The perfect platform for businesses to market their products and services online. This media realm is based on building connections and relationships with people who resonate with you. Then it can be used to market your products and services in a conversational way like we use to in times past when everyone gathered together on the front porch on Sunday afternoon to talk about their week.

Business owners everywhere are ready to figure out what their next marketing action step is. Disappointed and feeling frustrated with ineffective pages of print that only worked in the past. They want answers and need them now. With some knowledge, you too can take your enterprise and compete with the “Big Boys” or anyone else online for that matter. This is one time where “Size Doesn’t Matter.”

Time marches on and you either get going and learn new things or you miss the golden opportunity to be recognized as a go-to or expert for you profession or industry.

Don’t worry you won’t be sitting around reading about other people’s exploits or what they are eating,drinking, or doing unless you choose to. There is so much more to social media. It seems like the entire world is trying to take the plunge. Some business are touching their toes in to the waters while other dive right in. Either way I think you will find these 5 Critical Steps eye opening as well as helpful to your success. So what are the steps?

• Step 1 – Your Target Market. This is the most important steps for any marketing plan. Many business owners and entrepreneurs say anyone and everyone are their best customers. You need to be more specific. The more laser focused you become the quicker results arrive. Even if your company is well established, pinpoint who your ideal client is.
• Step 2 – Once you find that hungry crowd they will want what you have. What irritation itch or problem can you solve? What solutions do you have that they need? What pain or struggle is it that you can fix? Knowing this will guide you to the most effective way to providing answers to their burning questions.
• Step 3 – Content is important. You know your product or service best. In social marketing you have the opportunity to educate. Make people aware. Having said that you don’t just go online and push for a sale. Over the course of time people get to know you, trust you and of course choose to use you product or service.This is where you need to set aside your old ways of thinking. Friends and fans get to tell the world or anyone in their circle how great you and your company are. Word of mouth plays a vital role in your success. Social media takes it from a single handshake multiplies it many times over in an instant.
• Step 4 - Keywords can make the difference. Go to Google. Use the Keyword tool and look up the exact words that you need to use in your profile and content. It only takes a few minutes. Keep a list of these handy. If you still don’t find you have the time you can always hire an expert to do it for you.
• Step 5 - Join several social media sites Facebook, Twitter, Linked In. This is touching your toes to the water. Complete your profile, add your picture. Make sure your photo is acceptable in the business arena. Save the one of you drinking a beer for later.

This is just the beginning of what it takes to be connected to your local neighborhood and beyond. In no time you will be in the homes, offices and cell phones of your community. I’ll look forward to seeing you there.