Where to Hang Your Hat

Point #16 

Business owners often are confused by all the social media venues and wonder which social media marketing sites will bring them the best returns. They have to make decisions on how precious resources should be allocated.  There is no single “correct” answer; but, once you have clearly identified you ideal customer, there are clues.

For example: Millennials (the 26-35 crowd) rely almost exclusively on smartphones, iphones, and similar mobile tools to keep up with news, friends, and email.  Rarely will you see members of this crowd spending hours behind a PC and keyboard.  They are also more heavily engaged in sharing news using social media outlets such as Facebook. Tumblr is becoming a favorite hangout for this generation, as well.

Mock-up a Profile of Your Ideal Client

Do your research. Find out where they hang out: email, browsing the web, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or somewhere else?  Then, after choosing the best social media marketing sites for your audience, develop a highly-targeted campaign to attract more ideal customers using those channels.

Social media can extend your market to other communities, regions, and even globally.  The best part is that your social media friends spread the word for you.  There is no cost associated to create accounts and all it takes is your time to make them work for you.

Many of you may be uncomfortable “putting yourself out there” for public scrutiny.  You may be a private person and would prefer to keep your private life private.  I understand that. But . . . this is not really about you. I suppose in a way it is about you –  if you are establishing a personal brand as opposed to a corporate brand.  But, that is an even stronger reason to embrace social media marketing.  People buy from people they know, like, and trust.  Social media makes this happen quickly and essentially at no cost – at least when compared to traditional marketing platforms.

Action Steps

1. Identify your ideal client.
2. Find their preferred social media channel(s).
3. Establish your presence and develop a strong brand on the same channel(s)

Related posts:

Build Your Brand through Social Media – Branding #5 Business Models and Systems – Section III Interactivity Through Mobile and Website Authority or Influencer: Which Are You?