Marketing Helper » recession

Adding Traditional Marketing to Your Social Media Campaign

Jen — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 11:26:27 +0000

Its true that social media is changing the way that we sell our products, ideas and services. Businesses who are not using social media tools like facebook and twitter are going to miss the boat, waving to the passengers as they venture off into the deep blue sea of relationship marketing.

But social media is not a strategy unto itself.

To dive into the vast ocean of niche markets and consumers waiting for your product, you must use social media in COMBINATION with other forms of more “traditional” marketing.

But… I thought social media was the cost effective, non-traditional way to market your business?

It is… but marketing still doesn’t come free. It is certainly cutting out the middle man, putting advertising back into the hands of business owners. Its CLOSER to free.

But remember:

1. Not everyone is using social media.
2. Not everyone is using social media … effectively.

If you use social media alone you will miss a HUGE percentage of consumers.

Why else should I combine traditional marketing with social media?

This is nothing new! The model for any marketing campaign is called “The Marketing Mix.” Why do you think it has ALWAYS been called a MIX? Because you have to combine methods.

“All of our campaigns involve a combination of traditional marketing, plus social media,” said IBM VP Sandy Carter. “We actually don’t believe in a solid social media campaign. We always combine it.”

Some Examples and Suggestions:

1. Combine an in-person event with an online discussion forum so participants can connect before and after the event. This is what I call “Social Media in Real Life.”

2. Use your business cards to find potential clients on Facebook. You are already connected in person, so connect online.

3. Use real postcards or greeting cards for your clients, in combination with social media tools.

4. Seek news coverage for your blog.

What are your ideas or experiences? Post them here!

Blogs are a Solution for Small Businesses

Jen — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 19:29:43 +0000

I don’t have to convince small businesses that the economy is hurting… we all feel it. I can’t say how many companies I have talked to recently who are suffering from the recession (yes, I said the ‘R’ word). Those I know who are self-employed are having trouble making ends meet, and those I know who are not employed can’t get a job anywhere. And to top that off – we are expecting a tax increase on small business in the next year. Holy Moly, Batman.

A changing market is nothing new, though. Right? We all should know that. But because this market has changed so drastically fast, nobody was prepared for it.

The Solution:

Drastically change our approach. Whether it is a new product or a new way of marketing… we can’t just wait around until things “get back to normal” – who says they ever will?

Social Media can rapidly change your customer base in weeks. With the right social media mix (called social media optimization) you can cut marketing costs and increase sales.

Wanna know how? Take a look at our Social Media 101 program… I hope to help as many people as possible.

You Had Me at Follow

Jen — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 15:54:38 +0000

Nannette Saunders coined a new phrase “You Had Me at Follow.” She is, of course, talking about what Twitter has done for her business.

As a realtor Nannette has really been hit by the economy. If it wasn’t for the networking she’s been able to do through Twitter she would be even more effected by the recession.

So, what can Twitter (and other social media) do for you?

Create a whole new referral network where 6 degrees of separation is turning into new and instant connections across the globe.