Posted by admin in 6 Social Media Myths
The open web is turning traditional systems such as publishing, music, television and film eschew. The hyper ability to network is enhancing the sales and marketing process for every type of business and industry. Still, there are many small business owners and real estate agents who don’t see the value in using social media for marketing their services. This is understandable. On first glance, social media may seem useless and mundane–for many this is the case. Not always. Those employing persistence, creativity, drive and intuition into their social media efforts can revolutionize their business and reach their target market like never before in the history of mankind.
This article is written to debunk the common myths believed about social media for marketing real estate or small businesses. If you have any other myths, questions or objections, please leave a comment in the comment section below this article.
1. Busy people do not have time for social media.
Social media is all the rage, and for good reason. It opens up networks in unprecedented ways. We can reach just about anyone and everyone through social media, be it through Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or Ning. Social media is a tool for connecting people, just like a phone, fax machine or email. Everyone with a computer will eventually be involved in the social media world, due to the communication efficiencies it provides. Those who don’t take time for logging into social media sites now are merely behind the curve; and will soon create accounts of their own. (Remember when email first started?)
2. My client is not on Facebook.
You would be surprised to learn that the demographics on Facebook are more diverse today than ever. Facebook is the number one photo sharing website in the world. Celebrating their 6th birthday in January 2010, the world’s favorite website boasted 400 Million active members, up over 1/2 from the year before. This number is astounding in the web world, and shows that there are more people interested in social media, and the numbers are still increasing. No longer just for teens, Facebook has seen a rise in the number of seniors and baby boomers.
Granted, some of your prospects may not be on Facebook, but they will be somewhere on the web, engaging in some capacity with the communication opportunities inherent to the open web. If you hire a good social media strategist, he or she will find your target market, just wait and see.
3. Social media can be done by anyone.
Social media is an art. The social marketing process combines a number of important skills and more than a little talent to get the job done effectively. Sure, your teen nephew can set-up your Facebook page, but there is more to it than that. A successful social media campaign requires that you:
- Build an audience;
- Brand yourself properly;
- Develop content strategies to add value to your network;
- Engage with your audience without offending through direct sales;
- Turn friends and fans into customers.
Social media requires expertise in the areas of sales, writing, web marketing, general marketing, branding and genuine human interaction. These skills are not found in your typical “techie.” You need a professional to kick-start your social media campaign and set a pattern for you and your staff members to later follow.
4. Social media sites will not sell my product and/or services.
Granted, you may not sell all your wares directly by posting them on Facebook or Twitter, but that’s not the point. The point of using social media to advertise your business product and services is to help you gain name recognition in your marketplace. We’re talking buzz. Networking online allows you to distribute positive information about your company to more people, for less money than ever before in the history of the world. Granted you may not sell one home directly from social media, but indirectly, your whole local area, your farm area can know who you are–and what you ate for dinner last night.
5. Social media is a waste of time.
I disagree! Social media is a relaxing activity that can be quite addicting. The process is fun, social and highly enjoyable if you know what you’re doing. Used effectively, social networking allows you to be social while advertising your products and services. Social media also enables you to listen to your target market and your clients, and get a front-row seat into what they are thinking and feeling. There is no better way to analyze market data than by becoming friends with your prospects. People will do business with those they know and they like, social media helps you to get to know your prospects. Waste of time? Think again. Facebook helps you sell and socialize at the same time–now that’s efficiency.
6. Social media content is worthless.
Granted, there is lots of noise on the most popular social media sites. Who really cares what John Smith ate for dinner? While much of the content doesn’t seem valuable, it’s actually solid gold. What better way to bond and connect with your target market than by discussing the best ways to cure a head cold, or commenting on their new baby girl? None! Social media sites like Facebook give you a front row seat into the lives of your prospects and they into yours. Such websites make you become friends with your target market, as together you share aspects of life from the tragic to the mundane.
We’ve Only Just Begun
Social media has valid uses for marketing that are so grand, we have only begun to envision the potential of its power. Now is the time to start marketing your business online, because things are not getting any easier, but more complex as they are building upon one another. Granted, our tools are getting better, technology is getting better, but that just means there is more for each of us to know.
Take time to educate yourself on web marketing and social media, and hire a trusted professional who can not only build your profiles, but consult with you on branding, web content, audience building and engagement. Contact dotJenna today at The Marketing Shop.com for a free consultation. 866-697-7638.
Can you think of any other Social Media Myths, or reasons why people won’t engage with new media online? I would love to hear your comments! Please post them in the comment section below. Thank you for reading!
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