It’s very common for me to have a conversation with a potential client that starts something like this:
“I know I should be on social media; I keep hearing that. But I don’t get it. What can I use it for?”
Let’s start with how you do business already– there’s no need to totally reinvent the wheel.
- Host a town meeting or focus group— via UStream, Twitter or another chat service.
- Host an educational seminar (in this case, a webinar)– use UStream, GoToMeeting, or another service.
- Publish educational content— via a blog (WordPress, Blogger, Facebook or another platform) or as multimedia (on YouTube, SlideShare, etc.)
- Provide top-notch customer service through Twitter, Facebook, or any number of forum or chat platforms.
- Send a newsletter— use ConstantContact, Emma, or the bevy of other products available. (By permission only, please!)
- Distribute informative literature by posting it on your website, Facebook fan page, or other platform.
- Send invitations or spread the word about events— store openings, special sales, educational seminars, campaign rallies, whatever! Use MeetUp, Facebook, Evite, or a range of other options.
- Distribute coupons, discount codes, or event tickets individually via email or generally to online fans/followers.
- Organize volunteers to political events, community service opportunities, or other causes (MeetUp, Facebook, Evite, etc.).
- Make announcements or distribute press releases. You can do this through regular communications on platforms like Facebook and Twitter, on a section of your website, or officially either through direct communication with reporters or by using a service like PitchEngine.)
(PS – This video on the social media revolution is worth seeing.)