How NOT Blocking Employees from Social Networking Sites Can Save You Money On Marketing
Everybody in a management has given the “proper Internet use” speech. Employees are discouraged from using sites like Facebook, Twitter or YouTube on company time,. In turn they completely ignore the advice and make sure they have an extra window up so they can pretend to work without you noticing their game of Bejeweled.
Instead of trying to get them to avoid all social media while at work, go the other route. Give them free reign and then start utilizing the resource yourself. It starts with you within the company, and they spread the word. Just use these simple tips to get going.
Tip #1 – Get Your Company A Facebook Page
Having a regular Facebook page is a great way to connect with consumers. A good way to spread that page is to let your employees know it is on there in the first place. They will have two ways they can network. One is through listing you as their current employer. The second is by clicking 'Like' for regular updates.
Once they Like your page, it will be shown to their whole friends list. They will then get announcements from your page, which they can then share when there is exciting news.
Read: How To Dive Into the Social Media Marketing Jungle as a Small Business by Rana Shahbaz.
Tip #2 – Include Your Social Media Profile As Communication Standards
If your employees send out emails or give business cards, there will usually be a number, address and fax number, as well as an email address attached. This is a staple of the format, and one that has been used for years.
Why not add in a URL to a social media profile? It might be Facebook or Twitter, even LinkedIn. Maybe it is a blog that is run on your businesses behalf. Whatever the case, it is much more useful than a fax number. No one faxes anymore… who even has a fax machine now that email is mandatory?
Tip #3 – Keep Up To Date
Too many social networking pages just sit around and are occasionally updated with uninteresting information. Your profile should be maintained, even when there isn't news. You can post links or interesting pictures, even make jokes. Communicate with your employees and customers.
If you are worried about hiring someone just to maintain it, you can instead give the responsibility to employees themselves. Find out if someone wants to run it, or circle it around from one to the other. Maybe throw in a small bonus.
Tip #4 – Utilize “Events” Features
Is your business having some kind of sale? A customer appreciation day? An employee picnic? You can use the Events feature to plan it, send out invites and keep in contact with people planning to come. This event can then be shared from the employees to others, who might be interested in extending the offer to their friends list.
One great thing about this is that is someone RSVP's, it will show to their friends who can see it even if they don't get a specific invite.
Tip #5 – Enact Policies About Company Image
Of course, you don't want employees using their account to bash you. If you put rules in place about how they can refer to the company, making it clear that they are acting as representatives, it can alleviate that risk. But you have to have a clear cut, well explained policy on the issue.
Sit down with your staff and discuss this issue, so they understand the importance of maintaining a good image on the web.
Conclusion
Keeping yourself in the loop on social media is much better than trying (and ultimately failing) to keep your employees off of it. Instead, utilize the resource and make it work for your business. You can cut your marketing budget while still getting the same benefits. It is a win-win.
Related:
- Facebook Impressions for Pages – Give Your Fans What They Want (Caitlin Melvin)
- How Real Life Relationships Should Mimic Your Social Media Objectives (Keri Andino)
- The Introvert's Guide To Networking In The Real World (Unmana Datta)
Jessy is a social media junkie. She loves creating and collecting social media infographics.
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These are great ideas, I mean they are going to get on Facebook whether you want them to or not so why not put it to good use. Thanks!