Social media can help you expand your reach and solidify your business relationships without putting a dent in your marketing budget. Here are some of the ways we, at the LIFE Foundation, leverage social media — ways that just might work for you, too.
When creating a Twitter identity, it's all about showcasing your company's personality while enhancing your credibility, says SpeakWell Communications. Use a variation of your business name — LIFE's Twitter handle is @LIFE_Foundation — and, in the bio section, include information about your services, your identity and of course, your company website. (For more Twitter tips, visit this site.)
Then, tweet regularly, at least a few times a week, giving visitors useful bits of information. Keep in mind the 140-character tweet limit and use sites such as TinyURL to cut unwieldy site addresses down to size.
Create a business fan page where you can share information about your services and create a dialogue with people. LIFE's Facebook page includes a range of topics, from fun items such as the Romance-O-Meter Quiz to more serious content such as posts about the death of a loved one.
Post status updates on a regular basis, so your fans see them in the newsfeed and can engage with you. Ask questions, post insurance-related reminders and announce upcoming events or significant news about the industry and your company. (For more Facebook tips, visit Carr Communications Inc.)
LinkedIn is all about business — connecting with peers, clients and prospects, as well as gaining media exposure. Start with an informative company profile (if you need an example, see LIFE's profile page.) You can also solicit recommendations from your friends and business associates to include on your LinkedIn page.
Get connected by joining appropriate groups and participating in discussions that match your area of expertise. For more information, check out this article.
YouTube
With YouTube, you can post videos that communicate your message and provide information to your market. As with the other forms of social media, it's important to customize your channel so it supports your company's brand and identity. LIFE's YouTube channel features a profile of the organization, as well as links to its website and other social media platforms. It also shares entertaining and informative videos.
If you're just getting started with YouTube, you'll find plenty of useful tips at Mashable's Top 10 YouTube Tips for Small Businesses.
