If the internet is the key to inviting people from around the world to check-out your business, then social networking would be like a wide-open door. What is a social networking?
Social networking is made up of groups of people who share a common interest. This commonality could be based on geographic location, religion, favorite movies, cooking, music or whatever; the list is endless.
In the past, a social network was made up of individuals who came together in a face-to-face meeting; like a chess club, bridge club, church social or any similar community gathering. Today’s social networks are migrating more and more toward the internet and online communication.
Online social networking communities can literally get you in touch with thousands of people with the click of a button. Some of the most popular social networking sites are: LinkedIn, Twitter, MySpace and Facebook. I would like to focus this entry on the use of MySpace to market yourself.
MySpace first started as a way for musicians and bands to promote their music online, but has since progressed to include every product and industry imaginable. It’s a fast paced environment where people get the opportunity to telling the world how fabulous they are.
Unfortunately, MySpace has become a turn-off to the many of its users who get bombarded daily with self-indulgent “Hey, Look at Me!” ads. However, I’ve discovered a few techniques to make people slow down, just long enough to take notice, before they zoom off to their next prospect.
Signing up for a MySpace account is rather painless and best of all - it’s FREE! The set-up instructions are plainly written and easy to understand. Now that you have successfully set-up a MySpace account, what do you do with it?
I suggest using a database like Microsoft Excel to keep track of all the “friends” that will be coming to your page. Use this database as sort of a “mailing-list”. In addition to the obvious information (name, company, etc.), you’ll want to keep a record of whether you have sent them a friend request or visa versa.
This will determine how you will respond. If a person has asked to be your friend, you will respond with a message welcoming them to your friends list. On the other hand, if someone has agreed to add you as a friend, then you will respond with a message thanking them for adding you to their list.
I suggest you send each and every one of your friends a personal greeting. Practice spending the first few minutes of each day answering Email and corresponding with “friends” (both old and new).
Create a text file (a template of sorts) with various pre-written greetings and responses, then simply copy and paste to save time. Keep in mind that canned responses do not work in every situation. At times you will want to tailor your responses to fit a unique situation. Take the time - it’s important!
When you come across a beautifully designed page, complement the person on their cool design. A personal touch is always welcomed, but be genuine. There are so many phonies out there - please don’t be another!
There are two ways to contact people on MySpace. One is by sending a message and the other is by posting a comment. A message is sent directly to the individual and is private. A comment, however, is for the whole world to see. Both are equally important.
Sending personal messages (short notes) to people allows you to build relationships. Try to always be complementary and let the people know you are truly interested in what they’re doing. This is not the time to persuade them to buy your product. Just introduce yourself and then follow up with a friendly message from time to time.
The comment section is where you can more effectively advertise your business, product or services. Some people allow comments to automatically post to their page and others hold the comments for approval. In your database, notate which people allow comments to automatically post and place an asterisk beside these names.
In the future
, you can launch an urgent advertising campaign by targeting these people first, as your comments will be posted immediately. It’s also a good idea to create an animated GIF. Don’t go overboard! Something subtle will do very nicely; just a little movement to draw the eye to what you have to say.
This will slow the viewers down enough to pay attention to what you have to say. It works! I have experienced a 150% improvement in viewer responses with an animated GIF over not having one. Can you make your ad stand out without being overbearing or obnoxious?
I’d really like to see what you come up with. Submit your GIFs here so we all can benefit from each other’s ideas.
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