Social Media is the blending of technology and social interaction. This instant form of “networking” is in turn blurring the line between professional and personal relationships. Friends are becoming clients and vice versa. Becoming a member of some of the top social sites allows you to turn your business information into an interactive dialogue with current and potential customers. In addition, companies and organizations can communicate unified internal information to employees using social media sites. There are multiple sites available that serve to maintain these social contacts for you; social contacts can be a person of any age demographic, organization, object or idea that you encounter during your daily routine.

With this blending of personal and professional boundaries, social media sites have given a new power to the consumer, allowing them to instantly search the web and self-educate when it comes to making purchase decisions. Situational examples of how social media is being used today can include but are not limited to:

• People can now see who their “friends” on Facebook are affiliated with, and who was invited to this or that professional event.

• People can now “tweet” to their contacts on Twitter asking for advice on a place to eat or get their hair cut in any given location.

• Professionals and job hunters can now research companies based on a variety of criteria (location, business type, alumni associations) on Linked-In to see who has received the highest professional “recommendations.”

• People can now utilize Google Places and Yelp to locate vendor contact information and read customer reviews.

It is even possible now with social media to reach people directly on their cell phones. With these endless possibilities in mind, it is highly beneficial for professional businesses to maintain an up-to-date brand identity online.

We Bring the best to Your Business

FACEBOOK

As of January 2011, Facebook has over 600 million active users worldwide making it one of the most popular social media sites available. Users create personal profiles, add other people as “friends” and exchange messages and information in a variety of ways. Users may join common interest groups, organized by workplace, business, school or another characteristic. Facebook serves as a strong Business to Consumer tool by providing instant updates on any given product or service.

Benefits

• Generate brand awareness by connecting with existing or potential customers in a variety of age demographics

• Facilitate customer engagement by creating event, promotion, contest, and invitation announcements

• Maintain detailed profile with business information

• Share instant business updates

• Share rich media (video, picture)

• Drive web traffic to and from your profile with content feeds from your website and other social media sites

LINKEDIN

LinkedIn is a business-related social media site that focuses on member’s professional experiences and skills rather than everyday interests and activities. As of January 2011, LinkedIn has over 100 million registered users worldwide and is available in six languages: English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, German and Italian.
 

Benefits

• Create linked-in company page to engage professionals in a business context

• Market relevant company information

• Post job openings, search for job openings and search for candidates to fill open positions

TWITTER

Twitter is a social networking and micro blogging service that allows users to participate in “real time” conversations. Participants could potentially post updates minute-by-minute for their followers to see and respond to. These messages or “tweets” are visible to the public by default and can be sent directly to followers phones via text message.
 

Benefits

• Create user profile with custom images and graphics

• Build network of people to share information with minute-by-minute

• Utilize Text Messaging to send updates to followers instantly

• The most “instant” form of information sharing/ updating and is often used to coordinate events

YOUTUBE

YouTube is a video sharing website that allows users to upload, categorize, share and view videos.  YouTube hosts user-generated video clips, TV show clips, music videos and video blogging called “vlogging.” Once video content is uploaded, it can be shared through email, website, blog and other social media sites.
 

Benefits

• Maintain user profile with comapny information

• Catalogue videos in one location and share on your other social media sites including e-mail, Facebook, Twitter, Google buzz, Tumblr, Blogger, Myspace etc

• Support user comment options and on-the spot video recording and response

• Participate in "vlogging" where users post videos in subjects of interest and maintain dailogue on the content

Achieve Your Best Local Business Identity

Drive traffic to your website and business by maintaining and updating your business profiles on the top Search Engine Operators. Ensure unified business information across all search engine operators and build your credibility. When customers search online for specified products and services in your region, your detailed company information such as hours, location, contact numbers and link to your external website can all be accessed at the click of a button. In addition, coupons can be posted to attract business and customers can write reviews of your service.

Sites We Use

• Google: Google Places

• Yahoo: Yahoo Local

• Bing: Bing Business Portal BETA

• Ask: Business Listing

• Yelp: Business Profile

Internet Marketing with Social Media Networks

One of the fastest growing options for marketing your business on the internet is the use of Social Media Networking.  Updates, observations, comments, and information about your business products or services can be communicated at the click of a mouse and your customers, colleagues, or business associates are instantly informed about activities on your website.  Let ProImage Gold Web Design customize a social media marketing plan for your unique business needs.  Social Media Networking is an affordable web marketing option that any business can personalize and use on a daily basis to attract more attention to your website and increase online sales.

Social Media Marketing Plan

Some of the Social Media Marketing options include:

Facebook: We can help you set up a Facebook business page and advise you on the best usage of this site.  Invite your customers to become friends.


Twitter: Attract new customers, keep in touch, get advise, and do research with help from the online community.


Linkedin: This networking tool can help you gain customers and make connections with other businesses.  We can help you set up a profile.


YouTube: Take your website videos to the rest of the world and gain valuable exposure for your company.


Google Places: Get your business found on local search results on both Google Search and Google Maps.


Google Buzz: Social messaging tool by Google that integrates photos, videos, and links into Google web-based email program, Gmail.


Local Chamber of Commerce: Traditional business networking organization that can connect your business locally.

Business experts agree that Social Media is a powerful marketing tool that can increase website traffic and improve brand awareness.  Don't let your company be left out of the network.  If you are a small business in the Indianapolis, Fishers, Carmel, or Geist areas, or anywhere in the world, Contact ProImage Gold Web Design today and let us help your company build a social media network customized for your business.