A Simple Social Media Strategy for 2013

getting social in 2013

This is the year, you know it’s important but you don’t have the time…

When you finally do sit down to begin your social media efforts you don’t know where to start – I know it’s frustrating and believe me you’re not alone!!! – Queue the theme song from X-Files…

Here are 5 tips to jump start your social media goals in 2013…

  1. Put it on the calendar. – Yes that’s right you need to create a schedule!  You wouldn’t blow off an appointment with a potential client so why blow off an opportunity to reach many potential clients… I find scheduling my social media efforts after hours allows me to be the most productive.
  2. Who is your audience? – Narrow your audience down and be as specific as possible.  That will make it easier to connect… Think about a networking event – is it easier to address the entire room or a small group of two or three people?
  3. Where does your audience hang out? – To get the most out of your efforts concentrate on the platforms that will lead to the most interaction with your potential customers.  Anyone in the closet or cabinet industry that is not on Houzz yet is really missing the boat!!
  4. Create content that is important to your audience. – You know who they are and where they hang out so now it’s time to create content that they care about.  Think about questions that you are asked throughout the week – can that be turned into a blog post?  Common problems that your customer faces – there’s another post… Put yourself in your customer’s shoes and show them how to organize them… Sorry bad closet joke, but I couldn’t resist.
  5. Interact with your audience. – As your audience grows they will begin to ask questions… This is the beginning of a sales call.  Respond honestly and quickly, ignoring these inquiries will have the opposite effect.

I hope this is the push you need to get started.  Pick a platform, get registered and begin getting social in 2013!

I help individuals and organizations to be successful… If you have any questions about social media or hardware please contact me at 347-723-7433 or you can email me at richdemarco@optonline.net.

7 Reasons you should be Using Houzz…

 

Have you created your profile on Houzz.com?  Not yet?  Allow me to motivate you –

  • There are 6 million unique users on Houzz
  • There are 3 million idea books created on Houzz

What’s an idea book?  Good question – it’s an online folder that you can add photos to.  You can than share these idea books with friends, family or contractors.

  • 2 million people have downloaded the app.
  • Houzz users are actively looking to remodel or rebuild.
  • 57% of Houzz users plan to hire a contractor in the next two years.
  • 68% of homeowners go to Houzz to plan their projects.
  • Increase traffic to your site…

Houzz is the perfect platform for you to show off your expertise, show off your past projects and build your brand.

Have I convinced you to join?

Not sure where to start?

Join Denise Butchko and I for a free webinar on Friday, September 28th.  You will learn tips and tricks on using the top social media platforms.  Hope to see you there.

Click here to register.

Your Social Media Tip – Making the phone ring…

I have known most of my customers for over 10 years and consider many of them friends.  They ask my advice on everything from machinery and software to showrooms and marketing…

One question that comes up all the time is “How can I make the phone ring?”

My first question is always “Are you using social media?”

Their response is usually “I tried that once but it didn’t work”, or “no I don’t like Facebook.”

At that point I give my experience of getting 5 new customers in the last 6 months from Twitter… That might not sound like a lot, but its 5 more than I had before I started tweeting…

I know what you thinking – that’s a lot of work for 5 new customers.  Your right it is, and I’m happy to do it…  Aren’t you?

Social media is something that you can do to separate yourself from the competition.  Create an account on Houzz, Pinterest, Facebook, or Twitter and start to engage your potential customer.

You are not going to create an account and 10 minutes later the phone will ring.  This is not pay-per-click advertising….  You need to be consistent with your message and your posts…

It takes time and practice (every day I learn something new) but it will make the phone ring!

Get on a social media site and start building your network today!

Have you already started building your network?  What has been your experience?

If you would like more information about social media please feel free to contact me at richdemarco@optonline.net.