Should a company who wants to use Twitter as a marketing tool develop a large number of followers who stray outside their target market or focus on a smaller number of engaged followers?
It's the quality versus quantity argument and both sides have merit.
Here is an argument for having a large quantity of Twitter followers with the idea that it is a numbers game. It comes from Collegerecruiter.com and the title is Why Quantity is Better than Quality When it Comes to Twitter Followers.
The argument for developing a quantity of followers on Twitter makes sense in many ways. My hunch is the demographics on Twitter are probably similar. How many marketing decisions are made on hunches, by the way?
I'm sure many Twitter users have a college education even though they represent many fields of study. They're at least somewhat active online or they wouldn't have Twitter accounts.
Maybe Twitter is the new mass media.
Also read Marketing tips for Twitter
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Monday, October 19, 2009
Web site assessment questions for small businesses
A small business owner who runs a store recently wanted a Web site. I wrote out these questions to help determine why a Web site might benefit his business:
What is the primary reason for wanting a Web site?
What do you want a Web site to achieve for you?
Is the Web site going to be part of a local marketing campaign?
Is the goal to get Web site visitors the chance to shop online and purchase online?
How long has the store been in business?
Who is the typical customer? Where do they live? What do they buy?
How much money does the typical customer spend?
What is the budget range?
Click here to read this post on more assessment questions
What is the primary reason for wanting a Web site?
What do you want a Web site to achieve for you?
Is the Web site going to be part of a local marketing campaign?
Is the goal to get Web site visitors the chance to shop online and purchase online?
How long has the store been in business?
Who is the typical customer? Where do they live? What do they buy?
How much money does the typical customer spend?
What is the budget range?
Click here to read this post on more assessment questions
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Marketing using social media means offering help
Marketing using social media means more than talking about your own products and why they're so good. It means offering help, too.
While there's not an exact formula I feel that on Twitter about 1/3 of the posts should be about others like re-tweets, 1/3 helpful info/quotes/etc, and 1/3 on your company and benefits to customers.
An excellent article on Social Media Today notes why companies fail at using social media and the number one reason is they like to talk about themselves.
Use social media as a way to listen to customers or engage them in topics that are of benefit to them.
For related reading, here is a post I wrote on Twitter and a list of ways to use it effectively in marketing and business: Marketing Tips for Twitter
While there's not an exact formula I feel that on Twitter about 1/3 of the posts should be about others like re-tweets, 1/3 helpful info/quotes/etc, and 1/3 on your company and benefits to customers.
An excellent article on Social Media Today notes why companies fail at using social media and the number one reason is they like to talk about themselves.
Use social media as a way to listen to customers or engage them in topics that are of benefit to them.
For related reading, here is a post I wrote on Twitter and a list of ways to use it effectively in marketing and business: Marketing Tips for Twitter
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Consistent business networking generates results
Business networking to generate leads requires a long-term commitment.
But business networking that is consistent helps generate new referrals and leads. Business owner May Hui discovered this with her business which is in its 3rd year. She's the founder of Catch Matchmaking, a Los Angeles-based company that connects single professionals.
May is pictured on the right with co-founder Katie Chen.
May told me that one ingredient for networking success is staying in touch with contacts:
"Building relationships with everyone we touch everyday is vital. We do our best to be consistent at our networking functions so we are "top of mind" when a contact comes across a single person.
"We do a great job with getting to know someone outside of the networking environment as well, taking the time to have coffee or exchanging information with them.
"Another key reason for business success: using social media to keep in touch with the younger generations. Text messaging is very helpful to expedite communication with our clients and eventually generate referrals from friends and family."
Click here for a related post on business networking.
Business networking requires a long-term commitment and focus.
Free tips on business networking
Business networking is important as I learned again this morning while at the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce referral breakfast.
During a group exercise on "How are your partnerships building your business?" one member, Walt Whitney, shared how he spent $ 1,200 on a networking group for one year. He didn't receive any direct referrals from the group. Then he went to breakfast with one of the members who is a financial planner. She brought along another financial planner and then they introduced Walt to someone else. It was that connection who introduced Walt to 3 clients!
Walt diagrammed how the business networking proceeded. He drew about 5 circles before he actually met the client.
Here are other lessons on business networking I picked up from the LA Chamber meeting:
Click here to read the full interview with May Hui of Catch Matchmaking.
Business networking is a viable way to generate qualified leads and find new business. But it will take time and it will take a commitment to stay within a networking group.
Click here for a related post on business networking and remaining consistent.
During a group exercise on "How are your partnerships building your business?" one member, Walt Whitney, shared how he spent $ 1,200 on a networking group for one year. He didn't receive any direct referrals from the group. Then he went to breakfast with one of the members who is a financial planner. She brought along another financial planner and then they introduced Walt to someone else. It was that connection who introduced Walt to 3 clients!
Walt diagrammed how the business networking proceeded. He drew about 5 circles before he actually met the client.
Here are other lessons on business networking I picked up from the LA Chamber meeting:
- Business networking is a long-term proposition (6 months to 12 months for some businesses)
- Build relationships before expecting business results
- Ask others about their business needs - don't just talk about yourself
- Actively network others and you'll be seen as a "go to" resource
- Be clear about the type of client or customer you're seeking
Click here to read the full interview with May Hui of Catch Matchmaking.
Business networking is a viable way to generate qualified leads and find new business. But it will take time and it will take a commitment to stay within a networking group.
Click here for a related post on business networking and remaining consistent.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Solar power affordable for homeowners and commercial building owners
Commercial building owners may now find solar energy is a viable, money saving option over the long-term when compared to paying electric bills.
This article contains information about rebates in California and government mandates.
Solar power affordable for homeowners and commercial building owners
This article contains information about rebates in California and government mandates.
Solar power affordable for homeowners and commercial building owners
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Free Marketing Tip: Promote value and benefits
Market to consumers who are looking for value, value, value for their money.
Mike Zaya, president of PrintRunner.com told me in a recent interview that now, more than ever, consumers are willing to switch their brand loyalty in order to either save money or get better value for their money.
I saw the same message again on Dane Carlson's Business Opportunities Weblog:
Value is going to be the new black. Consumers have realized the importance over the past few years of value for their money. They will now be looking for a reason to buy all products and services . . . The classic old trick of appealing to a consumers feelings are not going to work anymore. Consumers have gotten wise to that one and are now on the look out for those who are trying to tug at their heart strings in order to make a sale.
He credits Branding Strategy Insider as the source.
I published the comments from Mike Zaya of PrintRunner in my column as the LA Business News Examiner.
Want a free marketing tip? Provide value to customers with your services or products and clearly show the benefits of what you offer.
Mike Zaya, president of PrintRunner.com told me in a recent interview that now, more than ever, consumers are willing to switch their brand loyalty in order to either save money or get better value for their money.
I saw the same message again on Dane Carlson's Business Opportunities Weblog:
Value is going to be the new black. Consumers have realized the importance over the past few years of value for their money. They will now be looking for a reason to buy all products and services . . . The classic old trick of appealing to a consumers feelings are not going to work anymore. Consumers have gotten wise to that one and are now on the look out for those who are trying to tug at their heart strings in order to make a sale.
He credits Branding Strategy Insider as the source.
I published the comments from Mike Zaya of PrintRunner in my column as the LA Business News Examiner.
Want a free marketing tip? Provide value to customers with your services or products and clearly show the benefits of what you offer.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Marketing tips for Twitter
Here is a free marketing tip using Twitter.
Twitter is a viable marketing tool yet it must follow the rules for all social marketing:
Offer valuable how-to information
Talk about other businesses, too
Re-tweet posts from other users
Offer humorous tweets (posts)
Here is a loose formula that I've read about and have seen others follow when using Twitter.
1) Send about 7 - 10 msgs a day when you Tweet. Maybe more when the time is appropriate.
2) Tweet on at least 3 different days per week. Preferably 5 days per week.
3) Make 1/3 of Tweets about someone else, 1/3 your business, 1/3 helpful insights
What should your Return on Investment be when using Twitter?
I have 530 followers and counting on Twitter.
When I write an article on one of my sites, I put the link into Bit.ly and then go to Twitter.
After I post on Twitter, the immediate click through number on Bit.ly is about 1.5% of my Twitter followers.
Scott Allen is a social media and former About.com guide whom I've been following for a few years. He says about 2% return is likely.
An encouraging stat is I'm beginning to see more clicks on Bit.ly for old Twitter posts.
Twitter is a viable marketing tool but don't just talk about your business and make sure you offer valuable information for others to read.
Click here to read articles on business resources around So Cal
Twitter is a viable marketing tool yet it must follow the rules for all social marketing:
Offer valuable how-to information
Talk about other businesses, too
Re-tweet posts from other users
Offer humorous tweets (posts)
Here is a loose formula that I've read about and have seen others follow when using Twitter.
1) Send about 7 - 10 msgs a day when you Tweet. Maybe more when the time is appropriate.
2) Tweet on at least 3 different days per week. Preferably 5 days per week.
3) Make 1/3 of Tweets about someone else, 1/3 your business, 1/3 helpful insights
What should your Return on Investment be when using Twitter?
I have 530 followers and counting on Twitter.
When I write an article on one of my sites, I put the link into Bit.ly and then go to Twitter.
After I post on Twitter, the immediate click through number on Bit.ly is about 1.5% of my Twitter followers.
Scott Allen is a social media and former About.com guide whom I've been following for a few years. He says about 2% return is likely.
An encouraging stat is I'm beginning to see more clicks on Bit.ly for old Twitter posts.
Twitter is a viable marketing tool but don't just talk about your business and make sure you offer valuable information for others to read.
Click here to read articles on business resources around So Cal
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Learn to market with media exposure for your business
An upcoming seminar in Studio City, CA will show you how to get media exposure for your business.
The lunch time seminar takes place October 6 in Studio City.
The presenter is Gayl Murphy, Hollywood corrrespondent who also teaches business owners and professionals how to use their personalities to sell their stories.
Click here to read a post on Gayl from earlier this year.
For complete details on location and to register log on to http://www.InterviewTactics.com.
The lunch time seminar takes place October 6 in Studio City.
The presenter is Gayl Murphy, Hollywood corrrespondent who also teaches business owners and professionals how to use their personalities to sell their stories.
Click here to read a post on Gayl from earlier this year.
For complete details on location and to register log on to http://www.InterviewTactics.com.
Successful entrepreneurs use a combination of media
expertise & business-savvy when they step into the
"spotlight" to tell the world about who they are and
their next big thing...And, so should YOU!
Creative entrepreneurs and showbiz pros: writers,
filmmakers musicians, speakers, directors, actors,
designers, experts, coaches, lifestyle gurus, authors,
artists, etc. - ANY creative decision makers, all want
to make a great living doing what they love.
The first step to making your business grow and
prosper is owning it: business first! You gotta to
pitch it to promote it so you can tell it to sell it!
Especially in these times of "re-invention," the need
to be seen & heard above the crowd is more urgent
than ever!
A NETWORKING LUNCH & PARKING ARE INCLUDED!!
(Bring plenty of business cards!)
AND, when you register yourself and a FRIEND, Gayl will
send her Ebook "Interview Tactics!" for FREE!
TO LEARN MORE, READ WHAT PAST ATTENDEES ARE
SAYING AND REGISTER:
http://www.interviewtactics.com/sellyourselfseminars.htm
Questions?
Call or email: 323-417-5172 ~ Gayl@InterviewTactics.com
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