Social Marketing Tips

Now that you understand exactly what social marketing is, let’s discuss a few of the ways you can use social networks to your advantage while formulating your marketing campaign.

First of all, I must start by noting that you really shouldn’t join a social networking site if your only purpose is going to be to promote your product or services. While you and I both know that you really want to use social networking sites for this purpose, most sites ban commercial behavior. You’re going to have to log into these sites regularly and – surprise surprise – act in a social manner.

One of the best ways to become social is to start your own group. Instead of attempting to post bulletins that everyone you have become friends with will see, try starting a group dedicated to your favorite niche subject. You’ll be able to start regular discussions and occasionally drop helpful hints and tips that will make your fellow group members more likely to click your links and visit your website later on. Groups will enable you to spend more time focusing on people you know are interested in your subject instead of spending time weeding out those that don’t care.

Next, you’re going to check the social network sites you are using to see if there is a classified section. Most social networking sites do not allow you to post commercial information within your own profile pages, but they will allow you to post advertisements in the classifieds. Social networking sites receive millions of visitors each day, so your ad is likely to gain a considerable amount of exposure.

Review the social networking site to see if they have any other special features you can use to advertise your website or business. Facebook, for example, has a Facebook Pages section that was designed to keep business profiles separate from personal profiles. Building a Facebook Pages profile for your website is an excellent way of promoting your business without breaking the rules set for personal profiles.

Each and every social networking site you review is going to have a different set of rules and regulations. It is incredibly important that you actually read the rules so that you can follow them to the letter. Breaking the rules regarding commercial vs. noncommercial ventures on a social networking site can result in your account being banned, which would be detrimental to the entire social marketing aspect of your campaign.

Social networking sites provide plenty of opportunity for you to drive traffic back to your site with social marketing. Even better is the fact that they give you the opportunity to socialize and have fun at the same time. Enjoy!

Happy Marketing!

Sean

Sean McPheat

Marketing Consultant - Internet Marketing Consultant - Sales Expert