Make social networking work...

[draelectricals]

I do social networking for my business, and keep seeing all these different suggestions of how to make it work. I read all of them and basically I am doing everything they say, but I never seem to get anything from it. I know it's free advertising and all that, and I don't really expect any 'return' but the odd enquiry would be nice.

So, is there something that should be done to get noticed, or somethign that should get me results?

Are there any experts here who can give me some pointers please?

I use facebook profile, group and page, twitter, myspace, utube, etc. etc.

Cheers

 

[OnegreatLink]

I do social networking for my business, and keep seeing all these different suggestions of how to make it work. I read all of them and basically I am doing everything they say, but I never seem to get anything from it. I know it's free advertising and all that, and I don't really expect any 'return' but the odd enquiry would be nice.

Well then you do expect an interest in your service/product if you say an enquiry would be nice.

So, is there something that should be done to get noticed, or somethign that should get me results?

Are there any experts here who can give me some pointers please?

I use facebook profile, group and page, twitter, myspace, utube, etc. etc.

Cheers

I think if these social sites did charge businesses to network with other businesses and gave out commisions to all those who refer others to join in business networking, it would most likely be a better and more enjoyable place to be. The returns would be great.

 

[webwam]

Without knowing more about your business, it is very difficult to know why you are not getting more results from your efforts. Reading and following advice from others is very useful, but only if you adapt it to your particular business. If what you are trying to do does not make sense for your business model, social networking will not help you.

If you are trying to get enquiries for your business, then you need to make this your primary focus. What are you doing that will encourage people to fill in an enquiry form on your website? Are you targetting the right people and are you providing something of genuine interest to your potential customers?

Also, do you have a good statistics package that you use? Are you getting anyone to your site from your social networking efforts? If so, your problem may be one of conversion rather than attracting visitors.

 

[Vision2]

What's the site? traffic volumne etc.

 

[Kimberly Mears]

Hey there.

When working with new clients, I typically find that the source of problems for those who haven't noted an increase in traffic due is down to one of a few roots:
1. An Incomplete Buyer Profile: This often leads to saying the 'wrong thing' to those they're speaking to online. Check out buyerpersona.com for tips on developing your buyer profile
2. Cluttered Market: You'll likely know if this is the root through your prior analysis of competitors...
3. Broken User Journey: Sometimes what people say when they're promoting themselves in the social space doesn't jive with whatever's on their web site. Or, perhaps, their web site's just poorly executed. As another responder has said, it's worth ensuring that Google Analytics (or Webmaster tools) are installed on your site just so that you can see if, perhaps, people are arriving, but prompting leaving your site without taking action.
4. Weak Call to Action: While being so subtle and helpful within the social space, people sometimes forget to let others know what next step they should take.
5. Unwanted/needed Product or Service: Sadly, this can be the case in some instances.

If you're open to additional resources, I'd also recommend reading 'Inbound Marketing' (a recently published book on social seeding). It's a good primer so that your efforts can be a bit more targeted and impactful.

My best,
K

 

[Eagle]

Where are you networking, what are you saying and how often are you saying it?

 

[SusanBryant]

Do you have a blog? I find the best way to get people to engage, connect with, and respect you enough to want to do business with you is to give them useful information via a blog. A Blog should be the pivotal part of any social media strategy, in my opinion.

Susan