Six Do's and Don'ts for Online Marketers
There are so many Do’s and Don’ts and the list could go on and on but these are what I feel are the most important to be conscious of when you are first starting out using social media for your online marketing efforts.
1. Do be prepared to put time and effort into your online marketing activities daily.
Keyword here is DAILY. If your a small business pla a minimum of 15 hours a week to support or have other resources to assist your online marketing efforts, if you can’t, you are not ready.
2. Do provide solutions to problems and address complaints openly online.
This is where you add significant value, especially when addressing complaints. First off, who doesn’t love drama or complaining? (I wish it weren’t so but then our reality stars wouldn’t be famous today) Don’t hide behind it, embrace it and realize that bad publicity can be good. If it is a mistake made on your behalf or you were wrong, own up to it. You will gain respect, appreciation and loyalty.
3. Do end each post with specific ‘Call To Action’.
Encourage readers to participate and engage with you otherwise they won’t. But remember to check for comments regularly and reply to expand the conversation and participation.
4. Do participate in other blogs and share in the conversations to gain exposure for new customers.
If you move to a new area you cannot expect to make new friends without stepping out and approaching others. This is why it is up to you to go find the communities and conversations and join in.
5. Don’t make it about you. It is not about YOU, it is about everyone else!
Do you have a friend that loves to talk about themself all the time, in any situation and with anyone? Annoying and frustrating right? Do you stop listening or give up trying to participate and share? Exactly what you don’t want to do online!
6. Do be creative with your headlines.
The more dramatic, direct or sensational the more it will be noticed. The best copywrighters read existing headlines to help get the creative juices flowing. Most of the time you can modify an existing one to fit your product or service. One I just saw today, “Why Most Conference Presentations Suck” How fantastic is that?
It all takes time, trust me, I am still working on #1, setting the time aside with proper planning to effectively support and participate. Don’t beat yourself up initially, you first have to crawl before you run.
Do you have a blog or are you participating in specific blogs? I would love to know and check you out!