As a small business owner you don’t have the brand recognition of McDonalds or Dell…so how do you compete with this kind of brand advertising using social media as a platform?
Well, the single biggest advantage you have as a small business owner over the big boys is that you can utilise your local knowledge and presence in a way that they never can.
Think about it, Tesco might have a store in every town in the UK, but no matter how hard they try, they will always be seen as big national chain – which of course they are.
Below you’ll find my 4 top tips (followed by my golden rule) to getting the most from social media as a small business owner...
- Promote Local – You should as a matter of course promote your business via the big two social media platforms, which of course are Twitter and Facebook. Remember to stand out from the big boys and make your messages local. For example as an estate agent, you should not only promote your services, but perhaps more importantly talk about things that are going on in your local area, such as schools, shopping, events etc.
- Give customer value – First make sure you have clearly provided contact details for your business such as web addresses telephone numbers etc. Secondly give your potential customer an incentive to use you; for example offer discounts exclusively for Facebook fans or perhaps a special free gift for your Twitter followers.
- Be Up To Date – Nothing will turn a potential customer off if you have haven’t posted a blog or tweeted since the last time they looked. The more successful small businesses tweet or blog at least 2-3 times a week if not more. Be up to date and relevant.
- Be Competitive - Social Media is the new big thing and it is more than likely your competitors are using it too. Make sure you are ahead of the game. Find out which competitors are using social media and what they are doing – how are they growing their following, what are they offering etc. Then do it better!!
You must remember to be persistent and patient when developing a social media presence.
Remember social media is about forging, building and enhancing relationships; it’s not about selling continuously. Think of your social media strategy as if you were communicating with a friend, it’s about being there, helping, listening, building a relationship – both your prospects and customers will thank you for treating them in this way.
So what do I mean by thanks?
Well it doesn’t really matter…many will say nothing, some will drop you an email or perhaps a phone call…but then others will recommend you to friends or businesses and of course the chances are that these happy people will buy from you more regularly - despite the fact that you’ve barely been selling to them.
My Golden Rule to Social Media Success
Ok, here you have it, my golden rule for a highly rewarding social media strategy in your business is this…
80% of your social media messages should be help, advice, information and tips. The other 20% should be sales oriented, such as coupons, promotions and special events.
By following this golden rule and my top 4 tips in your business, you’ll almost certainly have a social media strategy that will knock the socks off of both your competitors and those big corporate boys!
Until next time. 
Incoming search terms:
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Most Large corporations can not break the social media barrier, others are doing extremely well with it. Mountain Dew is a perfect example of a company doing very well with social media.
For small businesses the increase in sales for their stores are doubling. By having “free” advertising they can stay relevant consistently with their consumers … See Morewhere with traditional advertising it was too cost prohibitive to do that. Creating your online presence with the right technology, quality content, consistency, and message can be tricky.
Once you have the right technology formula and online campaign strategy, you can track all of the results and see your sales grow exponentially. A lot of our clients can not believe how much in-store traffic and sales they have generated from social media campaigns. Most of them are quite simply, shocked that the consumers from social media quickly become loyal, consistent, repeat consumers.
Consistent communication with clients is the key to growing a strong customer base. Social media gives small businesses that ability.
It is very exciting to be a part of this and to help small businesses flourish, since they are the backbone of the country and economy.
Innovation is a wondrous piece of humanity.
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10 Social Media Secrets For Small Businesses
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Feeling the Google Love: But as one social-media expert notes, it's a dumb move for small businesses to ignore t…
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Most Large corporations can not break the social media barrier, others are doing extremely well with it. Mountain Dew is a perfect example of a company doing very well with social media.
For small businesses the increase in sales for their stores are doubling. By having “free” advertising they can stay relevant consistently with their consumers … See Morewhere with traditional advertising it was too cost prohibitive to do that. Creating your online presence with the right technology, quality content, consistency, and message can be tricky.
Once you have the right technology formula and online campaign strategy, you can track all of the results and see your sales grow exponentially. A lot of our clients can not believe how much in-store traffic and sales they have generated from social media campaigns. Most of them are quite simply, shocked that the consumers from social media quickly become loyal, consistent, repeat consumers.
Consistent communication with clients is the key to growing a strong customer base. Social media gives small businesses that ability.
It is very exciting to be a part of this and to help small businesses flourish, since they are the backbone of the U.S. country and economy.
Innovation is a wondrous piece of humanity.
[Reply]
Article: Does Social Media Marketing Make Sense for the Smallest Businesses?: Small businesses unsure about reac…
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I thought the panel was really good with a lot of great conversation. I've even been thinking, since last week, about social media for small businesses and social media for big corporations. It might be different strategies, depending on your company size. Something I want to explore with you in a week or so.
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127 million in the UK use social networks,yet small businesses don’t believe social media will work for 'em? Confused? I think so
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matt fiore Reply:
November 22nd, 2010 at 10:23 am
Barren, 127 million? I’m sure there’s only around 60 million people in the UK? No matter….you’re absolutely right…. that 99% of businesses don’t even stop and think about how they can use it to build their brand and sales. That will change
Thanks for the comment.
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