The Top 4: Social Media Roadmap

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Social Media Road Map

 

I rarely use maps anymore. With GPS and SIRI telling me where I need to go, the need is not there. However, when it comes to social media, many small business owners need someone to show them how to get started and what roads get you to where you need to go. On this journey, a little help goes a long way.

I hope your social media strategy has a focus on only 3 – 4 platforms. That’s a good number for most small businesses to effectively manage. With thousands of options, which ones are right for your business?

Based on research and client feedback, the following roadmap can be used as you navigate the social media pathways. Don’t be afraid of them – they can smell fear.

  • Facebook – With more than 1 Billion users (750 MM active), you should not ignore Facebook. It is great for B2C marketing. Use it for announcing events and directly connecting with clients. It’s also easy to display creative photos and videos. Industries: hair stylists, retailers, artist and photographers.
  • Twitter – Great for headlines of information. Use lists to view only tweets from certain industries (e.g. – churches). There are an abundance of programs to help you find groups of people with similar interests (Tweepz), narrow your search geographically (nearbytweets), perform a Twitter analysis (Twitalyzer) and receive alerts on specific Twitter topics (Twilert). Industries: All
  • LinkedIn – This is direct business to business (B2B) work. LinkedIn provides professional information on clients and businesses before you talk to them. Use it to find a job or as a marketing tool for an event. It is also a platform for collecting and displaying recommendations. Industries: education, law, engineering, accounting, business.
  • Google + – If you have a Gmail account, you have a Google + account. Use it to separate the people to whom you are sending your content – friends, family, clients or colleagues. “Circles” allows you give your groups only the information that interests them. Industries: business, professional, computer, retail, IT.
You can’t have your small business everywhere at once. Each platform has benefits and challenges. Try 3 – 4 and see if they generate the conversations you need with your clients. If they do not, pivot and find what works. Until you decide, think of it as a marketing experiment.

Scientifically Speaking, of course.

Next Week – The Next Step: Tech Transfer