the best tactics to use? How do I measure effectiveness? Where do I start? How do I manage the social balance? What are the best sites and tools? How do I make the most of my time? How do I focus my efforts on my target audience? How do I convert my social media marketing efforts into tangible results? How do I cohesively tie different social media efforts together? Does social media marketing work, and if so, how effective is it? * Social Media Marketing Industry Report March 2009
6. Copyright 2010 RoadMap Marketing What will you leave with today? Social Media demystified You are the driver, not the latest tech trend How Social Media can help your business 5 Smart steps to start and be successful
9. Copyright 2010 RoadMap Marketing Commonly Used Social Media Tools http://namechk.com/- to see what names are available across other networks Social Media Industry Report 2009
53. Social Media is most effective at the top of the sales pipeline Target Market Top Of The Pipeline = Marketing Bottom Of The Pipeline = Sales Suspects Leads Prospect Customer 81% generated exposure for my business 52% helped us rise in search rankings 35% helped me close business 61% increased my traffic/subscribers/opt-in list 56% resulted in new business partnerships 48% generated qualified leads 45% reduced my overall marketing expense Social Media Industry Report 2009
54. Social Media Top Of The Pipeline = Marketing Bottom Of The Pipeline = Sales Target Market Suspects Leads Prospect Customer Monitor the market and competition Create offers to close more sales Attract suspects to your company/brand Build community: convert suspects to prospects Great Customer Service Test Product concepts Copyright 2010 RoadMap Marketing Raise awareness/exposure.
61. What to do: Your company name, Your name Your key competitors Key clients/prospects Thought leaders, Industry and other key words When to do it: Annual/Quarterly: Competitive review, trends Weekly: Competitive offers/products, Key client and prospect actions Daily: Mentions of your company and you Tools: Search.Twitter.com Google.com/alerts Technorati.com â blog search engine Copyright 2010 RoadMap Marketing Monitor the market and your competition
132. Find sources and qualify for financingCopyright 2010 RoadMap Marketing
133. Check Out Other Workshops Go to www.scoredc.org to find local workshop scheduled Whether you want to start or grow your business, SCORE workshops are a valuable way to learn more about doing business and a convenient forum for networking with other business professionals who can help you succeed. SCORE offers more than 6,500 local business workshops each year across the country. These low-cost seminars focus on important small business issues, ranging from business planning and marketing to Web-based retailing. Copyright 2010 RoadMap Marketing
134.
135. Sign up for our Monthly Toolkit with information and tools to help grow your Business