Once you’ve established that you too should be represented at the party and trade fair that is online social networking and you’ve decided on and opened up the types of social netowrking accounts for business, you’ll have to become familiar and comfortable with using those accounts.
While some direction comes from answering the question “what is it that we want to achieve by posting to this social networking account”, there are some general “rules” of thumb you can practice.
Social Networking Content Check List
- I don’t promote myself or my company all the time; I’m not the annoying presence at a social gathering
- When I promote myself or my company it is almost passively, by being present in the discussion; I “sell” the same way I would during any other social event
- I re-share third party or other people’s information, links and promotions 9 times before I share my own promotional material once
- I provide value; I share interesting information without being argumentative or “in your face” about it
- I provide distraction; I share funny or remarkable stories without stooping to levels that don’t fit me or my company
- I’m responsive; when people address me, I respond
- I’m helpful; when I see people have a problem in my area of expertise, I help or suggest help
Be Pleasant
In short: be pleasant. Be the account that when your posting begins, others click on your links because you consistently provide a good time, be it through interesting stories or fun links.
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Don't join such accounts if your main purpose is just to sell. Start building relationships, provide quality information or links, build rapport and everything else will follow. Great article!
.-= Andrew @ Blogging Guide recently posted: Do NOT Buy Rapid Video Blogging Course =-.
Then again, the main reason most companies go social *is* to increase their sales. How do you suggest companies deal with that? How to strike a balance between providing value and making sure there is ROI?
It's kind of like being a customer service agent. You are representing your company while being helpful to the customers. The fine line between being too friendly and ending up not selling anything is something that requires more than common sense. I wonder how you'll go about it.
.-= Gabriella recently posted: The Josie Crib Bedding Set’s Modern Twist on Spring =-.
Good points, Gabriella.
Also, how does a company measure? Purely by sales figures?