Opinions vary. When it comes to “where” to start, 7 of 10 experts often disagree. Ask a handful of people and you’re likely to get a different answer from each one.
“Start with a blog. It’s the only social media you truly own.”
“No, no. Start with Facebook. Everybody is already there and the barrier to entry is minimal.”
“Why not Twitter. It doesn’t take as much time and you can easily schedule your ‘tweets’.”
“For business, LinkedIn is the best combination of social networking and social platform – and it’s professional.”
“Be everywhere.”
“Pick just one place and crush it.”
The truth might be – a bit of each? Using Social Media for your business is not like cooking a cake from a box. There is no “just add water” because every business is different: different audience; different purpose; different degrees of measuring success.
I’ve always been (and probably always will be) one that thinks a blog is your first step. It’s the hub around which all your other tactics reach out from and your visitors come in. It can be a foundation for better findability.
Still, a blog does take some time to get a library of posts and readers. I used to suggest focusing on a blog for several weeks before entering into the Facebook/Twitter/LinkedIn (and now Pinterest) mess mass.
So here’s a thought on the “Where” to begin:
- Start with a blog and one other “network”
- Slowly work on the blog as you organically build audience on your chosen network (a few at a time, never “buying” followers)
- Use the 70-20-10 guideline in posting
- Keep going
So which other “network” is going to work for you? Well, we come back into the “it depends” mode (and a great reason to set up a Craft and Follow session), but here are some thoughts:
- If you’re a local business serving local customers (residents or tourists), Facebook
- If you’re a business reaching a national or global audience and have a niche market, Twitter
- If you’re predominantly a Business-to-Business type or serving professionals, LinkedIn
- If your business is or can be best presented visually (arts, food, travel, pets, real estate), Pinterest
And while these thoughts might help get your started, save some room for Google (Google Plus, YouTube, Maps, Apps, Places, etc)
If you’ve determined your “why” first, it will be a lot easier knowing “where” to start.
If you need a hand (or an ear) figuring this stuff out, I’d be happy to assist.
