Lots of small businesses and entrepreneurs (solopreneurs) tell me they want to start using social media.
“To get more customers.”
“To build my business so I can make more money.”
“To build my brand.”
Except they don’t say those things to me . . . ever. They just say they want to start with social media. And then when I ask them why, they don’t quite know.
If you want to succeed with social media, you’ve got to know more than that you just want to try it. You’ve got to have a really good reason (any of those listed above will do just fine, by the way) for getting into this. For one thing, if you’re DIY the social media strategy for your business, you’ll need determination and commitment to keep going when things don’t appear to be “catching on.” If you’re having an employee handle your social media, you’ll need to give them a better reason than “We need to start doing this” when you hand them the keys to their new social media manager office.
1. To get more customers.
A very good reason to get on social media, especially consider the report that just came out today: 25% of baby boomers are now using social media. This number is astonishing to me. The Boomers represent huge buying power. If you sell to consumers (or even to other businesses), um, social media will definitely get you more customers.
2. To build my business so I can make more money.
Another great reason to start with social media. Studies show that over 60% of online buyers consult blogs BEFORE they buy and use the reviews they find in those blogs as way to determine if they should buy or not. That is really something to think about. Do you have a blog? Do you sell products? Do you pitch your products to bloggers? Seriously, think about this.
3. To build my brand.
Ah yes. The power of social media seems best suited to make overnight superstars of people who just yesterday were the idiots in line in front of your at Starbucks. Anyone . . . and I mean anyone . . . can make their fortune online using as little as social media. It’s a powerful brand builder.
Action Tip: Decide which one of these reasons you’ll use as you begin with social media. And stay tuned for some more interesting information (and a promotion!) on branding with social media.
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