FOR SMALL BUSINESSSmall Business Development Center-SWTCC

11/3/14

FIRST UP….

YES, YOU NEED A BUSINESS PAGE

• Everybody has a Facebook Page…and you should, too.

GRANDMAS POPES PRESIDENTS

BUT WHY?

14%

86%

TRUSTAdvertising Peer Reviews

14% of People Trust Ads

VS

86% Who Trust Peer Reviews

Build a Page That Has Reviews of Your Service or Product, Along With Pictures

FACEBOOK IS GREAT BECAUSE…

• You can be a part of the conversation ABOUT your business

• Market directly to your target market, in a way they appreciate

• Build brand value & expertise

• People EXPECT to see you online!

SETTING GOALS FOR YOUR PAGE

• Before you begin to post, you should know:

1. What’s my business’ brand/message?

2. What value will I provide my visitors?

3. How will I build a relationship?

4. How will I LISTEN to conversations, POSITIVELY engage & OFFER support?

5. What will the posting schedule be?

REMEMBER…• WHAT you say AND HOW OFTEN you say it is equally important

• Regular, engaging posts grow interest and visitors

• Invite your real friends from your personal page and the public

• Search for your competitors….then “Like” their pages

• Follow for insights and popular posts in your industry

• Remind people to visit and Like your Facebook page EVERYWHERE!

• Put in your email signature, post around your business, on your website

• BE PATIENT!!!

• If you’re consistent and having engaging posts, your followers and Likes will grow

UP NEXT….

IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT LUNCH & SELFIES

WHAT IT IS ALL ABOUT

• Sharing Breaking & World News- often before your local news

• Building Expertise & Recognition

• Real Time Customer Service

TOP 3 REASONS TO USE TWITTER

1. PR & Networking

• Find Relevant PR Journalists

• Contact Publications & Journalists

• Networking

2. Customer Service & Support

• Consumers do research online before they buy

• Customers will share experiences (positive & negative) on Twitter & expect a response

3. Use “Favorites” as customer testimonials

TWITTER BEST PRACTICES

1. Share timely news.

2. Share useful information.

3. Tell followers what to do.

4. Use pictures in posts.

5. Share your passions.

6. Use hashtags strategically.

7. Thank your customers and fans.

FINALLY…..

PERSONAL BRAND BUILDING

• Linkedin is an excellent tool to build your personal brand by:

1. Creating a custom profile URL

2. Building a strategic network

3. Positioning yourself as a leader (write articles, post in strategic groups)

BEST PRACTICES FOR LINKEDIN• You MUST add a professional pic & name (no nicknames or goofy

pics)

• Be consistent with other online presences (use same pic across brands)

• Develop strong branding statement to represent you

• Remember LinkedIn is a professional site

• Connect with your target market, not just friends

• Provide value via personal site

• Connect Facebook & Twitter to create integrated marketing

QUESTIONS?

Dominique AndersonMarketing & Social Media Counselor

(901) 236-5298danderson@tsbdc.org