I'm sure that you've noticed by now that everyone and their brother is now on facebook. Lots of businesses are even on facebook, and if you're not there, then you are miles behind.
You may wonder what facebook can do for you. Well, there is one thing that should be abundantly clear - it is another communication platform that you can use to get your name out there. Hence, free advertising. And who can pass up free advertising?
How can you use facebook to your advantage? For one thing, just having your business' page up doesn't cut it. You should aim to update your page daily, but if you want to ease into it - weekly is the minimum. Facebook is a great way to interact with your current customers, as well as your prospective customers.
Facebook enables you to send out notifications to those that "like" your business, you can create discussion boards, and a review tab. Though some of you may fear negative commentary, customers like being heard - and you have the chance to respond, show you're listening! You can use the criticism in a constructive way and make your business more accessible and efficient. You can also find out what it is that customers like best about your business, the personal touch, the service, or a specific or unique product you sell.
Though facebook should not just be used as a sales tool, you can post specials or send out coupons. This will be incentive for customers to follow you on facebook, and word of mouth about your business to spread. Any time someone "likes" your business, or comments on your page it shows up in their news feed and on their profile. Leading more people to click into your page, and familiarize themselves with your business.
Facebook is not the only social media site that is useful, but it is very easy to use and offers you numerous ways to interact with your target customers. LinkedIn is very similar to Facebook, but its members use it as a professional networking site - great for those whose business mainly caters to other businesses. Like facebook, linkedin is very user friendly and helps you to create your profile. Twitter is another social media tool you can use - but is best used to run promotions. You only have 140 characters to say what you want to say, so you need to keep it brief. You can use it to advertise a happy hour, or perhaps 20% off sale running that day - but unless you're a service oriented business, I would say twitter is not worth your while.
So, what have we learned? Social media is not necessarily about making a sale - but about making a name. It's a great way to advertise, and interact with the people you are hoping to sell to. It is your friend, but you have to make sure that you don't neglect it - this is smart technology but it won't do your work for you! Enjoy.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Monday, April 5, 2010
In It To Win It! Political Campaign Strategies.
THE CONTENDERS:
U.S. Congress
Michigan Congressional District 9
Gary Peters (D) incumbent
Gene Goodman (R)
Andrew Raczkowski (R)
Gene Taliercio (R)
Paul Welday (R)
Campaign season is here! Everything from local school board elections, to state senate, state representative, and a new Governor. Primaries are in August and elections to follow in November. How will you contend in the race for the seat?
Visibles Marketing has a few tips for running a successful political campaign.
Of course campaign issues and party affiliation matter. But it’s when you need to beat out fellow party members or win over undecided or unaffiliated voters where winning votes boils down to who had the most overpowering campaign.
There have been times (and I'm not proud of this!) that I've gone into the voting booth and come across an office with a candidate that I was not informed about, but voted for them anyway. Even though I had no idea what the candidate stood for. I did this based on the simple fact that I recognized their name - which I guess made me feel qualified to fill in that little bubble.
Where had I seen the candidates name so much? I saw it when I walked my dog or went to the corner store - on a big wire yard sign.
VISIBILITY is important. Visible begets recognizable, recognizable begets trust, and trust begets votes.
I firmly believe that no matter how hard you campaign you will not win unless you have yard signs up on every easement, business, and home yard you can get your hands on. You should be giving yard signs out to every single volunteer who knocked on a door, wrote a letter, or made a phone call on your campaign.
Along with yard signs; bumper stickers, buttons, and t-shirts are not too expensive to purchase and are easy to make into a campaign fundraiser. Raising campaign funds and spreading the word about your candidacy? Awesome! Buttons are my favorite, they are great campaign souvenirs for volunteers and collectors.
Promotional products (like campaign items) have the highest return on investment of all marketing mediums according to an LJ market research study. Now if this applies to dollar return for companies, why wouldn't they bring voter return for political candidates?
Aspiring congressmen, it's time to kick it into gear! Make sure your supporters can show their support. To those running for local office: don't ignore campaign item staples! It’s time for everyone to begin placing their orders for campaign products, and announcing their candidacy to voters in their districts loud and clear!
U.S. Congress
Michigan Congressional District 9
Gary Peters (D) incumbent
Gene Goodman (R)
Andrew Raczkowski (R)
Gene Taliercio (R)
Paul Welday (R)
Campaign season is here! Everything from local school board elections, to state senate, state representative, and a new Governor. Primaries are in August and elections to follow in November. How will you contend in the race for the seat?
Visibles Marketing has a few tips for running a successful political campaign.
Of course campaign issues and party affiliation matter. But it’s when you need to beat out fellow party members or win over undecided or unaffiliated voters where winning votes boils down to who had the most overpowering campaign.
There have been times (and I'm not proud of this!) that I've gone into the voting booth and come across an office with a candidate that I was not informed about, but voted for them anyway. Even though I had no idea what the candidate stood for. I did this based on the simple fact that I recognized their name - which I guess made me feel qualified to fill in that little bubble.
Where had I seen the candidates name so much? I saw it when I walked my dog or went to the corner store - on a big wire yard sign.
VISIBILITY is important. Visible begets recognizable, recognizable begets trust, and trust begets votes.
I firmly believe that no matter how hard you campaign you will not win unless you have yard signs up on every easement, business, and home yard you can get your hands on. You should be giving yard signs out to every single volunteer who knocked on a door, wrote a letter, or made a phone call on your campaign.
Along with yard signs; bumper stickers, buttons, and t-shirts are not too expensive to purchase and are easy to make into a campaign fundraiser. Raising campaign funds and spreading the word about your candidacy? Awesome! Buttons are my favorite, they are great campaign souvenirs for volunteers and collectors.
Promotional products (like campaign items) have the highest return on investment of all marketing mediums according to an LJ market research study. Now if this applies to dollar return for companies, why wouldn't they bring voter return for political candidates?
Aspiring congressmen, it's time to kick it into gear! Make sure your supporters can show their support. To those running for local office: don't ignore campaign item staples! It’s time for everyone to begin placing their orders for campaign products, and announcing their candidacy to voters in their districts loud and clear!
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