Social Media for Business: Where to start?

Author: Matt

24 Oct

Despite leading workshops entitled “Twitter 101″ I can’t help but get concerned that too many businesses are getting caught up in the tools of social media. Instead shouldn’t we be focusing on developing the right mentalities enabling us to effectively communicate across the social communities that exist today and are yet to come?

Nonetheless, there is still a need to advise businesses on the platforms necessary to help them best connect with their targeted audiences. As a result, we’re asking you this poll question:

We realize that every business has different needs so we know we are generalizing with this question. It really depends on what your social strategy is and who you are looking to reach. In general, we’re curious to know which platform you recommend the most to businesses looking to get involved. Anxious to hear your thoughts on this topic!

Filed under: Social Media

7 Responses for "Social Media for Business: Where to start?"

Ari Herzog October 24th, 2009 at 12:59 pm 1
I vote Yelp.
Matt October 24th, 2009 at 7:47 pm 2
Good call, Ari. Yelp is a awesome site for local consumer-focused businesses. What about for b2b and non-geographic specific businesses? I would love your thoughts on selecting Yelp. Thanks!
Amber October 25th, 2009 at 8:20 am 3
Social Bookmarking has been very beneficial for my B2B clients. It gives them certain SEO benefits, increases their PR syndication and gives them full control of their online reputation; while not requiring too much time and effort from the client. Typically with social bookmarks (like Digg or Delicious) the material has already been approved so it is not required to go through all the approval and legal rigamarole that typically hinders a social media campaign with business (especially B2B companies)
John Higgins October 25th, 2009 at 8:20 am 4
I went for Twitter because this is growing at such a rate and is regularly mentioned in the news and this means it remains popular. Also, you can intermingle using Twitter with your blog and many people use something like wordpress for their business already.

My own feeling is that you should only fight on as many fronts as you can handle. Do not spread yourself too thin or you will achieve very little. Choose one network at a time and then read a really good book about how you can take advantage of it for your business.
Michelle Fitzgerald October 25th, 2009 at 1:21 pm 5
I also advise not to overlook Yelp, or any local directory with UGC content (e.g. Y! Local, CitySearch, etc). Though Twitter is valuable for attracting a “following”, it doesn’t allow the same “to buy or not to buy” interface as does a local search directory. Read more on this topic @get_scrappy. Coming out November 16th – a small business owner’s guide to marketing on less.
Matt October 25th, 2009 at 4:48 pm 6
I like the comments on Yelp and other local directories as they allow consumers to comment openly about their business without getting in the way of this feedback.

Amber – I’d love to learn more about how you are using social bookmarking for your clients…when you have time:).

John – I couldn’t agree with you more about spreading yourself too thin – I’ve seen this happen A LOT! Also like your comment about Twitter & Blog usage…very true.

Michelle – I look forward to your small biz owner’s guide to marketing on less – can you email it to me when it comes out? matt@pipelinemediarelations.com.

Thanks for answering the poll question and for your contribution to the conversation!
Daniel Lieberman October 26th, 2009 at 7:43 pm 7
I agree that different situations need different channels. I think most businesses will benefit from blogging+facebook fan pages+twitter if they are serious about providing real value through those channels. Yelp is huge; every business should be there and should be doing what it take to get good comments…mostly providing a good customer experience and giving good value.