Do, or Do not. There is no “try”.

“Do, or Do not. There is no ‘try’” are such simple words from one of the greatest teachers in the galaxy. Many Star Wars fans will remember this line from Jedi Master Yoda. In all honesty, when it comes to Social Media, he is 100% correct. If you are going to advertise, promote, or establish your business online via social media, there is no “try”. You either do, or you don’t. If you cannot dedicate a block of time on a regular basis then don’t. It can actually harm your business. You do not have to be on social media daily, however you do need to be consistent (weekly, bi weekly, monthly…). We have mentioned this consistently. With Facebook having close to a BILLION users, trust me, they [potential clients] will notice which businesses put in an effort to reach them, and those who just want the Facebook button linked somewhere on the website. There are well over 90 different and unique social media platforms. Your top 5 social media platforms are Facebook, Twitter, Google +, Linked-in, and Pinterest. Today is going to mainly focus on Facebook. This mainly in part to something that was experienced today, in addition to it being the #1 social media platform.

First what I really want clients, potential clients, and do-it-yourselfers to pay attention! We have made these points painfully redundant, but they are fundamentals. CONTENT, and CONSISTANCY is key to any marketing strategy. An astounding 46% of potential customers / clients say they turn to social media when researching products, or services. Folks, I’m sure this number has increased since the original publish date a few years ago. So, for argument sake, lets say 50% of consumers look to social media before a purchase. 

Ladies and gentleman, there are so many aspects of why the fundamentals of CONTENT, and CONSISTANCY are so important. We could talk about SEO (Search Engine Optimization) where search engines like Google, Yahoo, and BING scan each website on the Internet for content, and how each website best fits the needs of users, and ranking them based on how much the page is viewed, updated, links, content and so on.

Remember though, especially for small businesses, you cannot over extend yourself. Just because they exist, doesn’t mean you need to be a part of them. As we stated, as of 2013, there were over 90 different social media platforms. We have clients that are part of the most common social media sites, [Facebook, Twitter…] but we also have client’s that belong to more, and even less. We have one client that is dead set to only use Facebook. Our job is to not tell you what to do, but just help you do it effectively. If you honestly cannot handle more than just Facebook, then fine, as your Digital Marketer, we won’t force you out of a comfort zone. But I will say this… we will promote the hell out of your business with just Facebook. You will see business promoters tell you that you need to be everywhere! There is some truth to that, but if your sales team, or staff can’t effectively keep you on top of the game because you over extended, than you have actually hurt yourself.

Also remember that Digital Marketing is not a “click and go” thing. It takes time. We have a microwave society, but Digital Marketing is a slow cooker. Yes, It will take longer, but it’s worth it. We have learned this the hard way. In the beginning of JDT Studios, before we really studied what digital marketing was, understood it, and applied its principles, [40+ concepts] we failed at it. We built a social media presence, and we viewed it as, “ when I have time for it”. We have had to rebuild our Social Media. We lost followers, looked back and saw that we were not offering quality content. Our Client Coordinator would relocate for 3 years in the New Jersey / New York areas and realize just how important consistency was in ALL the marketing platforms of business, Digital and Traditional. Upon his return, JDT Studios invested into its staff and made it possible to increase the knowledge base of each employee with education and training. Staff members are required to take part in a 10-week accredited Digital Marketing Certification Program. Upper management must also continue on to take the advanced course as well. We don’t want our clients making the same mistakes we did.

With that said, before you jump head first into the vast pool of social media, give us a call. (586-826-3435) We can help you develop a positive plan of action that will bring results, and not stretch you beyond your limits.

Until next time, may the web be with you...