“According to Forrest Research, one-third of adults online are ‘conversationalists,’ posting to sites like Twitter and Facebook at least once per week”. This doesn’t even include those who only peruse these sites only and do not post any content. We shouldn’t get stuck on the question of whether these sites can be a useful tool, but rather how can we tap into this demographic of people who can help us expand our business. One of the biggest advantages of using a social networking site is how quickly information can be spread or become viral. As businesses mature and the market space becomes more populated, it is critical to continue to look for new and different ways to get your products and your brand more visible. A word of caution to keep in mind is that in as quickly as good information can spread, the reverse is also true. When we’ve had a bad experience as a consumer or have had a negative interaction with a company that experience can spread quickly with the click of a mouse.
A great example where a company has used a social networking site to further expand their brand and market space is a well known jewelry retailer. They utilize Facebook by setting up a “Fan Page” for their company. This gives them the ability to post sales on select products on a regular basis, which not only drives new business to their web site, but allows them to reach a potential new demographic. Go online and check out your favorite retailer’s web site to see how they may already be using one of these social networking tools.
LinkedIn is another social networking site. Their tag line is “Get the most from your professional network.” Some people view as the adult version of Facebook. This site allows you to stay in contact with past and present colleagues and classmates as well as look for new business or job opportunities. Another great feature is that it can also provide you with industry specific information and resources, as well as the ability to network with industry leaders. One possibly overlooked use for this site is that it has the potential to help drive top line revenue. Is there a company you have been courting that you really want as a customer but can’t seem to get in the door? Have you checked to see if any of your connections within LinkedIn or Facebook know anyone who works there? If so, why not reach out to them and to see if they would be willing to introduce you. What do you have to lose?
Does your business have a Fan page on Facebook? What are you waiting for? Create one now at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/create.php
If you are not registered on LinkedIn, you are missing out on a valuable networking tool. Register now at: http://www.linkedin.com/