Do you do it online?

Social Media is sweeping the world with its slick interface, smart-phone apps,and with the promises of instant connectivity to people. In the context of business; that means connecting you with your customers and prospects.

But is social media really all it’s hyped up to be. Well – Yes, and No.

Marketing is all about planning and execution; and social media marketing (SMM) is just one part of a through marketing plan. Twitter nor FaceBook are the end-all of social media marketing, and they shouldn’t be the only methods you use.

In the online world, website presence is still king, but the way we use our websites have changed. Being listed #1 on Google is no longer the quest; it’s OK to just be listed on the first search-results page now. Why? Because social media has changed the online game – it’s not evolutionary, SMM is revolutionary; and it’s changing the way we conduct business, connect with customers and market for new ones!

From a marketing perspective, add to your website and social media channels (Twitter & FaceBook are channels) a strong community presence, paper media (fliers and handouts), listings on the right online directories, and you’ll be on the start of having a solid marketing campaign.

I imagine that you have heard that search engines now index social media sites, but what does this mean for you? Well, it means your Google business listing just got company. Activity on certain social media channels (ACG uses about eleven of them for our clients) could – if formatted correctly – show up on that Google search-results page in addition to your regular business website listing (you have a website right?). Your online search presence has just been multiplied!

Social Media Marketing is revolutionary; and it’s changing the way we conduct business, connect with customers and market for new ones

Think of the impact that could have on your prospects and customers. All the good things you’re doing in your community and in business would be there for them to see – without making a single click on your website link – it’s right in front of them. Consider it the online version of word-of-mouth advertising.

If you’re not connecting with your customers and prospects – your competition eventually will.