[sally]

Okay this is one I am really struggling with for my market.

Any tips on how to use social networking to market your business?

Which social networking sites do you use and why?

Also with so many of the social networking sites being international how can you narrow that down to target UK people that may be interested in your service or products?

Woops sorry typo in the title and can't edit it.

[stephendoyle]

hi Sally,

this is a really good question and one that businesses should consider.

i have been doing some research with an American company on what
businesses should use and what results to expect.

i will report what i conclude however; the top and bottom is that it
takes time to post, network and build trust to order.

to me its long term rather than short so you should concentrate on
other forms of marketing as well that bode quicker results.

social networking sites such as linked in, myspace, facebook etc have
changed the way that businesses can communicate to the prospects.

blogs are another way to tell the internet you are around and must be
considered.

You tube and google video are other sites that also extend and help
businesses with another way to communicate.

the main rule i would stick to with anyone attempting to start these
is be patient and put time and effort in and contribute and get to know
the communities and how they work as if you go in pitching they will
kick yer backside outta there!

kind regards
stephen doyle

[sally]

Thank you Stephen, would be interesting to hear what else you learn as you go along.

I think it is the time constraints that is foxing me, it really can take all day just to log in and out of places and I tend to feel as though I have done no work because I am just chatting.

Has anyone had a lot of success at using social networking for their business?

[Sleepytopia]

If I tell you where I'm a member then you can go and have a look and see if they're any good

Facebook
LinkedIn
Plaxo
Sales & Marketing Forum
BT Tradespace - I started a community on this one UK WAH Business
Giant Potential you might have to login to view this one, I started a group on there http://giantpotential.ning.com/group/ukwahbusiness

I'm sure there's more, I like networking

[sally]

That is great I shall go have a look at them all, thanks.

So I assume you are finding them useful business wise, rather than just socially?

[Tigglet]

I think it is the time constraints that is foxing me, it really can take all day just to log in and out of places and I tend to feel as though I have done no work because I am just chatting.

know the feeling!

[stephendoyle]

hi sally / sleepytopia,

as you can see with sleepytopia thats quite a lot of posting and time
that you need to put in and learn about the communities that you are
involved in.

you will no doubt see a return down the line when everyone knows that
you are competent and know your industry however; in the short
term as i mentioned imo it is better to run other marketing campaigns
such as ppc, seo etc ... whilst working in these networks.

regards
stephen doyle

[Sleepytopia]

Originally Posted by sally

That is great I shall go have a look at them all, thanks.

So I assume you are finding them useful business wise, rather than just socially?

I have had sales through some of them yes but I do like to gossip

[Sleepytopia]

Originally Posted by stephendoyle

hi sally / sleepytopia,

as you can see with sleepytopia thats quite a lot of posting and time
that you need to put in and learn about the communities that you are
involved in.

you will no doubt see a return down the line when everyone knows that
you are competent and know your industry however; in the short
term as i mentioned imo it is better to run other marketing campaigns
such as ppc, seo etc ... whilst working in these networks.

regards
stephen doyle

I spend way too much time online, it's a wonder I'm still married LOL

[sally]

So the general consensus is that it is something to do when you have a spare hour rather than something to put too much effort into?

Am trying to get my time management sorted, as I spend 16 hours a day at my laptop but seem to achieve so little most days (this forum isn't going to help although I am learning a lot so may forgive myself)

I love a gossip too but must spend my time on my business for the time being