I am in transit coming back to NC from Las Vegas following my trip to PubCon which is presented by Brett Tabke of WebmasterWorld. Thanks for putting on a great conference. Also, Thanks again to Andy Beal of Marketing Pilgrim for his invitation (it’s good to have friends in high places 
) Well, if you are an internet marketer of any level I would suggest that you make your way to the next event in March in Austin or next year’s west coast event. It’s hard to measure the value of events like this when you are so close to it still. I have a notebook full of notes that will keep me busy for a while.
While I liked the event there was only one session looking at SMB’s (it was how SMB’s should approach PR). The session itself was not necessarily referencing SMB’s and in a way I was disappointed. Of course, it’s virtually impossible to give information that relates to everyone across a wide spectrum of businesses but I think SMB’s do require a different treatment across the board.
All in all though, this show was tremendous. I was most interested in the social media track. Does social media like LinkedIn, Facebook, MySpace, blogs, Twitter etc have a place with the SMB? Absolutely. I say this with a fair amount of caution though because it’s not easy. There’s no other way to say it. It takes time and planning. What it is though is CHEAP.
You can get yourself out there in many different social media channels or outlets for next to no cost. This also is very dependent on the vertical that you are a part of as well. I spoke with an internet marketing manager of a $50 million a year HVAC company in Wilmington, DE. We both agreed that there may very well be room for a blog for his company but the idea of Twittering to share the latest and greatest in heating and air conditioning probably was a stretch.
I would recommend that as a small business you look at how you can get the word out about your business in a low cost way. This economy is nothing that can be easily read so there is really no use in trying. Take this time to find the best low to no cost ways to get your business out there in front of customers and prospects alike. I have said it before, now is not the time to put your head in the sand. If you do that, this whole economic mess we are will go away but when it does you will have gone away too. Don’t wait ……..communicate.
SMB Takeaway: Social media is cheap but requires time, attention and commitment. It is something however that you must consider as an SMB. Your best competitors will so you measure the opportunity lost if you don’t even consider it.
Thanks and have a great day!
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
As an online marketer I’ve been trying to wrap my head around the social media opportunities that would work best for my internet printing company. There’s so much information out there, it’s hard to know what’s useful and what’s to be ignored. Is there any simple “how to” advice for those of us who offer basic business-to-business services online?
ER,
Your question is one that is asked every day by the SMB marketplace and for good reason. Social media is just now moving to the mainstream for real. Small businesses have to recognize that not only are there certain types of social media that may or may not apply to your situation but that there is a serious time commitment required to do it correctly.
You need to step back and ask “What am I trying to accomplish with this?”. Is it to create some interaction with existing customers? Is it to “sell” new visitors? Is it to showcase successful implementations of your printing process?
I believe that the best place to start for most SMB’s is a blog. If done properly it can also have the residual effect of aiding any SEO efforts that you are working on as well.
As for a simple “How To”? I am sure you can find something but I would argue that it would be too watered down since customization of social media programs is critical. there is no simple path to social media success. Sorry.
I hope this gives you something to consider. Call me if you need more info.
Thanks,
Frank
Brilliant info good read.
Arron Daviess last blog post..10 Tutorials in site building I’m sure you’ll find interesting.