How To Do Social Media The Right Way: Best Social Media Practices To Follow

Recently I attended a webinar that was presented by Mari Smith and Michael Stelzner about companies using social media the right way. This article will share some of the lessons that can be learnt from companies that are having success with social media marketing.

Here are some stats to give you the context of why social media has become such an important marketing tool for businesses of any size.

According to the 2011 Social Media Marketing Industry Report, 73% of businesses plan to increase their use of Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and blogging in 2011.

There are currently more than 500 million active Facebook users. Nearly 25% of all online time is spent on social media. Even small businesses are investing heavily in social media.

When looking at companies that have successfully implemented social media marketing for their business, there are some recommended practices:

1.    Develop useful content. If content that is shared on your selected social media platforms is timely, relevant, educational, entertaining or engaging, it will draw in the customers that you serve.

2.    Profile your raving fans and let your fans tell the world about you.

3.    Make it easy for people to share your products.

4.    Create and build a social community. Don’t be afraid to let your customers be your sales force.

5.    Encourage customers to share their stories and make it easy for people to participate.

6.    Make involvement fun and exciting.

7.    Create special offers for fans or let your fans try your products for free, they might get hooked.

8.    Try Facebook ecommerce. Allow your fans to share your products with their Facebook friends.

These are examples of social media practices that are used by companies who are deriving benefits from using social media as part of their marketing mix. If you have started with social media, decide which of these practices are applicable to your business and go and implement them.

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