How To Avoid The Social Media Marketing Headache

By Author: Charlie Cook
Total Articles: 1
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Does your head pound when you hear talk about marketing and all the social media sites like Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Google+? Are you completely confused about how many times you should post, when you should post, what you should post... and even what you shouldn't post?

Do you know how much time you should be spending on social media and how to use it to increase your profits? Social marketing doesn't have to bring on a Bayer aspirin moment. Really.

Look at the positive side of social media marketing. It's free, effective when used correctly and it's a great way to reach massive amounts of people with one click of a button. Your customers are already spending tons of time on these sites, so why not join them? If you don't, you can bet your competition will.

Not to worry that it all seems so complex. With just a little basic knowledge, you'll be on your way to creating a huge customer base, which will send your sales into orbit quicker than the space shuttle leaving the launch pad.

And, if you invest a little time up front to understand how to work with social media; it will ultimately result ...
... in more time for you to enjoy the things that you want to do. Maybe that means more golf, a weekend in the tropics, or a brand new Harley to tour around on. Small price to pay to have what you want in the end, right?

Don't believe it can be that simple?

Think about when you upgrade your cell contract and get a new phone. You get frustrated because it's unfamiliar technology and doing something as simple as making a phone call is enough to make you want to throw it against the wall.

But, the more time goes on the better you get, right? Before you know it, you are downloading apps, scheduling appointments and surfing the web without so much as a thought.

The same is true with social media. The more you use it, the more proficient you become.

There are only four key strategies that you need to remember to make social media marketing a breeze and start bringing in more than enough clients to do what you set out to do; run a successful and profitable business that supports a comfortable lifestyle and an enjoyable retirement.

They are:

Pick a username you can use across the board. Research whether your business or brand name is available in all the social media sites you plan to use. Using the same name will make it easier for your customer to find you no matter what social media platform they use. So if you are "Widget Master" on Google+, you also want to be "Widget Master" on Facebook.

Post at the best times. Learn what times of the day and week your target market is active in social media. Are you looking for the stay at home moms who will probably be online during the day when the kids are at school, or are you targeting young college students who tend to do their internet surfing later at night?

Provide your reader value.Whether you are writing in your blog, commenting on someone else's blog or posting in the social media outlets, remember that it's not about you. It's about your customer base, your target market. Provide them tips and tricks to help them solve their problems. Give them just enough information to make them want to go to your website to find out more.

Participate with others.What's the best way to get someone curious about you? Comment on something that they posted or share some of their content. Whether you answer a question in a group on LinkedIn, share a picture on Facebook or Retweet a quote on Twitter, people remember you better if they are actively involved with you. And, chances are good that they will take the time to check out who you are and return the favor.

Social media marketing doesn't have to be daunting. With a little practice, it gets a lot easier.

But, admittedly, it isn't for everyone. Want someone to take care of your social media marketing so that you can spend your time doing what you set out to do - run your business?

For twenty years Charlie has been providing marketing and management consulting services to Fortune 500 companies that include AETNA, AT&T, Cendant, GTE, and Pitney Bowes as well as mid-sized companies like Citizens Utilities and Hartford Steam Boiler, and publications that include Fortune, Hemispheres and Forbes and numerous small businesses. His marketing articles and marketing strategies have been widely published in both online and print publications including Business Week. He's the CEO of Marketing For Success and is co-founder of Clients Delievered with his partner Kevin St. Clergy. Want a website that all but guarantees that you’ll be joining the pros?