Absolute Marketing Tips

Really like this story about how a coffee shop doubled it clientele using Twitter  The Coffee GroundZ.  

Looking for lots of tips on twitter?  Then check out this article by Mark Nunney.

Especially the link to the article on how someone turned off their lights using Twitter! 

Interested to hear how you use twitter in your business and the effect it has had, drop me a comment.  I would love to hear from you.

Comic Relief has embraced social media.  You can catch up on YouTube, Twitter and Flickr to find out what is happening up to the Red Nose Day, March 13th.

You can also buy a virtual red nose.

On the evening, the Comic Relief Team will be using social media to provide additional backstage updates, such as celebrity photos, tweets.

The power of social media. What next?

Times are changing, customers have more power today.

How is your business adapting to this change of power?

Customers are being very selective with their time and with advancements in technology, they are able to seek out and find all the things that are important to them.  Plus they can find reviews and feedback on everything from CD’s to holidays.

One of the best ways to get involved is to join the online conversation using social media.

I am asked daily, what does social media involve.  All it really is any way that you can have a two way conversation with your customers, friends and family using technology.  Think about Facebook, My Space, review sites like Amazon, Forums, Blogs, Twitter, MSN and your own Website.

Here are my five top tips to getting involved:  Find out where your customers and potential customers hang out.  Listen to their conversations and then join in.

1. Observe - listen to the conversations.  Find out what their problems are.  Identify ways you can solve them.
2. Don’t Jump In - Think about how you can take part in the conversation.  You don’t want to come across as saleys, this will give the wrong impression and potential will lock you out of the conversation.  If the talk is negative, look at how you can put it right.  Be honest and supportive.
3. Be Social - Don’t talk about you, all the time! Engage your customers, take an interest.
4. Give - Always offer something of value.  Most importantly do it for free>
5. Do it - Don’t wait, perfect as you go.  Ask yourself what the cost would be if you don’t get involved.

Yesterday, I had lots of fun recording a five minute audio on How to Grow your Business Online at the fabulous Space Studios in Cardiff.  We are going to use it on our website, make it available to download via an MP3 and also put it on a CD for people to listen to in the car.

From one product, I can use this to market my business in three different ways.

Let me know how you use social media in your business.