People new to social media always have a lot of questions. With new social networking sites popping up and the potential to leverage a whole new world of online marketing strategies, we understand how easy it is to be confused.
Rather than bombard newbies with a bunch of technical lingo and social media stats, case studies, and success stories, we like to keep things simple and find that everyone understands the “big 4” social media sites better when likened to traditional face-to-face socializing, a.k.a., a party!
LinkedIn: LinkedIn is a business oriented social networking site. Think of LinkedIn like dinner out with a group of professional peers and colleagues. You’re sharing your expertise and tapping into the experience and knowledge of others. It’s friendly, yet proper, and manners count. You can always find an expert or two in the crowd, and position yourself as an expert in your field too.
Twitter: Twitter is another social networking site and home of microblogging (you know, communicating in 140 characters or less). Think of Twitter as a wild party; there’s a lot of talk, the conversation is loud, topics change quickly and it’s sometimes difficult to get a word in edgewise. Still, it’s exhilarating, fast moving, and the possibility to make new acquaintances and connect with friends can be found around every tweet.
Facebook: Facebook is the biggest social networking site and is quickly evolving into so much more. For the purposes of this article, think of Facebook as part gathering of friends and part class reunion. There’s always a familiar face, and long lost friends show up regularly too. Plus, everyone is free to bring a guest. You can catch up on old times, share about what’s new in your world, give your opinions, and announce your latest news. When worked right, it’s a big back and forth conversation taking place within your group.
YouTube: YouTube is a video sharing website. Think of YouTube like an evening of television with unlimited channels. You can watch videos on nearly any topic, and give each an immediate thumbs-up or thumbs-down. Your reviews are important too. But the best part is that you can not only watch your favorite channels, but you can create your own channel as well, producing your own video content to share with the world. What’s your pleasure…something funny…a documentary perhaps? It can all be found, viewed, and shared on YouTube.
Which social media and networking sites are right for you and your business? It depends on your goals, your objectives, your message and your audience. You can adapt just about any strategy to any site, if you give it the right twist…and you guessed it, that’s where we come in!
We would love to connect with you and get you in on the party! Give us a call and we’ll chat!
