"BATAVIA, Ohio (AdAge.com) -- The time Americans spent on social media has surged 43% in the past year, leading a substantial shift in how the country spends its online time. That time spent online has also sent e-mail to third behind gaming, according to research by Nielsen Co."
The above time does not even include social media engagements via mobile phones. Social media has taken a solid first place (gaming is second, followed by email in third) for how people are spending their time on the computer.
So what does this mean for business owners? Well, that depends. Some businesses just do not lend themselves well to social media marketing. For example, doctors, unless they are plastic surgeons, really should not have to worry about whether or not to exploit social media. But most other businesses can stand to benefit from developing a social media strategy.
But where does that leave other professionals, like accountants and attorneys?
Again, that depends.
Social media networking and marketing can be powerful tools to help build and brand your business. But in the wrong hands, poor social media marketing can brand your business in an unfavorable light.
As a professional web developer and marketer, I often advice professional services clients who are unsure of social media to use Twitter. I tell them we do not have to put a "Follow Us" badge on their otherwise very corporate website. But even the stuffiest of businesses can, and likley should, create a Twitter account under a nonidentifying name and start building a network of followers by doing two simple things:
- Start following other people who are Tweeting about important things - skip those who Tweet "my bagel is burning!" Stick to businesses and serious information Tweeters only; and
- Tweet important information about you, your business, or new features and articles on your website.
Once people start following you, and they will if you follow others, you will be able to get important micro messages to others without having to adorn your blog or website with little blue birds.
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