With all the buzz about social media, it’s no wonder more online marketers are looking to the world of Web 2.0 for comprehensive ecommerce solutions. While I’m the first to let others know about the power of social media marketing, I do have to give my readers a warning…
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Social media sites are tools – not magic wands!
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During my consultancy career, I’ve seen far too many skilled entrepreneurs put 100% of their faith in social media. They upload a Facebook fan page, start posting to Twitter and make connections on LinkedIn – and only giving a very short time, they are surprised when they don’t reap the kind of profits that other marketers seem to make on a constant basis.
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That’s because savvy online marketers know that social media sites are part of the bigger picture. When it comes to an online business, I like to think of an optimized site as the foundation, social media as the walls, and direct marketing as the roof. None of those components make a successful online business on their own, but together, they create a powerful recipe for success.
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So what’s my bottom line here?
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It’s simple, use social media for the powerful tools that they are, but don’t forget that they should only make up a part of your overall online strategy. By combining social media sites with other ecommerce marketing methods, you’ll be right at home among the marketers who are always boasting about their online profits!
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Now tell me what your thoughts are about social media and if you agree it is part of the bigger picture to your online business success?
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Wishing you a highly profitable and successful day!
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I have always had a hard time pulling all the value out of social media, in particular Facebook. You here all these people talking about how they provide value on the site and then the money just rolled in. But when you peel back the onion a bit you find that what they are really doing is paying for a PPC campaign. So, now I revampted my social media presence and branded all my sites in much the same way. Then I use them to syndicate the content that is on my blog. The traffic to my site is the value that I am looking for and its working very well for me.
Sounds like you have learned and put into place a good system that works Clint. I agree, some social sites can be challenging when finding ways to pull the value you want. For me, it’s been Google+, which I am still learning more on how I can utilize for my business and more important, for my connections and to attract more through that platform.
I am glad you stopped by to share your experience and the results you now experience. Look forward to you coming by again real soon.
Hi Lynn
You are soooooo right!! I have been watching this in worry for a while now and wondering how it got so out of skew! People DO put up their capture pages and social sites, and sit back and wait for some genie to pop out of a magic bottle and bring lots and lots of customers their way. We both know it does NOT work that way! It’s SOCIAL Media!! Aren’t we supposed to be social somewhere in this equation?
I love the way you pointed out that social media should only be the walls and e-commerce the roof! It can be a great foundation, but not the whole ball of wax. We always teach that the process is a series of exposures. The social media outlet would be stepping stone on that path of exposures, then a page, then maybe an email, then perhaps a skype call or phone call. When we connect our chances go up dramatically. Yes, some affiliate products are sold online without contact, but many require the personal touch. That’s the business lots of us network marketers are in. Social media is a great tool!!
Great article
Laura Morris
Laura Morris recently posted..The Comfort and Relief of “Mailbox Money” During a Life Crisis
I agree Laura it is a ‘social’ focus that many forget does take work. I like your analogy that it is a ‘series of exposures’ …. which hits the nail on the head. While social media is a wonderful tool, it is a tool that needs to be used consistently, properly and is the ‘stepping stone’ to gaining the results we want.
So much appreciate you stopping by today Laura and offering your tips and advice. A helpful reminder for everyone, especially those that might be struggling with social media strategies.
Good take Lynn, although these tool are powerful but it will not be more effective without human intervention.
Herbert recently posted..Why You Need a Mobile-Optimized Website For Your Business
So true Herbert, that human intervention is key. Too many want to hide behind the keyboard, but instead, social sites allow us to be visible which can provide many positive results for your business. Appreciate you stopping by today and sharing your thoughts!
Lynn Brown recently posted..Recognition Tweets Matter For Twitter Marketing Success
Hi Lynn, you are absolutely right, social media are very important for an online business but it should be just part of an online marketing strategy, and not everything. Actually without a proper site you cannot say that you have an online business, since you need medium where you need to have the absolute control and social media doesn’t offer this…
Kostas recently posted..How to Build Your Brand On Pinterest
That is a good point Kostas. Your site is the hub and when you are a serious business owner, you should have a self-hosted domain, meaning it is your piece of the cyberspace. But social sites, as Yvonne mentions, is our ‘leased property’.
So thank you for stopping by and sharing your advice here. This is all helpful tips!
Lynn Brown recently posted..Recognition Tweets Matter For Twitter Marketing Success
Great post, Lynn. Unfortunately many people forget that social media is only a part of the equation, and it’s a huge playing field that does not belong to them or us. When we engage in social media, we are on leased property. These efforts must be tied in with getting people back to our websites – blog and or landing/squeeze pages that we have control over and be able to build relationships with them.
Yvonne A Jones recently posted..Customer Service with Huge Smiles at Marriot Century Center, Atlanta
That is a great analogy Yvonne! Those social sites are letting us use their space …so it is important to make the best of that opportunity and as you say, getting people to visit our sites. Your advice is simply stated and an awesome reminder. Thank you so much Yvonne for stopping in and sharing your comments.
Lynn Brown recently posted..Recognition Tweets Matter For Twitter Marketing Success
I’m in tears. I thought social media was the new magic wand the other day or was it that you said balance your on line and off line connection. Great message as always Lynn – it is always about where your leads come from
Roberta Budvietas recently posted..Create a Manifesto to Succeed in a 21st Century Business
LOL! I love that Roberta, too funn!!
It always seems to go back to that ‘B’ word – balance is the key or maybe the ‘magic wand’ *wink* — thank you for your comments and reminding us about following our leads.
Hi Lynn,
Super important reminder here.
Tools are tools. The crafts person who uses the tools, determines how effective the tools are.
Content creation and making meaningful connections are A1 in most successful marketing campaigns. You receive value on the amount of value you bring to the market place, helping solve people’s problems, along with the strength of your connections.
Thanks for sharing your insight Lynn.
Ryan
Ryan Biddulph recently posted..5 Steps to Become a Cash Gifting Wizard
Well stated Ryan. I agree with your point, we are the ‘crafts person that determines how effective tools’ really are.
I have been reading more about how some see the future for social media and other aspects of online marketing on the horizon. Everything is pointing to content creation and it’s importance especially on how meaningful and valuable it is to your audience. Our audience is going to be a huge factor to our rankings.
Thank you Ryan for sharing your valuable advice!
Lynn Brown recently posted..Recognition Tweets Matter For Twitter Marketing Success