A year later, companies are knocking on our door and asking for help.  They want to learn about how social media can help promote their brand online.  And it’s so refreshing.  Companies are getting it and I think this is a short list of reasons why they “get” it:

• The ROI of social media is proving itself time and time again
• Minimal investment of funds (though it takes time)
• Marketing 2.0 is about building relationships and responding to the needs of the consumer (rather than companies telling the consumer what they want)
• A company wants to create it’s own news and events (We had a client the other day that was thrilled to have her own “newspaper” — aka blog)
• It’s a great customer service tool.  Being accessible always provides a value for the consumer!
• It gives your company a personality.  Show off who you are behind the scenes and make your business fun!

We love that companies are getting social media because we know it works!  And yes, it is fun too!!  But it’s such an effective tool to get your name out there are build your own presence.

What do you love about social media and why do you use it?

1.  Blog Regularly

Regularly can be open to interpretation.  Is it twice a week?  Every weekday?  Find out what works best for you.  For example, here at Toolulu we strive for 4 posts a week.  In our busier times, this goes down a little bit.  Our personal minimum is 2-3 times a week.

2.  Open Comments

Many business blogs treat their blogs like a one way conversation.  Don’t take away the social aspect of this social media tool.  Allowing comments helps consumers feel engaged and involved.  You may need to spend some time moderating, but comments can prove to be an invaluable tool.

3.  Make it Easy to Subscribe

Many blog readers are familiar with the concept of RSS feeds.  Make it easier for people to get your blog posts via email or in a reader.  Facebook fan pages are another great way to get people your content.  Subscription choices like those make it easier for people to stay in touch with your content.

4. Share Meaningful Content

Don’t use your blog for pure self promotion or a dumping ground for press releases.  You want to keep your end goals in mind (generating leads, making sales, etc…) when writing your posts but the point of the blog should be to share your knowledge and create a community.  When you do that, the rest will follow.

5.  Take it Slow and Steady

Your blog is not going to take off overnight.  Keep plugging away.  Create fresh content.  Share it through other media (like Twitter, Facebook, related forums).  Don’t give up too quickly.  It takes time to build up a readership and at times it may feel like you are writing only to yourself.  With good analytics, you’ll soon find that if you have a blog with great content, people will find you.