Some tools are so reliable, I recommend them to every client. Here are the social media resources that I could not run my business without – nor should you!
If you have time for a bit of a read, here is my personal journey to embracing social media. I expect you’ll recognize a bit of yourself — strengths and hesitations — in this tale.
WordPress.com
All of the websites/blogs that I set up for clients use the WordPress.com platform. I choose WordPress.com for the many things it does that no other site delivers…
Constant Contact
My business jumps every time I send out a biweekly email via Constant Contact. I keep it short & sweet, with a catchy subject line and links to my website and blog. The fees are minimal; the reach is maximal. :)
Use it! If you need help setting up templates, a calendar, and a mailing list… Well, that’s why you know me. Here’s the complete CYNWORKS Constant Contact package.
Facebook Page
I see Facebook fan pages/business pages as more of a broadcast tool. People use Facebook as a passive way to intake information. Use photos. Post short and sweet messages. Use links. Be interactive! “Like” other people and other businesses. Remember, people want to know what’s in it for them. Give them that special ingredient, and you’ll gain traction in your social media.
Truthfully, Twitter took me a while to get. Then what I realized is, it’s a way to dig much deeper into the minds of people you admire. You want to find people who are active voices (blogging, tweeting) in your field. They’ll tweet when they post a new blog; they’ll tweet when they find a great resource. And trust me, if you start making Twitter a regular part of your learning and PR routine, you will find out about ideas, resources, clients, and ways to get more money and more exposure than you could possibly find using just Google, RSS Feeds > Google Reader, Facebook, and Linked In.
Rather than being hung up on who is following you, think of this tool as amazing access to people who you can learn from. People who might not take your phone call or answer your email are broadcasting their inspirations, likes, ideas, and dreams via Twitter. Use it!
Linked In
Linked In, which has over 80,000,000 users and is growing fastest in SF, NYC, and Seattle, offers some things that no other site offers. Let me list just a few:
- Contact information for people you are connected to, instantly available
- A way to display recommendations from your past clients and make it very real by showing who that person is
- Weekly updates that show the activities of your connections
- Groups that provide discussion forums (on practically any business topic!)
- Access to meeting NEW people via the Groups and discussions forums
In-Person Networking
There’s nothing like the energy you get when actually talking to people in person (call me!). I don’t care if you’re shy, busy, or overworked. Get out there! Do it. Every time gets easier, and connecting with people will make you feel good… energized… excited about your business. Do it.
