Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Small Business Looks to Social Media w/Measurable Goals

With more people using more social media, discerning fact from fiction and fad and seem challenging. What does seem clear is this: Users habits are evolving with new communication methods. This is really nothing shocking. This has happened for centuries, as evidenced by the fact that this piece is not being written with a plume, or sent to you via carrier pigeon. So how do you build awareness for your business in this day and age?

For a growing number of businesses, the answer is the same as every other business category: set measurable goals. According to a poll performed by Techaisle.com of over 400 US businesses, 40% said they are adopting its use. Troubling though is that among the same 400, 45% expressed a hazy understanding of how best to use and measure. In order to tap in to these powerful resources as the awareness tools they can be, you need to first figure out what you want to do. Are you a direct to consumer business, or B2B? Is Facebook the best launch point, or are you trying to start a following AND discussion, like a Linked In group.

For some more insight, we recommend a quick look at articles like Mike Taylor’s at TechZone360.com or check in with a firm like OED’s Social media support, GotoGrlz. The brief amount of time you invest with with them will help you sort priorities, set goals, design and develop something that follows your brand, and get your buzz going. You never know who will Stumble upon you… but then again, Stumble’s a whole other thing!

Tell us what you're doing for your business now. Visit http://www.oedmembers.org/ for our small business survey.

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