Social Media and your Business

There are many ways to market a business. The question is, in the age of over-stimulation, how can you stand out? Many of us have tried conventional advertising methods such as the Yellow Pages, commercials, and print ads. These can be expensive, and they often do not provide a good return for the money or, in business terms, they have a poor ROI. That is not to say they are bad business strategies, but a more creative and broader marketing portfolio may be in order. I want to share three ideas that will only cost your organization the money for an initial set-up.

Using a Facebook page

Facebook is a great platform for a business. Many of my clients are unaware of the ways to promote a business with Facebook; there are many, and it is completely free! As a Facebook member, you have the option to create a Facebook page for your organization. Once set up, you can invite friends and advertise using the Facebook pay-per-click method. Every time you update your page with, for example, some pictures of a project, all of your company's Facebook friends can see it on their wall. They also have the opportunity to comment on it, which creates great dialogue and an opportunity to “soft” sell your organization's products or services. Most of all it creates “top of mind awareness,” which maintains consistent exposure for your business.

2. Using Twitter

I like to call Twitter the “Buzz” social network. What Twitter allows you to do is post a small “status,” such as, “We have just installed the windows for the new court house.” Alone, that does not seem like much, but when used in conjunction with your website and your Facebook page, it helps drive people to areas where they can read more. Think of Twitter as the “hook” to convey your message. The nice thing is you can “tweet” from your phone or computer. This again shows past and potential clients that your company is on the move, growing, and exciting. I think most will agree that a growing business is one that clients want to work with. One way to attract people to your business is to show them how you are growing.

3. SEO and Web design

SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. I have a friend, based in Minneapolis, who has a similar business to mine. He created a website, and with some patience and tweaking his website is on the first Google page for “Minneapolis Web Design.” Now he does not pay one dollar for advertising because that brings him all the business he can handle. Now that is effective marketing!

If you would like to use social networks and SEO to market your business in Thunder Bay, Toronto, Winnipeg, or anywhere in the world, please contact us at Design and Logic. We can help your organization succeed with online marketing! We look forward to talking with you.