How to turn social media into... BUSINESS

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.