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Adding Social Media to the Business Marketing Mix; No Longer a Question of Why, but How?

by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator

  • Created: May 6, 2010, 8:03 am
  • Updated: February 11, 2011, 10:55 am
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2 comments

How does your business use social media in its marketing mix? If you use it to identify and attract new customers; then you are in the majority.

 

According to the latest

 

<p> </p>
<p>And while social media adoption is up, doubts do remain. Here are some of the other key findings of the *<a rel='>As with all marketing tools, social media fits differently into every compan's marketing strategy. While almost every business could benefit from a blog, not everyone needs to be active on Twitter all day long. If your target market is not active on social networks, then perhaps it is't the right fit with your marketing goals. For example, some, not all, B2B companies might find it hard to build a following on Facebook, but if you operate a consumer business, such as a restaurant or cupcake bakery, then Facebook is an excellent way to reach and engage with potential customers eager for information about menu updates, special offers, and events.

<p> </p>
<p>And while social media adoption is up, doubts do remain. Here are some of the other key findings of the *<a rel='>

<p> </p>
<p>And while social media adoption is up, doubts do remain. Here are some of the other key findings of the *<a rel='>And while Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn represent the most prolific social networking sites, whatever industry you are in, you can pretty much guarantee that, somewhere on the Web (from neighborhood online discussion boards to bloggers in your field of business), there is an opportunity to be where your customers are.

<p> </p>
<p>And while social media adoption is up, doubts do remain. Here are some of the other key findings of the *<a rel='>

<p> </p>
<p>And while social media adoption is up, doubts do remain. Here are some of the other key findings of the *<a rel='>Here are a few articles that explain how you can use social media to elevate your brand, improve customer service and generate business:

<p> </p>
<p>And while social media adoption is up, doubts do remain. Here are some of the other key findings of the *<a rel='>

*Note: Hyperlink directs reader to non-government Web site.

About the Author

Caron_Beesley's Profile Picture
Caron Beesley is a small business owner, a writer, and marketing communications consultant. Caron works with the SBA.gov team to promote essential government resources that help entrepreneurs and small business owners start-up, grow and succeed. Follow Caron on Twitter: @caronbeesley
Tags: Community Blogs, Small Business Matters

Comments

thegatekeeper | Window Shopper | 1/4/2012 - 12:27 pm

This comment was removed from public view (Spam). Please review the Community Rules of Conduct for more information.

jpoczatek | Window Shopper | 4/8/2011 - 6:01 pm

The most essential aspect of social media that was left out in my&nbsp;opinion for small business is synching the twitter account to the facebook account. That way those who follow on twitter can clearly see that your business also is on facebook and you should follow us there too. In this social media frenzy of a world we live in it&#39;s crucial to small businesses to get as much exposure as possible at the easiest convenience for the consumer. As far as twitter usage, I think that the most efficient way to utilize it is by posting promotions, deals, discounts...etc. Whereas facebook should be usage as more who we are, what we believe in page. On facebook you should post videos as well as photos of your business but remember to keep it professional. Lastly, LinkedIn should individually by all of your employees but in a fashion that promotes the Facebook and Twitter accounts as well as what your company is involved and why people should care. As a final thought, the absolute best things start up small businesses can do if they are not tech savvy is to hire unpaid interns for the summer who have the understanding and prior knowledge as to how twitter, facebook and LinkedIn work.

gfbglobal | Window Shopper | 1/10/2011 - 5:00 pm

It's crazy how big the social media craze has become. So many businesses are sending consumers to fan pages over traditional websites. My how the times have changed.