September 28th, 2009 Newsletter

Well, it is beginning to feel a bit like fall outside. The leaves are turning and the mornings are getting crisp.

This newsletter is the result of a client meeting that I had last week with a new client - Cary from Sounds Unlimited. More and more of our clients are starting to ask about Social Networking and the benefits for their business. I have mentioned the use of Social Networking to help drive traffic to your website in previous newsletters but I realize that many of you need more information on this subject.

So, here it goes:

Should You Use Social Media to Promote Your Site?

I recently watched a YouTube video titled Did You Know 4.0. The premise behind the video is related to the use of technology in education, but at one point in the video there is a reference to US (sorry for the American reference) campaign fundraising in the last presidential election. It states that:

"In February 2008, John McCain raised $11 million for his U.S. presidential bid by attending fundraisers. That same month, Barack Obama attended no fundraisers. He chose instead to leverage online social networks and raised $55 million in the same 29 days."

I couldn't believe these numbers and actually had to check the sources that they cited at the end of the presentation (both numbers were taken from the reported campaign documents). But what does that mean "leveraged online social networks"? Well, what it means is that he used his friends and people who are interested in what he is doing to help generate donations for his campaign. We do this all the time with people that we know. Looking for a new driver, the first thing that I do is talk to my golfing buddies to find out what they are using and where they got it. Need a landscaper to do some work on your yard. Many of you will start by asking around to see if your friends know anyone good. Well, the idea behind social networking is to give your friends the information about your business so that when somebody asks them if they know somebody who does what you do, they give them your information. There are a number of things about social networking that you need to know:

1. It's free! - There are not many types of advertising today that can say that, but the only investment that you have to make in marketing via social networking is the investment of time. Posting information to Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter can be done very quickly and let's people know what is going on at your business.
2. You are advertising to people who are interested - The people who are following your Twitter updates or have accepted your friend invitations are all people who are interested in what you have going on (either personally or professionally). So, now rather than putting time and money into advertising that goes to a large number of people who are not interested in what you are doing, you are dedicated time to people who are.
3. Social networking updates help keep your site fresh - The updates that you make to social media sites can also be posted on your website to help keep the content fresh and up-to-date. Regular content updates help keep people coming back to check out your website (and this maintains interest in what you are doing).
4. Showcase the unique things that your business has to offer - Most of the things that your business does are listed on your website already. But what about those things that you occasionally do for a client that put you above your competition? How do you let people know that you are ready and willing to work with them to provide a truly unique experience? You talk about these instances in your social network.
5. Targeted marketing - Social media allows you to target specific sales to specific clients. For example, Westjet is currently using Twitter to promote many of their flight destinations. If you follow them on Twitter, you will be notified of discount codes that can be used at the time of purchase to help you save money. All of this simply for following what they are posting to Twitter (which helps encourage brand recognition and loyalty to their brand)!
6. Reach larger audiences - All forms of advertising have their limitations, but by using a combination of different forms you increase the chances that your marketing reaches the most people possible. In the past 2 weeks I have received inquiries from India, the U.S. (California), and Northern Alberta. Two of these inquiries were the direct result of articles that I have posted within my site that talk about very specific projects that were of interest to these prospective clients.

So, how do you get started? Check out Facebook and create a business page, create a LinkedIn, and a Twitter account and start building your business networks. Once you have some people that you are connected to, start telling them what makes your business so great.

We hope this mailing was helpful. If you found it useful, forward it to a friend. If you didn't, drop us a note and let us know how we can better answer your questions and meet your needs by using our contact form.

Jeff Meadows

Director

G4 Ventures Ltd.

http://www.g4v.com