Some businesses are putting social media on the back burner. The world has undeniably changed and it continues to change at a rapid pace. I would contend that it is a bad idea to wait any longer.
So, today, I’m going to provide several things that can be setup in under 2 hours (and for a relatively small sum of money) that can get a business off the sidelines and into the game.
The Setup
Consider the last 5 years alone.
- We have seen internet usage skyrocket.
- We have seen mobile usage and app culture redefine what the internet actually is.
- We have seen the dramatic rise of smartphones and tablets.
- We have seen a steep increase in the number of blogs on the internet.
- We have seen the birth (and death) of a multitude of social networks.
- We have seen a rise in e-commerce at the same time as the slow demise of brick and mortar retail.
These are not just changes, these are trends. These trends show little signs of slowing down.
- Internet usage will continue to climb.
- Social tools will continue to become more and more a part of everyday life.
- More people will own an internet and app enabled mobile device…most likely several.
- Content will continue to be created at a staggering frequency.
The majority of people have embraced social media and whether or not each activity is directly ROI-related is irrelevant. The truth is that this is a shift in how we communicate and find information.
One can’t help but wonder when these businesses that are holding out on social will join the party?
Waiting for…
One of the things I’ve heard over and over is something that resembles “we’re going to wait until…” We talk to people all of the time, who seem to be waiting for the right amount of budget, the right set of circumstances, or perhaps a formalized invitation the Internet.
What’s funny is that this sort of hesitation does not exist in virtually every other area of business.
Even if a business has basic computing needs, or is a novice in technology, it doesn’t wait to get a computer.
Even if a business has no intention of cold calling, it doesn’t wait to get a phone.
Even if a business doesn’t sell products online it doesn’t hold out to get a website or email address.
You don’t have to make a big splash to get in the pool
So rather than waiting for perfect, here are a few things that any business can do to get into the game.
1. Get found for B2B.
If you’re in B2B, have each employee create a Linkedin Profile and start connecting to people (prospects, clients, friends, family, etc). Make sure to include a profile photo, a good headline, a 200-500 word summary, and at least 2 previous jobs in the work history. This should take about 2 hours. It’s a start.
If you need help, we can get you a dynamite profile for under $1000/person. Click here to contact us.
2. Do a little listening.
Setup Google Alerts for your company and your competitors. This will notify you of any new search results about your company and competitors. This should take 10-15 minutes.
Next go to Twitter search and type the name of your company, competitors, products names, or other relevant keywords. Now you know what’s being said.
3. Get found locally.
If you’re a local business, run a scan of your local web presence by going to Yext.com. This will tell you how you are represented across 50+ different local listing sites. If the results of the scan bother you, you can use Yext to fix it. We are a reseller and can give you a lower price than they offer…you’re welcome. Click here to contact us.
4. Lock down your username.
Go to Knowem.com and run a search for your company name. For $70 you can scoop up your username on the 25 most popular sites, for $349 you get 150 sites. Now no one else can claim it, so when you finally do “get in the game,” you’ll have the right, branded username.
5. Start writing.
Open up a word document and write something about your industry. This should be commentary about a recent trend, the answer to a frequently asked question, or a helpful tip for your prospect or client.
If you like it, publish it on your site. If you don’t, save it, come back another day and write another one.
Inertia
I’ve been told it takes 21 days to form a new habit. Companies that hold out on social are already in the habit of doing nothing. To change that, all it takes a small steps each day in a new direction.
Social is a communication channel. Social influences search. Social brings web traffic. Social should not be ignored.
Take a little step today and get in the game. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did. I started this blog in 2008 without a clue what I was doing, and the only thing I regret is not starting sooner.