There is a lot of debate about social media, much of it is of less use. Networking neophytes promote myths about how and why to use these networks. So here are Five Business-Related Myths about Social Media and Ways to tackle them.
The truth is that the answers to these questions are constantly changing because we are only beginning to grasp how to leverage social networks to unleash the Internet’s full power.
Here is a thorough guide to common social networking myths, each of which is supported by a specific action plan that you can implement right now.
Myth #1 Everyone has a social media account.
Experts will show you stunning figures about how social media brought a product to the attention of more than 80% of people. This is a scare tactic designed to get you to hire them. The truth is that social media isn’t on everyone’s radar today—at least not yet.
Action plan: Even if your target demographic is not on social media, you can make use of social engine optimization to harness the power of the Web.
Myth #2 Social news platforms such as Digg, Stumbleupon, and Reddit are no longer active.
These sites don’t get the same amount of coverage in the mainstream media, unlike Facebook and Twitter. However, Digg, Stumbleupon, and Reddit are still great at promoting viral content. Some of the most popular content on Facebook and Twitter is first uploaded to these social news platforms.
Action plan: You must first associate yourself with other users before you can use social news platforms. Create an account on popular websites like the ones mentioned above and share your views on the posts of other users of that website. This will give you a start.
Myth #3 It’s impossible to handle everything in-house.
Consultants make it look that social media campaigns are the result of mysterious codes and software systems. Why would you employ them if they teach you how to do a lot of it yourself?
Action plan: Search your keywords on your web browser. Study the websites you find. Post a question to the forum or article, and use the responses to create useful content for that community. Link not just to your website, but also to sites of the people or entities who inspired your posts.
Myth #4 You have to spend hours on Twitter every day.
Thousands of Tweets can start a great conversation with hundreds of people, but it’s unlikely that your bank balance will grow as a result of your efforts. You’re capable of more.
Action plan: Send a message to your clients, Facebook friends, Twitter followers, email subscribers, and anybody else interested in content related to your business to invite them to participate in a weekly Twitter conversation. Prepare a series of effective tweets to use with your hashtag throughout the conversation. End the Twitter chat with a sense of urgency, such as persuading people to sign up for your email newsletter or visit your store or website to test out a product or service you mentioned during the discussion.
Myth #5 Social media is nothing more than a broadcast medium.
Social media appears to be a cheap and strong marketing weapon at first glance. It is, but don’t be shocked if sending messages in one direction barely generates a trickle of traffic. The trick is to engage individuals and keep them engaged.
Action plan: Lottery and prizes have been a fantastic lure for consumers since the start of retail. Make a niche-specific marketing campaign. If you own a bakery, you could conduct a contest for free personalized birthday cakes that participants must enter on your Facebook page. Voila! You’ve not only attracted more consumers, but you’ve also created an instant focus group to test your products.
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