Small business quick start guide for social media

 By this time you are probably excited about the community you will be building just by following these few steps.  So, go and tell some people!  Don't be shy! What is the point of have an online presence if no one knows about it. let customers and clients know that they can, now, keep abreast of the latest news about your business online. They'll love it! Many consumers prefer pulling up coupons on their phone, checking in at their favorite spots and entering contests online. Everything from commercials to shopping are online and now you can be too, no matter how big or small your business is! The Internet is the great equalizer. Go ahead and use it toy your advantage. Feel free to post your link in the comments area if you are going to be doing this, or ask questions or subscribe if you want more information on how you can use social media to your advantage.Sometimes people post spam or unrelated links on your page, just because they can. Social media is a great tool, but you have to be vigilent about monitering your profiles and pages. Since social media sites are open forums, sometimes people will abuse their right to post. Don't let that deter you from venturing out, and don't be afraid to delete inappropriate and unrelated comments and links to tidy your page. Think or these spaces as an extension or your brick and mortar headquarters, you wouldn't let just anyone come in and vandalize your business or bother your customers and clients with information they don't need, or want. Don't let it happen online either! If there are repeat offenders you can ask they to stop or simply block the, from your page. Your followers (read existing and potential customers) will be happy that there is nothing distracting them from what they really came for, YOU!While you are there updating, you may notice a question or comment that needs (they all do!) to be addressed.  Do it! It is always a good idea to visit your online profiles regularly to see if anyone has sent a private or public message about your products and services. Companies, big and small, can greatly improve customer satisfaction by addressing the comments and concerns on their online profiles and forums. Customers become loyal to brands when they know the brand cares about their input, so make sure that you reach out to followers and fans when they have good and bad reviews. Remember to put your best foot forward and respond in a timely fashion. Consumers are more likely to give you a try if they see that you value the opinions of your customers and work to provide the best products and services by taking consumer input into consideration.View the list »
 It seems simple, but there are countless small business pages that sit, dusty, online waiting for the latest news! It's not rocket science. You can post current promotions, new services, contests, or even pose questions to the people who are using your products and services. You're page is a great place to gauge how you're doing as a business and show the world what you're all about. Share what you bring to the industry or market. Be creative, have fun, and above all else, be consistent. It's fine to start slow. Start of posting  three to five times a week and make sure the information that you're posting is interesting and valuable to your followers. You also want to make sure that what you're posting is related to your brand. If you are a lawn care service, reserve the pictures or your cat for your personal page. (Unless your cat is your mascot; in which case, carry on!)

Social Media newsletter

Setting your business apart from the rest in a big city like Detroit can be a challenge. That is why now, more than ever, is the time to use social media to your advantage. The world is growing more and more connected, so don't miss this opportunity to get connected right! Are you new to the world of social media? Well you have come to the right place. While this is not an end all guide to everything there is to know about the inner workings of every social networking site in the world, this will get you started on the right track to make a huge difference in the way you market your brand! So, just sit back, relax and stop being afraid of what is possibly the biggest news to come across your desk (big or small) in a while.

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You recognize the words Facebook and Twitter, right? If not, that is OK. Getting set up on either of the these sites is easy! But if you don't know how to get set up, try starting here. Before you get set up though, you need to really understand the importance of social media marketing being done right. Just having a profile on Facebook or Twitter is not going to do much of anything for you. Having a Facebook or Twitter profile as the bases of your online (two sided) communication community, will do a lot for you and your business! When you set up a Facebook Fan Page, for instance, it is best used to interact with existing and potential customers online, post promotions and contests, and provide another avenue for excellent customer service. In order for social media to work for you, you have to work your social media. Here are some simple ways to do that:

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  •  It seems simple, but there are countless small business pages that sit, dusty, online waiting for the latest news! It's not rocket science. You can post current promotions, new services, contests, or even pose questions to the people who are using your products and services. You're page is a great place to gauge how you're doing as a business and show the world what you're all about. Share what you bring to the industry or market. Be creative, have fun, and above all else, be consistent. It's fine to start slow. Start of posting  three to five times a week and make sure the information that you're posting is interesting and valuable to your followers. You also want to make sure that what you're posting is related to your brand. If you are a lawn care service, reserve the pictures or your cat for your personal page. (Unless your cat is your mascot; in which case, carry on!)
  • While you are there updating, you may notice a question or comment that needs (they all do!) to be addressed.  Do it! It is always a good idea to visit your online profiles regularly to see if anyone has sent a private or public message about your products and services. Companies, big and small, can greatly improve customer satisfaction by addressing the comments and concerns on their online profiles and forums. Customers become loyal to brands when they know the brand cares about their input, so make sure that you reach out to followers and fans when they have good and bad reviews. Remember to put your best foot forward and respond in a timely fashion. Consumers are more likely to give you a try if they see that you value the opinions of your customers and work to provide the best products and services by taking consumer input into consideration.
  • Sometimes people post spam or unrelated links on your page, just because they can. Social media is a great tool, but you have to be vigilent about monitering your profiles and pages. Since social media sites are open forums, sometimes people will abuse their right to post. Don't let that deter you from venturing out, and don't be afraid to delete inappropriate and unrelated comments and links to tidy your page. Think or these spaces as an extension or your brick and mortar headquarters, you wouldn't let just anyone come in and vandalize your business or bother your customers and clients with information they don't need, or want. Don't let it happen online either! If there are repeat offenders you can ask they to stop or simply block the, from your page. Your followers (read existing and potential customers) will be happy that there is nothing distracting them from what they really came for, YOU!
  •  By this time you are probably excited about the community you will be building just by following these few steps.  So, go and tell some people!  Don't be shy! What is the point of have an online presence if no one knows about it. let customers and clients know that they can, now, keep abreast of the latest news about your business online. They'll love it! Many consumers prefer pulling up coupons on their phone, checking in at their favorite spots and entering contests online. Everything from commercials to shopping are online and now you can be too, no matter how big or small your business is! The Internet is the great equalizer. Go ahead and use it toy your advantage. Feel free to post your link in the comments area if you are going to be doing this, or ask questions or subscribe if you want more information on how you can use social media to your advantage.
View the list
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, Detroit Social Media Examiner

Kimberly Carthage, Co-founder of KR Social Media Consulting, is a native of Detroit who loves technology. As a woman who has spent the better part of her life falling in love with gizmos and gadgets, she loves to share her opinion when given the chance. Her social media prowess has helped...

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