subject: 3 Top Tips to Make Your Social Marketing Work [print this page] 3 Top Tips to Make Your Social Marketing Work
So, you're a new coach starting out. You've listened to teleclasses given by the most successful people in the coaching industry, you've created a website and a blog, and you've set up your Twitter,LinkedInand Facebook accounts. Now what? Will new clients just magically appear?
Unfortunately, you and I both know that won't happen. Until they find you, they won't know just how terrific you are! So howdo they find you? Here are a few ways you can promote yourself on those social media sites.
1) Complete your profile. The entire idea of promoting yourself on the Internet is to create that know-like-trust factor with your potential clients. If you put your name, web address, and email address but nothing else, you take the risk of people losing interest and moving on. Yes, they may actually click through to your website, but odds are against it. You need to grab their attention and interest them in learning more about you. If they like what they learn about you, then they are much more likely to not only to visit your website and blog, but to sign up for your free gift and therefore your newsletter.
2) Post your picture with your profile. I know, I know, you don't care for the outfit you were wearing in this one, not the best hair day in that one, but rememberyou are your own worst critic! Have a friend or partner take a nice photo of you (if you can't afford to pay for a pro) and get that posted to every social media site and your website right away! Think of it this way: If you are looking for someone on the Internet to provide you a service, such as a VA, are you more comfortable hiring someone without seeing what they look like? Or does seeing their face help you connect with them and trust them? Your potential clients will feel the same about you.
3)Participate. Take time each day, even if it's a few minutes, to tweet (hint: HootSuite and Social Oomph allow you to set tweets up in advance). Comment on posts you see onFacebook(and friend people as appropriate). Join groups onLinkedIn and socialize with those in the groups by posting your thoughts and ideas and commenting on theirs. Don't be frightened. Everyone on these sites is not a social media pro. They aren't judging you. I wholeheartedly believe that posting comments, tips and ideas that are true to you and your values will draw the right type of client to you. Besides possibly gaining new clients, you'll create some fantastic friendships and alliances with these people!
Bonus Tip: Don't limit yourself to Twitter,FacebookandLinkedIn. They are called the Big 3 for a reason and you do need to participate on each of them regularly, but there are many other social networking sites where your niche is hanging out. You just need to go find them and follow these same three steps to promote yourself and your business!
