We're in the final 3 days of our Growing Your List challenge, and our closing topic is how to use Social Marketing sites to build your mailing list. Today we'll look at ways to use Social Networking sites...
For Day 29, refer to pages 68-70 in the free
31 Day Guide to Growing Your List
"Don't stop at the well-known general social networking sites such as Facebook and LinkedIn. There are plenty of niche social networking sites that have more targeted users. Dogster.com and Catster.com cater to dog and cat lovers. There are sites for moms (CafeMom), wine lovers (BottleTalk), fashion (GirlSense), hip-hop music (CrackSpace), travel (TravBuddy), etc..." -page 69
Social Networking is very similar to Forum Marketing in that you're entering a social community and need to use social marketing skills.
The goal is to create your own topical space and build a following or a network in that space. Blatant advertising will not go over well when you're doing "social networking". You have to actually be social, interact with your target market, provide *great* information and engage them in thought-provoking discussions.
There are no "tricks" to social marketing. It's going to be work, and it's going to take time. I always say "If you're going to be on Facebook, BE ON Facebook." Meaning don't try to automate it with ad blasts, not respond to comments or questions, and expect it to take off. It is WELL worth it if you invest the time and energy to create a presence or a space that attracts (and engages!) your market.
In my opinion you do not need a course on "how to market on social networking sites". Unless you need a course in people skills. Basically you go in with the intention to serve your market, and everything you do will resolve around that objective. If you go in with the intention of serving yourself, it will fail. I feel like I'm stating the obvious, but perhaps that did need to be said...
Your Task For Today:
Find topical Social Networking sites in your niche that you can join. These are great for expanding your personal network, and reaching a very targeted market. Also find the other leaders in your niche on some of major sites like Facebook and Twitter, and consider ways you can (politely) leverage their following. Share their content, join their discussions, ask their opinion etc. When people notice you, or like your comments & questions, they'll check out your profile/page as well...
Choose 1-3 Social Networking sites and invest in those strategically. I recommend Facebook, Twitter and if you choose a third - go with a niche or topical Social Networking site. If you try to do more than that you'll spread yourself too thin, and you won't be able to give your communities on those sites your full attention.
Facebook Tip:
Now that Facebook will allow you to network AS your Page - meaning you can comment and post as your Page, instead of from your personal profile - you can get a lot of exposure by networking with related Facebook Pages in your niche.
I am looking to do more of that myself, and put out a feeler on Facebook to find new Pages in the marketing, tech & online business niches.
You can see my Facebook post here.
Best,
About Lynn Terry
Case in point, I joined in the discussion on Lynn's post yesterday about viral niche tools and after a bit of discussion on the blog and on twitter, got this tweet from her to over 18,000 followers:
Graham aka @1thousandamonth is looking for advice & examples of Viral Niche Tools: http://www.clicknewz.com/2875/ Look fwd to your thoughts!
😀
I think that social media platforms are the present and will be the future of internet marketing. If someone would like to dominate a market and become that market leader, social networking will be the best strategy that he OR she should rely on. Thanks
Yes, social networking is one of the best things that has happened to us.
Also, I have got more tips here.
Cheers!
Social Networks are the soul of all type of online activities.Very interesting to work on these networks.
Lynn, the whole social media side of things is something that I've not really got into yet but it's on my list to do. I'm going to start with facebook first is that the way to go in your opinion?
Also I noticed you have put another opt in box at the end of the post has that increased conversions at all?
Thanks
Joe
Hi Joe,
I would definitely integrate Social Media into your marketing plan. Especially with the launch of Google Social Search. 😉 At the very least, set up a Facebook PAGE (not just profile) and a Twitter account.
The opt-in box is new, so I'll keep an eye on stats to see how well everyone likes it. 😀
Thank you Lynn for a in depth sharing on social media networking. That is why I am here always
Yes I agree, with the last comment about integrating social media into your marketing plan is essential. The software I use in our inbound marketing agency has many features including tools that allow you to identify your target audience and communicate across several social media services, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter etc.
Hi Lynn,
I absolutely see the benefit of Social networking from a business perspective. Can I use a Facebookfan page soley with my site identity? ie mydomain.com? Without setting up a personal site?
Thanks