subject: Vicki E. Wolfman Expert In Social Media Advertising Part 2 [print this page] Vicki E. Wolfman Expert In Social Media Advertising Part 2
Strategy 4: Local Social Networks
For a small business, local search can be a big win. Being visible to consumers looking for a business in their area is extremely important. Make sure your site is included in local business directories in order to help ensure that consumers find you when they need you. Sometimes finding that many sites can be difficult, however.
First, make sure you check your competitors. Where are they listed? Check their inbound links to check for business directories you can add yourself to. Also, make sure your business has been added to Google Maps, using the Local Business Center.
Take the time to include all the information you can and update any old news. For many consumers, this will be their first interaction with the business.
Strategy 5: Contests and Discounts
Building a community is only the first part of social marketing. Using that community to drive sales, propagate marketing, or crowdsource operations is the true power of social media. One way to excite the community is to collectively do something to create a contest or offer an exclusive discount (i.e., the contest can create competition between users). Not only does a contest build buzz organically but if contestants need to, for example, publish an article that gets the most comments in order to win, the contest itself becomes viral.
A good social media contest should include some sort of sharing or virality as a requirement for winning.
Discounts are also a great way to connect with your community. By giving exclusive coupons to your social community, you're rewarding and reminding them that you are not only a brand to engage with, but also to buy from.
