Social networking is a popular tool that many Internet users to connect with friends, family members, and peers. An explosion in overall usage in recent years has led many companies to begin marketing their products and services on these networks, in the hopes of reaching a wider audience.
While there is certainly nothing wrong with reaching out to potential buyers and existing customers in this manner, it is important that you learn how to effectively target individuals, without invading their privacy or spamming them with unwanted information. Avoid the following pitfalls when launching your social networking marketing plan, and you’ll be able to establish your company’s web presence ethically.
1. Don’t Use Your Social Networking Profile Solely For Promotions
Picking up new followers on social networks can be a real challenge, but once you’ve managed to amass a substantial group of friends, don’t drive them away by clogging their profiles with promotional content. One of the reasons social networking is such a powerful tool is that it gives your customers an easy way to connect with you on an individual basis. Instead of spamming social network users with advertisements and information about upcoming sales, focus on crafting quality content that your followers will enjoy reading.
In one recent study from the Custom Content Council, 61% of individuals surveyed indicated that they were more likely to purchase goods and services from companies that create their own online content. Your social networking profiles are a great avenue for sharing such content, which you can either create on your own, or contract out to other individuals. Not only could sharing such content help to increase the likelihood that those you’ve connected with will purchase from your company, but it will help you to develop a stronger brand image and reputation.
2. Stay Away from Mudslinging
Some business owners use Facebook and similar networks as a means to demean their competitors. While there is no problem in promoting your company by pointing out things you offer more effectively that competitors, when you turn to belittling and criticizing another business, it reflects poorly on the character of your staff and the company as a whole. You can avoid this by simply refraining from talking about competitors, and working to direct comments from your followers back towards your product, should someone mention something negative about your competitors.
3. Stay Honest
One of the worst mistakes a business owner can make is to use their social network profile to spread lies. Whether those lies are about the products and serviced offered, other companies, or customers themselves, sharing information that is untruthful is a major ethics breach. Keep testimonials truthful, don’t puff up your company’s image with false statements, and refrain from making broad, sweeping comments on the products you have to offer. Not only could this prove to be damaging to your company in the long run, but it also wreaks of unprofessionalism, which could potentially drive customers away.
This article is written by Richard K. Decosta who likes business ethics discipline, antivirus software, French movies, pc antivirus, networking and sightseeing.
