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PLEASE BE AWARE: This is an old article, and while we think there are still nuggets of good advice included here, it may be out of date. Things move very quickly in the world of Digital Marketing, Lead Generation and Conversion Rate Optimisation - so please see our latest news for the most recent advice on how to get more out of your website and online marketing.
There are lots of myths and legends floating around the internet about social networking, who should use it and who shouldn’t. What sites are useful and what sites aren’t. This article will break these rumours down and shed some light on to what social networking is really about.
1. Social media campaigns are only about Facebook, Myspace and Twitter.
Although these websites are some of the most popular and well used for social networking, it is naïve to believe that they are the only ones out there. There are hundreds of sites open to you, all dedicated to different purposes. It is essential to understand the aims of your social media campaign and what you want from your online presence, to correctly decide which is the outlet for you.
2. Social media sites produce poor quality traffic.
This statement is not generally true, but can be the case if your campaign is not sufficiently thought out. The type of traffic is entirely dependent upon the plan for your SMO, making sure that you target the right people in the right manner can completely change the traffic you receive.
3. You can re-purpose existing site content for your social networking site.
Re-purposing elements of your website is possible for your social media outlets, but I would not recommend it. Within social networks it is essential that the information is eye catching, short and snappy to grab the audience’s attention from the start and is more likely to keep them interested.
4. Measuring the impact of SMO is impossible.
This is completely untrue. There are lots of websites out there, cost or no cost that can provide you with web analytics and can be programmed to monitor the traffic to your page. The amount you wish to pay will be reflective of the service you receive but even free services can be effective.
5. If we build it, they will come.
A lot of people, quite foolishly believe the Costner mantra, build their site and then sit and wonder where all the fans are. It is essential that you provide content that makes people want to visit your site. Interesting news stories, facts or rewarding schemes can attract people in the first place and, if regularly updated, can keep them interested.
6. One big idea will magically mean success for your site.
People sit at their computer all day, waiting for an idea to jump out at them and reveal the “big secret” of social networking. But between you and me, the real secret is that there isn’t one. To have a successful social networking site it takes a lot of work including a variation and mix of approaches to keep the readers interested and coming back to you. You can create posts in different formats such as slideshows, videos, podcasts, guest posts and plain text.
7. Social marketing is only for big businesses.
Although the concept of social networking allows businesses to communicate with their customers directly for the first time, which is a brand new notion for larger firms, it does not mean it is exclusive to large firms. Smaller businesses have lots of opportunities within social networking to manage and grow new relationships with potential and existing clients. The numerous channels of communication within social sites means that messages can be sent more effectively.
8. I’m too old for social networking!
This is a commonly held belief, but it is not accurate. Seasoned professionals are realizing the value of social networking and are connecting online with valuable clients and associates using the power of online communication.
9. There is a set way to use social media.
It would be nice to say there was a set way to conduct your online presence, a step by step guide for the best way to do it, however this is not the case. In many ways this creates a sense of freedom that you don’t usually see, but in other ways it can seem daunting. With a large number of outlets, learning which is the most appropriate for your business can seem like an endless search. The important rule to remember is that the site is only as good as the person using it. There are so many opportunities out there, so make sure it’s done well!
10. The more friends, contacts, connections, messages and tweets you have, the better.
With all the business transactions you make on the internet, within smaller businesses there will come a time when the relationship needs to go offline, and you have to actually meet. This is when it becomes important to have a number close-knit relationships and developed skills to deal with people outside of the internet. A good relationship with previous clients, on and off the internet will be an invaluable skill when attracting new customers.
11. It’s best to use the most fashionable tool.
The best social networking tool to use, is the one that suits your business. Every business is unique so it is important to understand the aspects you want from your social network and see which site meets your requirements. Keep in mind your marketing specifications and work alongside them to create the best social media campaign possible.
12. It’s just for re-connecting with old friends.
A lovely element of social networking is that it can be used to meet with loved ones or catch up with old school friends, but this is not it’s only purposes and more often than not, this isn’t even what it’s used for. Businesses can use it for promotion, brand awareness and communicating with new clients quickly and easily.
Now you have busted the myths of social networking, how can you make the most of it for your business?
