By Dave Meyer
Social Media is the way business is done today so it’s essential for you to become familiar with Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and the Web to build your business. Here are some starter questions to get you on the right path to using social media the right way.

1) Who is your customer and what do they want? Think about your best and most lucrative customers and answer these questions: “Why do they buy from us?” and “What makes us different?” Work the answers into your website and social media conversations.

2) What do you need to accomplish? Think about where you need to “move the needle” before you begin any online program. Know how you’ll give your customers what they want. It doesn’t matter how many Facebook fans, Twitter followers or website hits you get if you’re not making sales. Include a call to action to make sure you get what you need.

3) What tools will you use?
• Your website must be the hub where everything comes together, and should publish everywhere else with a single click.
• Facebook Pages let your customers and prospects “Like” you to receive updates. A professional page actively encourages visitors to subscribe and includes a call to action.
• Twitter lets businesses share small bits of interesting information with prospects and customers. Search for and follow your best customers.
• LinkedIn is great for branding and connecting with strategic partners and clients. Build your Company Page to tell your story and promote your services.
• Google Places levels the playing field with your competitors. When someone searches for what you do and they’re located close to you, you’ll show up higher in results.
• Search Engine Optimization focuses on the key search terms your prospects will use to find you. Make sure you include these phrases in your metadata, page content and links.
• Paid advertising via ads on Google or Facebook let you target customers and get your messages to them at the moment they’re searching for your product or service. Ads are incredibly affordable and targeted.

4) How will you measure results? Track everything so you know when you’re successful. Free tools including Google Analytics and advanced searches on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook will give you plenty of data to work with. Keep working until you get the results you’re looking for.

5) How will you keep it current? You MUST keep updating your site and social networks or your fans and customers will lose interest. Keep listening to what they’re saying. Set a schedule to check your accounts. Respond to customers and post something new often.
If all the above seems too complicated, consider bringing in a pro to set you up to succeed. Online tools don’t need to be difficult to use – find someone you’re comfortable with and dive in.

Call To Action
To learn more about how to “Generate Buzz Without Getting Stung,” check out BizzyWeb’s FREE weekly Buzz Builders webinar Wednesdays at noon.