I just attended a social media marketing workshop in Las Vegas.  One of the trainers told us, “Your 13 year old probably is doing all your Facebook work for you and that’s OK.”  That’s OK?  Come on--if you’re going to jump into the social media marketing world, you must figure out how it works and not depend on your middle-schoolers to help you with this major undertaking.
     For those of you who don’t believe in using social media as a marketing tool, I’m here to tell you it’s going to stick.  Remember a few years ago the naysayers who said the internet thing was just a flash in the pan?
     The first key is to start working on three major platforms.  Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter are the big three.  The so called experts will add other elements, but this trio is the key to blocking and tackling in the social network marketing world.  If you’re just starting don’t tackle YouTube just yet.  But is should be on the to-do list in the next 30 days.  If you’re intimidated here’s what I’ve found:  the best way to learn the project is to just do it.  Get online and start working with Facebook.  You’ll need an email or a Gmail account to get going but that is the best way to start.  LinkedIn works the same way.  Twitter is a little bit more complicated but not that much.
     If you can’t do it hire someone who can but don’t let the kids or your friend across the street take over the project.  The reason I want you to do it, is the same reason I encourage those I coach and train to watch their own finances and not just rely on a bookkeeper or broker to do it.  Why?  If you lose all your money or go broke it’s your responsibility not the finance man’s.  The same is true for social media marketing. Go ahead and take a chance and get holy trinity established ASAP.  Test and track like I do.  Find out what words or phrases, links, videos and ideas get the most attention. Remember two golden rules.  Create and update content at least one time per week.  And use these three tools to learn about your prospective customers and what they are looking for.   Your kids may be a very good on a computer--however it’s your job to put a roof over their head and food on the table.  Take social media marketing seriously because it’s here to stay and the best part:  It’s FREE!
     If you would like my “7 Fatal Flaws of Social Media Marketing” please email me at www.askdavetester.com