Social Networking 101 Part 4: Twitter

Welcome back to our fourth segment on Social Networking 101.

Here's a quick recap of last week's post:

• Twitter is commonly referred to as a "micro-blogging" (140 character max.)
  
• Learn the lingo by using sites such as Twitter 101
• Get versed on how to "tweet" and everything Twitter with twitip.com
• Customize/brand your Twitter page with your corporate colors/custom backgrounds
  
• Get familiar with the advanced search page to keep a pulse on potential business opportunities in your local area

Let's continue to discuss the basics of Twitter before we move onto the business applications of this social media tool.

How do I get people to follow me?

There are three important things to consider when you begin posting to your Twitter page. It's essential that you post in a timely and regular manner. Make sure the content you post is relevant to your audience. Lastly, grow and maintain an audience by providing them something of value.

It further expand:

Timely - Make sure your posting on a consistent basis. Don't forget to establish/define what timely means for your business. It's also important to make sure there's someone at your organization that can post and readily respond to inquires/comments/feedback. Everything's in real-time ... that's the beauty of social media!

Relevant - Post content that speaks to your audience, but feel free to occasionally diverge from the typical industry-related topics. This will help to keep the conversation light and fun. Social media is supposed to fun, right?

Value - Give your audience an incentive to follow you. This can be accomplished by providing useful how-to tips, thought provoking ideas, exclusive promotional offers, new product announcements, industry news/updates, etc. The possibilities are endless.

What should I consider posting?

Here are some good topic posts:

Post/comment on industry news and products via Google alerts
New products
New features on your website
Industry event promotions
Industry events you’re planning on attending
Press releases
Promote and leverage other social networking apps
Encourage participation
Announce new blog posts, articles and post open-ended questions
Post reminders about renewals, new newsletters, etc.
Post a URL to a micro-site to increase exposure of a particular campaign, product, etc.
Post exclusive deals/specials
Insert a link to a poll, ask viewers to post their opinions
Post job openings
Post upcoming local events or industry events
Provide live coverage at a trade show or event

Tip #1 -
I'd suggest you use Twitter's search function labeled "Find People" to see if any of your existing customers are already using Twitter. This is a great place to find new audience members. Start searching for people you're currently doing business with.

Tip #2 -
It's important to market your social media outlets! Here are some places to begin incorporating your new Twitter page.

• Website Home Page and Contact Us Page
  
• Corporate Blog, Facebook, LinkedIn
• Email Signature
• Business Cards
  
• Promotional Materials
• Direct Mail Pieces
• Email Marketing Pieces
• Invoices

Tip #3 -
Don't forget! Twitter can become a useful portal to connect with key business contacts that can potentially help you grow your business. Keep a pulse on potential business opportunities by following other businesses, industry leaders, and organizations.

1) Find industry groups and ‘follow’ key people within these groups
3) Perform searches by using general industry terms such as “signs”, “vehicle wraps”, “print”, etc.
4) Search for your local Chambers of Commerce
5) Search for local businesses in your area
6) Search for local retail associations
7) Search for industry associations
8) Search for local city planning groups
9) Search for your local community development groups
10) Search for shopping center groups

How do I use Twitter to connect with potential customers outside of the world of Twitter?

Your "tweets" can be leveraged to connect with customers searching on Google. Did you know Google's indexes your "tweets" and Twitter profile? You can essentially use your Twitter page to further expand your scope by reaching potential customers using Google to find the products they need to run their businesses.

First, you'll want to find the most popular search keywords on Google that are applicable to your business. Go to Google's Keyword Tool Box and begin your search. Find out what keywords these customers are querying to find the products you sell. Then, start incorporating these keywords into your "tweets" on a regular basis. Also, incorporate these top search keywords into your profile.

Your profile on Twitter is located on the right-hand side of the page. You can edit your profile by clicking the "Setting" text link, then the "Profile" button.

Next week:
Join us as we discuss the business applications of LinkedIn.

Remember:
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Social Networking 101 Part 3: Twitter

Welcome back to our third segment on Social Networking 101. To recap, last week we talked about where to find your Facebook audience. Let's be honest, it's not much of a networking tool if you don't have anyone following your business page. So, I provided helpful suggestions on where to look for potential audience members. I also listed useful places to look for other business pages and groups to 'Like" or join. It's just as important to utilize these tools to keep a pulse on key organizations, businesses and individuals in the industry. These could lead to new business or key networking opportunities for you!

This week we'll discuss the basic inner workings of Twitter. Let's get started!

I’m new to Twitter. How does this work?

Twitter is another social networking tool that's commonly referred to as "micro blogging". Unlike other applications Twitter has a maximum limit of 140 characters. This can make posting a little tricky, but there are tools and tricks available that can help.

Twitter is another real-time application that you can use to stay connected with your customers, organizations, and key leaders. Businesses commonly use Twitter to provide updates to their customers on the latest products, deals, industry updates, etc. But, don't forget to utilize this tool to search for potential business opportunities for yourself.

Tip #1 -
Go to the advanced search page (http://search.twitter.com/advanced). You can search for a particular topic in your geographical region such as #signs, #construction, #signage, #bid (construction), #cre (commercial real estate). With the advanced search option you can narrow your search down by date. Keep a pulse on possible business opportunities by periodically searching for activity in your local area.

Tip #2 -
There are lots of websites dedicated to help and educate beginners. Get versed on how to “tweet” by visiting twitip.com (www.twitip.com). This is a great site to help you learn the basics as well as the advanced features of Twitter. I’d highly suggest you take a moment and visit this site if you’re new to the world of Twitter.

Tip #3 -
Learn the Lingo (@username, RT, #)

Learn how to communicate to you audience by visiting Twitter’s 101 Page, (http://business.twitter.com/twitter101/learning).

I have a Twitter account, now what?

Customize - It’s important to make use of the customization tools available to create a Twitter page that’s representative of your company. First, upload a profile picture to your page. It’s easy to change/update your profile picture, simply go to the settings link located at the top of the page and then click on “Profile”.

Tip #4 -
You’ll need to resize your image to 73 x 73 px. Otherwise, your image will be cropped on your Twitter Home Page.

Next, start customizing your Twitter Page to reflect your band. Go to the settings link and click on the navigation tab labeled “Design”. You have the option to change the background image or change the design colors. Designing a custom background can be a bit tricky, but there are numerous sites out there that provide this service for free. (Check out the link below). Otherwise, you can create a personalized Twitter Page by simply customizing the design colors to mimic your brand.

Tip #5 -
Here’s a helpful link on how to create Twitter backgrounds from Mashable. It also contains useful websites that can help you design a customized background image for your Twitter Page http://mashable.com/2009/05/23/twitter-backgrounds/.

Next week:
We'll continue to discuss the basics of Twitter before we dive into the business applications of this social networking tool.

Did you know Twitter can be leveraged as business tool to connect to potential customers outside of the world of Twitter? Until next week...

Remember:
Building an online presence can be a time-consuming and often complicated process. When it’s done right though, the rewards can be great. Signsearch offers a line of Marketing Solution Products to help you boost your online presence without any of the hassle or time commitment. Visit our products page to learn more.

Social Networking 101 Part 2: Facebook

Welcome back to our second segment on Social Networking 101. Last week, I highlighted few 'essential' features for you to consider incorporating into your own Facebook business page. These features will help add some depth to your page by providing multiple outlets for you to expand your business and brand beyond the walls of Facebook.

So, you have a business page up and running. Now it's time for you to find people, business and organizations to 'like' you. You'll also want to find influential people, businesses and organizations to 'like' and 'friend'. It's equally as important for you to follow these key players in order to keep an eye on emerging trends and business/networking opportunities.


How do I get people to “Like” my business?

It’s important to remember that building viewership doesn’t happen overnight. It will require some time and a continual effort to build an audience. Here are some helpful suggestions on where to begin your search:

1) Use your email list to search for current customers by their email address

2) Find industry groups by preforming a simple search and ‘friend’ people within these groups

3) Perform searches by using general industry terms such as “signs”, “vehicle wraps”, “print”, etc.

4) Search for your local Chambers of Commerce and key members

5) Search for local businesses (retail, restaurants, bars, construction, etc.) in your area and owners

6) Search for local retail associations, construction associations, etc.

7) Search for industry associations (ISA, SGIA, etc.)

8) Search for local city planning groups

9) Search for industry publications (construction, retail, etc.)

What business pages and groups should I join?

Keep a pulse on the industry, emerging trends, and bidding opportunities by following key business pages and groups in the industry. Here are some ideas on where to start searching (and yes, some of these were mentioned above):

Shopping Center Groups
Local Business Networks
Industry Associations
Chambers of Commerce
Community Development Groups
Local Retail Associations
Restaurant Associations
Local city/county government
Local construction companies
City planning groups
International Sign Association
National Retail Federation
International Franchise Association

How will people find my business page?

You can use different tactics to increase your exposure and market your social networking sites to current and prospective customers. Consider sending an email to all current and potential customers with a special offer and inserting a blurb about joining/following you on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc.

Tip #1 - Make sure you website supports your social networking efforts. Place your Facebook, Twitter, blog, and YouTube icons in a visible spot on your Home Page. Ultimately, your website is the most important marketing tool you can invest in. Before you start connecting your website to your social networking applications take a moment and review your site from an end user-buyer perspective.

Is your website easy to navigate? Is it easy to find your contact information? Is it easy to find your services and products? Do you provide valuable and timely information? Is your website easy to read? Is your website interactive? Well organized?

Ultimately, when customers navigate to your website from Facebook or Twitter will they be able to easily find the information needed to make a business decision?

Next week:
Let's move beyond Facebook and migrate over to the world of Twitter. Twitter can be an intimidating force, but my goal to help you get more acclimated, familiar, and comfortable with using this tool. Until next week...

Remember:
Building an online presence can be a time-consuming and often complicated process. When it’s done right though, the rewards can be great. Signsearch offers a line of Marketing Solution Products to help you boost your online presence without any of the hassle or time commitment. Visit our products page to learn more.

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Social Networking 101 Part 1: Facebook

Welcome to our weekly segments on Social Networking 101. The goal of these segments is to provide useful information and valuable tips on social media to help you grow your business. Enjoy!

This week we're focusing on a few basic features to include in your Facebook business page. We decided to highlight these features because they were easy to incorporate, enhanced the user experience, and were all very customizable.


Consider the following before you start a business page:

When you create a new a business page there are two options: create a new account or use an existing account. If you have an existing account, what is it used for? If you consider it your personal account to connect with friends and family you may want to consider creating a professional account in conjunction with your business page. Use your professional account to connect with colleagues, clients, and industry professionals. It’s important to keep a distinction between your personal and professional accounts. Remember, the account associated with your business page is an extension of your company.

I signed up for a business page, what now?

Professional Account -
First, upload an image of yourself to give your profile an identity. Incorporate basic information on your company such as the location, hours of operation, your relationship to the company, and photos of your facility, business associates, projects, etc.

Remember -
Your account is “live” on the internet. Start adding information and fill out your profile right away. You don’t know when or who will stumble on your page. Make sure your first impression is a good one.

Business Page -
There are numerous applications you can incorporate into your business page to give it traction. Start with updating the basics of your business page. Upload your company logo and some basic information about your company. You may want to also add photos of employees, company gatherings, the facility, and current/past projects.

To further enhance your profile and give it more depth you may want to integrate a couple business applications to help you promote your company. Here are a few helpful applications to incorporate into your page.

1) Extended Info -
Create custom fields to help you organize and categorize information you wish to display to customers and industry professionals. With this application you can create as many categories as you want and you have the ability to hyperlink them to various web pages.

2) Simplaris Blogcast -
This application allows you to seamlessly integrate your blog into your Facebook profile. It’s simple to set up and will help increase your blog’s exposure.

3) Static FBML -
This is a great application that allows you to truly create a customized profile. Use HTML or FBML (Facebook Markup Language) to build advanced tabs into your profile. You don’t need extensive knowledge on HTML or FBML to get started with the basics (although it doesn’t hurt).

Tip #1 -
To incorporate a simple image and redirect to your Twitter page, follow these quick and easy steps. This is a great way to increase traffic to your Twitter page. (See Figure 1)

1) Perform a search for the Static FBML application and add the application to your business page.

2) Click on “edit” text link located on your business page directly under your company image.

3) Find the Static FBML application.

4) Click on the ‘edit’ text link.

5) Two fields will appear “Box Title” and “FBML”. Text entered in the “Box Title” will appear on the tab.

6) Insert the following text in to the “FBML” section.

You’ll want to insert your company’s Twitter URL and a different image path in the highlighted areas. You can use this HTML to insert all kinds of images with redirects to other websites.

Figure 1
Tip #2 -
Use the FBML application help to build your Fan Page audience. You’ll be able to make it easier for people to invite other industry professionals to”Join” your page. (See Figure 2)

To add a “Join Us!” tab follow these easy and quick steps:

1) Download another Static FBML application to your business page.

2) Click on “edit” text link located on your business page directly under your company image.

3) Find the Static FBML application.

4) Click on the ‘edit’ text link.

5) Two fields will appear “Box Title” and “FBML”. Text entered in the “Box Title” will appear on the tab.

6) Insert the following text into the “FBML” box.

method="post" type="Visual Communications Group" invite="true" content="Check out Visual Communications Group on Facebook!http://www.facebook.com/pages/Visual-Communications-Group/82221522195' ' label='Join' /> ">

Visual Communications Group!" rows="3" showborder="true" />

You’ll want to insert your Company Name and Facebook URL in the highlighted areas.

Figure 2

Tip #3 -
Visit Mashable (www.mashable.com) for tips and informative articles on everything that falls within the realm of social media. For more ideas on useful business application to incorporate into your page, click here.

Next week:
So, you've just incorporated these features to help engage prospective customers, now what?

You need to get people to 'like' your page. So, how do you get those people to your business page? What business pages should you 'like'? We'll discuss this topic in next week's post.

Building an online presence can be a time-consuming and often complicated process. When it’s done right though, the rewards can be great. Signsearch offers a line of Marketing Solution Products to help you boost your online presence without any of the hassle or time commitment. Visit our products page to learn more.

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