In today’s fast paced business environment, any presence online has the possibility of helping grow your sales revenue. As a social media consultant, I see daily mistakes businesses make when trying to bring their business in to the online community. It often involves setting up an account on Facebook or Twitter, only to never login again. Just because you are “putting your name out there” doesn’t mean you’re putting it out there in a good way.  

 Having poorly updated web content; in some cases may be even worse than not having one at all. A page that goes un-updated gives the impression that you just don’t care…not a good first impression. People want information now and they want current information available 24/7. The last thing you want people saying is “ugh. That place has the worst website EVER”.  

 Consider your webpage an extension of yourself. Don’t sell yourself short.  Just look at the evidence…there has been no time in history where anyone has the affordable access to broadcast their ideas and message to millions worldwide. Ever heard of Jersey Shore? Neither had I…but now everyone knows “CNN, The Situation Room”; and if you don’t, then you really DO need to get online. Make your webpage personal. Upload pictures, add in personal anecdotes, successes, failures; you’d be surprised how much time people spend reading “useless/seemingly uninteresting” things online.  

 Why not put your seemingly uninteresting (to you) stories online if it will lead to someone saying “hmm, where IS this (insert store/restaurant here)?” Word of mouth? Ok. Word by way of Facebook, Twitter, instant messaging, and text messages? ABSOLUTELY. So what’re you waiting for? Lets get people chatting about you…create a buzz that drives website traffic and sales revenues.   

 You may think trying to get the hang of two different platforms (like Facebook and Twitter) is too much but that’s exactly what I am going to suggest. Putting your small business on both will be most helpful.  

Twitter allows you to send short 160 character messages or posts out in to the space that is the internet. You can use these short messages to direct people to your Facebook page. Your Facebook page is where you will upload a picture of your business or perhaps the logo of your business. (Don’t forget what I said about making it personal…perhaps a picture of the owners??). You will also be able to have details of your business on this page…location, hours of operation, what you do, how you do it, menus, products, etc.  

Facebook also allows you to put up short messages and throw them out in to space but you may find it easier to gain “followers” (people who keep up with what you say) via Twitter. Don’t worry, I’ll let you know how to get so many followers you’ll want to file for an online restraining order (in a good way!). Keep your eyes posted for my next post…Join Followers of the Social Media Revolution! 

About Author

Mr. Rickman is a respected analyst, innovative expert in business development and media information services with over 30-years experience, published worldwide. http://www.sustainablevirtualbiz.com