As you likely know from reading my content here I'm a HUGE Google+ evangelist. That's only because I've seen the platform pay mighty dividends for me.
My stats are up across all four of my websites.
My photography retail site has over 200 MORE hits a day since joining G+ and I've converted many casual visitors into routine customers. My stats show that these converted customers first viewed my site because I promoted on G+.
I can't promise the same results for someone else; I'm only giving my experience. You won't get the results if you don't jump on. There are plenty of people who are willing to help the newcomers. If you decide to give G+ a try, look me me up:
Christopher Jennings Penders. I will be glad to point you to some of my heavy hitters in social.
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Are you using every avenue possible to market your small business? There are so many many Social Media Platforms available today and it can be challenging to decide where to devote your time. I’ll mention four here:
Facebook has its grip on society. When someone mentions Social, their thoughts immediately gravitate to FB only because it is so prevalent in the human lexicon. I’ve found that just because something is popular that doesn’t make it the best tool to market however. Did you know that much of what you post to FB doesn’t even get seen by the people in your “Friends” stream? Facebook is constantly tweaking their privacy settings so you never know who is seeing what.
Twitter is another interesting platform. Limited to 140 characters, it can be a challenge to get your message out clearly. Unless you spend quality time on Twitter you won’t see much traction. At least that’s what I’ve seen. That doesn’t necessarily make it so.
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Pinterest is according to several metrics, the fastest growing platform available today. With Pinterest, you post pictures (pins) to bulletin boards you create. Those that follow your boards then have the option of sharing or re-pinning your pins thus hopefully driving traffic to your pins. Until you get the hang of using images to drive your message, Pinterest can appear to be a bit disconcerting. If you can locate the “correct” image to go along with your topic, you’ll be golden.
Google+ is the new kid on the block and like most new kids. Google+ (G+) has been shunned for much of its first few years. I’ve written about G+ at another blog I write:
Google + at Wisdom and Life. Many people are still under the misguided perception that you must choose one platform and ignore the others. All four of these have their place and I’d say to ignore them you do so at your own peril. Pick two out of the four and spend your time getting getting to understand them. I’ll be honest here:
I’m very G+ centric.
Only because I’ve received the most traction there. As I said in my first G+ column at Wisdom and Life:
The Power of Social Google is first a search company so they are building their “social” around search. Don’t wait too long to join the bandwagon that G+ is and will become over time. I find it amazing how many content providers are still not using G+ to their benefit.
One other thing I must say about those of you who are on G+, if you have a small business. I believe it is imperative to create a business page. Here’s how:
How to Create a Google+ Business Page in 5 Simple Steps
Why is this so important? Well let me ask you another question.
Why are you on Google+?
Isn’t it to promote yourself? If you have a business, whatever business that may be, you’re missing out if you don’t promote that business separately from your personal account. Photographers, especially have a wonderful opportunity with Google+.
If you have a business and you are on G+, get on the train before it is too far gone.
Pinterest is another platform that all content providers would benefit from embracing.
–Social Media is here to stay.
–Search is becoming social.
If you don’t start taking advantage of Social, you’ll find that it will pass you by and once the train picks up momentum, it will be extremely challenging to get on. Google+ IS the express train and I’d suggest jumping on sooner rather than later. You’ll be glad you did.
In the mean time:
Focus on what’s ahead of you.
–
Chris
Feel free to comment here on Patch or jump on over to my blog:
Marketing Your Small Business
