People Do Business with those they Know, Like and Trust. 

By Kelly Struhs, Crowd Click Media.

 

I’ve heard this quote from at least 10 different sources reaching all the back to perhaps Mark Twain (I’ll give “props” to the organization I think uses it the best: Corporate Alliance).  It sure would make my job less stressful if instead of trying to be perfect or the biggest or the best I could just be myself.  The truth and wisdom in this saying is what is fueling the growth in social media marketing.  Here are three ways I think social media, when done right, helps people to know, like and trust your company.

You develop a relationship of trust.

Social Media gives you a forum to help people with their problems and establish you as expert, before they’ve even seen your store.  Customers, fans and even new acquaintances come together to talk… all about you and your products.  You can demonstrate authenticity to potential customers by letting them see the good and bad, strength and weakness and the fact that you are “real”.  You address questions and concerns your customers have about your products and service and at the same time you have the opportunity to shape the agenda. 

 

You create the opportunity for people to know you.

Social Media enables you to tell your story.  Who are you?  Where did you come from? How did you get come to be here? Where are you headed?  Social media lets people introduce you to their friends.  It’s the difference between being at an event and walking up and introducing youself.  This is good, a lot better than not going to the party.  Social media, however, lets your friends introduce you and say. “I want you to meet my friend ________, she makes the world’s best________”

 You become real and "likable". 

As your fan's, friends and community participate with you in social media they will see your personality come out over time and see all the facets of you and your company’s “persona” (your humor, passion, intelligence, creativity or whatever they are).  Over time, they’ll come to appreciate and “like” those traits.

Think about your favorite local businesses. Why are they you favority.  I'll bet it's one or all of the above reasons.

6 Ways Social Media Marketing Tools Will Build Your Business

6 Ways Social Media Marketing Tools Will Build Your Business

By Kelly Struhs, Crowd Click Media

1. It gives customers an outlet to rave about your product

Who are you going to trust to recommend a new restaurant, dry cleaner or karate studio?  The yellow pages? a company’s web site? or your friend who’s tried them?  The answer is obvious.  Social media lets your customers rave about your products with the click of a button. 

2. It will help you build real relationships with real customers

Social media is different from traditional marketing in one key aspect.  Billboards, television and print advertising and mailing is one to many.   Social Media gives you a chance (when it’s done right) to engage your customers and prospects one on one.

3. It will provide a cost effective marketing channel

Because of the potential for laser targeting and wide reach, a well planned social media marketing plan  potention could be the most cost effective form of finding customers you have. 

4. It will drive traffic to your web site 

You built a web site.  Now lets get someone to look at it.  Social Media can feed traffic to your web site.  This builds your business directly and increases your search engine optimization by increasing links traffic and content on your site..

5. It will help you learn about your strengths and weaknesses

Can there be a better way to improve your business or products than by getting direct feedback from your constumers? Good or bad feedback from the customers you have a chance to improve your product and services. You can’t deliver everything they want or solve every problem today, but over the long haul feedback makes you better.

6. It will get you connected to your peers

Your peers (friends, suppliers, and even competitors) are a valuable source of industry knowledge. Your peers who participate in social networking and online communities are enthusiastic about helping people solve problems.

Now tell us what you think.  What are you doing to use social media to build your business?