The Internet has really proven to be a great resource for local business owners, and many of them are just now discovering exactly how many customers it can send in their direction. One of the reasons why this is the case, is because people are now searching online for local businesses by name, or by what they have to offer. Along with that, many of them use social media networks regularly on their cell phones, and you can also use this to drive insane amounts of new and repeat business to your location.

One of the best ways for you to be able to do this is to simply ask your existing customers to follow you on one of the social networks, such as twitter or Facebook. Whenever they do this, it gives you the opportunity to market to them and to send them a message or update about your business. This can be a very powerful tool, and if used properly you can really fill your location with customers very quickly.

Something that you may want to consider, is running specials from time to time and contacting your customers through these social media networks. For example, if you run a small restaurant, you may want to have a special evening that is themed in some way or another in order to attract customers. By sending out a message on the social media networks about this special event, you will not only get visitors that will be attending it, you will also remind people to come by and visit you at any time.

Make sure that you are active on these social media networks, even when you’re not sending out information that is specific to your business. This gives people the opportunity to form a bond with you, and a certain level of trust is also going to be achieved. When this takes place, people will feel as if you are talking to them directly, even if you have hundreds or perhaps thousands of followers.

Finally, try to get people interested and adding into the conversation whenever you are posting messages on Facebook. This helps to build your local network, as their friends who are also part of their network will see what they have to say. This is an excellent promotional tool, and it is one that should not be overlooked by any local business that would like to achieve higher numbers and to get more customers to come in their door regularly.

Google photographers are available to shoot photos of your business and will appear in a business’ Place Page to help users who are searching for more information about your business. This is an excellent opportunity for you to expose your business and do so with the help of Google.

Interior photographs are a great way to show potential customers how your store or office looks. You have the ability to display your business photos on Google Local and get discovered by your neighbors as well as Google. Go ahead and stand out from the competition. Who wouldn’t.

Check out the F.A.Q. to see if you qualify for this free service.

I’d be happy to assist any local business owner in the Twin City Metro area (Minneapolis/St Paul) build their online presence and start with the Google Place Page today. Email me at Lisa (at) Lisa Saline.com or call 952-884-3293

Baby Boomer Business – Social Media Marketing – Get in Now & Give Yourself an Advantage
By Carla McNeil

I myself am so deeply entrenched with Social Media Marketing that I need to remind myself regularly that millions of people have never even heard of Twitter. If you are a small business owner you have a great advantage right now because jumping into the game before the crowd will put you out in front of the pack.

Engaging with people using these tools gives you the opportunity to connect with people, develop relationships and build your community of loyal customers and clients. How many times have you attempted to contact a company with a question and it took days or weeks to respond. With these tools you can value your customer or client’s time by reaching out to people very quickly and responding to their needs. This is how you will be able to differentiate yourself from your competition.

Here are some statistics that I hope will persuade you to take a serious look at the tools available to you…

“The Social Media Marketing Industry Report, claims that:

* 81% of all marketers who use social media said it generates more exposure for their business

* 62% said it helped close more business deals

* 85% of small-business owners said they reaped benefits from social media techniques. “

Four of the top five corporations — Walmart, Chevron, ConocoPhillips and General Electric — “consistently post on their Twitter accounts,” according to “The Fortune 500 and Social Media: A Longitudinal Study of Blogging and Twitter Usage by America’s Largest Companies.”

One of the many ways to build a successful business is to watch and mirror what that larger companies are doing. The smart companies are realizing that social media enables them to be where the customers already are. You can join the groups and forums where your target market gather, create relationships and respond to their questions. In some cases your response may be to direct them to your information or product. Just like when I write these articles, I provide an option to learn more about Social Media Marketing. Leave the choice up to the customer or client, this way they can “help themselves” to your buffet of information, products or services or not. Plus you can easily ask your customers and clients “What are you looking for?” and in many cases will be able to create products and services to quickly meet that need.

We really are social customers, we all want to be valued and listened to and not simply thought of as a financial transaction.

And now, I would like to invite you to get your Free Instant Access to 30 Social Media Tips & Techniques to build your home business using Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Go To http://www.ButterFlyNetworking.com

Here you will receive one free tip per day for 30 days with specific instructions for using these tools to find contacts, leads, customers and clients.

Brought to you by Carla McNeil – Baby Boomer Social Media Mentor

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carla_McNeil

http://EzineArticles.com/?Baby-Boomer-Business—Social-Media-Marketing—Get-in-Now-and-Give-Yourself-an-Advantage&id=4026295

Social Marketing is here to stay, and will become even more important in 2010. Here are 5 Social Media Marketing sites that I use daily that will help you to “win in 2010.” You need to get a presence on all 5 of these now if you have not already done so.

In a minute I’m going to tell you a huge benefit of having a regular presence on all 5 of these sites, but first I’m going to share with you a few of the advantages of each site.

Twitter – Build a list on Twitter that is more responsive than your email list. Yes, you heard that right, more responsive than your email list. There are at least 2 reasons for this: 1) You bypass the spam filters of email programs and 2) you get immediate, as in within seconds, feedback on what you are offering, asking or saying. Do you get the power of that? Bypassing the spam filters and getting immediate feedback, just in case you missed it.

Facebook - Many online experts predict that a Facebook Fan Page will replace the standard email list by 2012. Think of it this way – if you sent 3 – 5 emails a day to your list, you would get unsubscribes in droves, right? But if you post 3 – 5 updates a day to your Facebook Fan Page you would not only get unsubscribes, your list would grow as your updates are seen by others in the stream of your fans.

YouTube – At the time of this writing, YouTube is getting twice the traffic of Google. Create a few slides in PowerPoint, use a Screen Capture tool like Camtasia, and talk about the information on the slides, upload it to YouTube and Boom! you’ve got a short little video featuring you and your expertise.

Your Blog – I think the coolest thing about a Blog is the ability to interact with those in your community. When you invite and encourage comments on your blog, you are inviting your tribe to share in the conversation. This builds so much “know, like and trust” and people do business with those they know like and trust.

EzineArticles – Not typically thought of as a Social Marketing tool, but it always has been for me. Upload a piece of your content and it can get syndicated all over the Internet. Plus you can invite your readers to comment on your articles, thus creating further conversation and connection.

Now here’s the really good news. Since you don’t have the budget of a Google or Yahoo, to plaster your name all over the Internet, it’s good that you don’t have to be found all over the internet. You just need to be found all over the internet in your niche, and when you have a regular presence on these 5 sites you will.

And to learn more about how to leverage the Social Networks for waves of traffic and more, get your FREE Instant Access to our Social Marketing Video Training Series when you visit http://SocialMarketingBlueprint.com/7laws.

You’ll get a series of videos, audios and pdfs all about Social Media Traffic & Profits.

From Jeff Herring and the SocialMarketingBlueprint.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeff_Herring

http://EzineArticles.com/?Social-Marketing—How-to-Win-in-2010-With-These-5-Social-Media-Marketing-Tools-(I-Use-These-Daily)&id=3483772

Must Dos in 2010 to Market Your Business
By Karen Purves

Before we get into 2010, let’s review what the Have More Clients predictions were for 2009:

Prediction 1: Get a Twitter Account

Well, it was said that Twitter was a “phenomenon that is set to take the world by storm” was accurate. What wasn’t really understood a year, just how the storm would affect us all!

Prediction 2: Create a Group and Fan Page on Facebook

This is mostly right with the emphasis on Fan Page rather than group.

Prediction 3: Groups and Networks

This one didn’t really pan out as well as the previous two. This could have been down to the emphasis on creating open networks than setting up specific groups.. but this will be with us in 2010

Prediction 4: Information Products

This one too, wasn’t as big as I had anticipated. But, will still be with us as people get to grips with how to make the most of their time, and knowledge to get the best returns on their efforts

Prediction 5: Google Applications

Well, with MaxWeb, the propriety social media training programme being delivered through Google Reader, this has certainly been a turning point in how we use these applications. Also, by using Google Alerts, you are better able to track who is saying what about you and your products and services. Perhaps, there is still more opportunities here as more people get online.

Prediction 6: Subjects, Titles, Headings

Well, as people’s lives become busier, the importance of standing out from the crowd and getting your email opened, pages ranked became a much talked about topic. But, it could change in 2010 particularly with search marketing…

And now with the 2010 predictions!

1. The iPhone dominates the smart phone handset in 2010 with the Apps store offering so much more for business owners. You can get your own apps icon written and offered through the Apple Store or from your website. And, please don’t think for one minute that this isn’t for you. Now is the time to consider how best to deliver excellent customer service… and an app could well help with this!

2. Being active on the internet ceases to be optional as people move from watching TV to being on the internet. There’s been a 2% swing in just two years. You have got to be where your market is looking and consuming.

3. Creating content remains hot! Both in terms of creating and managing resources. As people implement the 4 Cs – creating, capture, collect and categorise so they become second nature, their presence and market attraction become sticky with sales resulting

4. Search Marketing or Search Engine Optimisation falls from the essential tools for businesses in 2010. This is due to the algorithms used by the search engines become more sophisticated and can determine whether people like a page for its content than just whether a page is optimised for that content.

5. Video is used more and more

Even though we are still in a recession and video is expensive, it will be adopted more and more by businesses. Don’t limit your thinking by headshot videos as you see on current affairs programmes, there are lots of different ways to have video – screenshots, images to music, slideshow, screencasts to name four!

This is a volatile time in marketing, so the predictions for 2010 are limited to five. As it gives you the opportunity to embrace those elements untouched from 2009 and make headway with the hot topics for this year.

Karen Purves runs Have More Clients. Want to know more ways to have more clients? Discover how to use Twitter for Business with a *free report* at http://havemoreclients.com

Karen is no stranger to Marketing or Social Media. In the 1990s, she pioneered a business networking model from which many businesses in South East England benefited. She is now back, having set up and sold one business, and is delighted to be working with small businesses so they can make the most of their know-how through technology and new marketing approaches. To help small businesses further, Karen developed the Marketing Iceberg System and MaxWeb Social Media Marketing Programme that teaches Social Media Marketing through using social medial tools. Check out http://havemoreclients.com/maxweb.html.

Karen uses all these systems within her own business and shares with clients what works and what hasn’t! That means clients get real value and their business growth is accelerated as a result. Karen provides online courses and consultancy services for small service businesses to increase the effectiveness of their marketing. When not marketing or reading about the latest trends, Karen walks her westies in the countryside, finds good food establishments and learns to cook better!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Karen_Purves

http://EzineArticles.com/?Must-Dos-in-2010-to-Market-Your-Business&id=3492840

By Douglas Firebaugh

Conversation.

Yep- that is what the core focus is in Social Media.

Ok- let’s get REAL. If Social Media marketing is about conversation, then should there not be words that fit in to what the culture of social media is all about? Should not you paint a picture with your words? Should your words not elicit feelings and emotions?

Of course they should.

Words are a marketer’s tool box. Here are 11 you need

1) “YOU.”

There is nothing more powerful to a person reading a message or conversation that has the word YOU in it, over and over. Many people have an “I” mentality, and in social media, you are not the deal. The other person or side of the conversation is.

There are 2 forms of conversation in social media::

a) “Contribution” and b) “Distribution.”

” Contribution conversations” contribute to the whole, and add Value to the conversation. “Distribution conversation” distributes the message/agenda you want- and has little inclusion of someone else. Contribution words use YOU many times. Distribution words use “I” or ‘Me” many times. Use the word YOU and become a Contribution Agent in social media, not a distribution rookie.

2) “A Person’s Name.”

Duh. There is nothing more beautiful to a person than their name. This is a given. I am surprised how many tweets, notes, and messages i get and also read that do not say the person’s name. Use their name at least once in every communication and message as it adds to the conversation.

And also, a person will retain almost 70% more of what a message says, if their name is within the first 3 words. Chris Brogan is a master at this. I have seen and studied him, and every time he tweets or sends a message- usually the name is the first word.

Smart. VERY smart. we all should follow that lead.

3) “Connection.”

This word is an indication that you want to connect and start a relationship of some kind and create an ongoing conversation. Many folks use the phrase “get together” or “meet up” or “network.” These words are good- but CONNECT has a power within the word.

Electricity us usable when you connect to it. Same thing as a battery in a car which powers the car. And idea is only powerful when you CONNECT to it. The Power is in the Connection-when 2 things come together. It is the same in new relationships- it is all about CONNECTION.

4) “Tribes.’

This is an interesting word. Seth Godin has a cool book called “Tribes.” I suggest that you read it. But as far as a word for the social media arena, it is a word that helps define that you are within the culture and understand the community aspects of what social media is about.

In tribes around the world, it is all about community and belonging to that community. It is the same in social media. Recently I described the community we are building within a project as an “empowered tribe” and some people got it- and well, others did not.

Make sure if they do not understand the concept of tribes, then you explain it.

5) “Transparent.”

In social media, being REAL is critical. And part of being REAL is being open and transparent. I love it when I read statements like “full disclosure” and people are disclosing that they have an interest or are on some board of a company they are talking about. THAT is so rocking hot. It shows that they are being transparent and nothing to hide and telling the truth.

And that is what social media is about in many respects- TRUTH about you- and what you are and do. THAT is transparency. Use that word when talking about the truth. Just being “transparent” – that says a lot in one word about you.

6) “Strategy.”

Social media without a strategy for it, is like building a house without a blueprint. You need to develop, plan, start, and execute a strategy for your social media success. We call it a “Social Media Path.” What PATH do you plan on developing for your business, and how will that fit into your current model of business? What will be your Primary social media Platform, and what will be your secondary platforms?

PATH stands for “Purpose- Actions-Tracking-How.” what is your PURPOSE for integrating social media into your business? Marketing? Prospecting? Client communication? Customer service? What ACTIONS will it take? Videos? Blogs? Podcasts? Social Networking? What TRACKING system will you use to keep the platforms at maximum pace? And HOW are you going to Execute the Actions? Through employees? Through outsourcing? Through a combination?

Strategy is a word that you just talk about. You need one. And so do others that you know as well.

7) “Branding.”

This word has been around for a while. But you still need it in your focus and communication. Branding is a word that you need to utilize not only in your messages, but your focus as well.

YOU are the Brand is a popular way to discuss social media marketplace image making. But that is not totally true. The PERCEPTION of you is the brand you are building- good or not so good. So make sure that if you use this word in social media this year, you realize that PERCEPTION Rules in Branding.

Brand yourself in the marketplace. But make sure that you focus on the VIEW and FEELINGS people have of you and experience when they think of you and what you do- and not just some catchy slogan or icon.

8 “Trust.”

You need to be an Agent of Trust. Chris Brogan has a book coming out called “Trust Agents.” Should be a rocking hot book. What about you? Are you an Agent of Trust? Just like a Real Estate Agent markets real estate, you market Trust in all you do. That is the real estate of the heart.

I like to get that word out there quickly-as i believe that people i do not know, that is on their mind. “Can I trust this guy?” And I usually message something like, “Our company helps build leaders and businesses through concepts and ideas that people can trust and feel good about.”

THAT is using the word Trust- to build trust.

9) “Family.”

Some people use “network.” Some use “team.” Some use the word “community.” Some use the word “friends.” I like the word “Family.” it is personal, powerful, and paints a picture of what social media really is building- a family that can help, be there for each other, educate, equip, and empower for greater good.

One thing that I do- and again- just an idea, I welcome everyone on Facebook or twitter or YouTube or any other social connection with “Welcome to the family!” This says so much more than “thanks for following me” or “appreciate the connection.” We ARE family- and I hope and pray it stays that way.

10) “Value.”

It is ALL about Value. It is all about the VALUE that YOU bring to the table. It is all about the VALUE of your conversations and contributions.

And it is ALL about the VALUE that you help others see within themselves. Edify. Encourage. Empower. And become a “Carrier of Value” to everyone you meet in social media and GIVE some Value to them.

11) “GIVE.”

This is the MOST important word. GIVE. Why? In social media, it is not the same ol business methodology. It is Biblical- if you will. “Give first- and what you give- you reap.” Giving is the culture of social Media. Why do you think that people give so much rocking hot info on their blogs?

Giving is a Power. It is something that not only is part of the evolving culture of social media, but also the CATALYST of much of what social media has already become. if you are a marketer, New Marketing can be almost threatening to you as it flies in the face of traditional marketing- or does it?

No- not really. It is simply marketing that puts PEOPLE FIRST- not profits. It put RELATIONSHIPS FIRST- not results. And it puts GIVING FIRST- not grabbing for their checkbook.

These are the 11 Critical words that I believe should be included in 2009 in your:

1) Social Media Philosophy.

2) Social Media Conversations.

3) Social Media Marketing Actions.

4) Social Media Core.

If you do, your Success should be rapid in social media marketing.

blessings… Doug Firebaugh

Doug Firebaugh is one of the Top Social Media strategists, MLM, Network Marketing Home Business Trainers, Speakers and Authors in the world. Over a Million people a month read his training letter. He has helped over 10,000 people worldwide earn in excess of 50,000 a year. He wants to help you do the same. You can subscribe to his Free training letter -which includes 3 Free gifts just for subscribing at http://www.passionfire.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Douglas_Firebaugh
http://EzineArticles.com/?Social-Media-Marketing—11-of-the-Most-Critical-Words-to-Use-in-Social-Media-in-2009&id=1938026

Along with Facebook, Twitter is perhaps the most important and interesting social media platform on the web. The Twitter demographics are as follows:

Jeff Herring is an expert in the industry and explains several techniques in this video where you’ll discover how to use Twitter, Facebook, Your Blog and YouTube to repurpose, repackage and reuse your articles for more free traffic

Click here to view the embedded video.

I was reading a post from Mashable today and thought it was relative to my community.

Twitter Explains the New Retweet Feature
November 11th, 2009 | by Adam Ostrow

At this point, a fair number of Twitter users have the new retweet feature enabled (and if you’re not one of them, don’t worry, the rollout continues).

While we’ve weighed both the pros and thecons based on the early descriptions and screenshots provided by Twitter, company co-founder and CEO Evan Williams has taken to his blog to detail why exactly Twitter is making this change and why he believes it’s in everyone’s best interests.

Up front, perhaps the most important thing to know is that “old-school retweets” as Williams calls them will still be supported – so even if you don’t like the new feature or its rationale, you can still use Twitter the way you do now (though, the interface will still be a bit different, both on the website and third-party clients, most of which Williams says are adopting the new system).

In his post, Williams outlines the things he thinks the new system solves: attribution confusion, messages becoming messy or broken in the Twitter version of a game of telephone, and the repetitive and noisy nature of retweets as they exist currently. The features that solve that are showing the original author of the retweet, consolidating retweeters under that message, and not allowing comments (though, it’s not ruled out for the future).

What does all of it add up to? In Williams’ words “a more powerful system for helping people find out what’s happening now that they care about.” That’s not at all dissimilar to what Facebook (and previously FriendFeed) has done with “Likes,” using the data to highlight the top stories from your friends.

Of course, in Twitter’s case, much also depends on how developers implement the new feature. With a large portion of the Twitter community accessing the service via clients and mobile apps, it will be these implementations that help the feature sink or swim based on the perceived value it provides.

If you’re still undecided about the new retweet system, we suggest giving Williams’ post a thorough read. Meanwhile, if you’ve got the feature enabled, let us know what you think in the comments.

http://mashable.com/2009/11/11/twitter-retweets-explained/