Social Media Marketing Down the Drain?
I recently read a great article by WebProNews’ Chris Crum “20 Goals for Business Social Media Use“.
He definitely made some good points about what we, online business owners, REALLY are to do with social media as a traffic generation strategy.
In fact, his thoughts were so good that I decided to share them with my readers…
I guess that would be you.
It’s no secret that many online business owners still struggle with the concept of using social media. It requires time, effort, and dedication.
And the results? Well, they are very uncertain.
Many business owners still consider social media traffic generation a waste of time, but are getting involved because they simply feel like they are supposed to. They just want to keep up.
Mind you, we are not talking about “them” as if “they” have nothing to do with “us”.
The former and the latter are the same thing.
I frequently get comments from my readers saying “we’ve heard it all, but who has the time and what difference does it make… REALLY?” (read more on that Why Panhandlers Get Better ROI Than Twitter Listbuilders).
Well, here is a little secret: you DON’T HAVE TO use social media to build a successful online business.
HOWEVER, considering your general business goals might help you decide whether there is a way social media traffic generation can help you reach those goals.
As social media enthusiast Chris Brogan told WebProNews in a recent interview, it’s time to get over the touristy part of social media and start getting down to business.
He says it’s not “Gee whiz, it’s cool” anymore. It’s “What are we gonna do with it?”
“Great you can type. Now what?” he says.
Below is the list of possible goals you can set for your business and social media traffic generation.
Once you consider the GOALS you want to reach, see what TOOLS out there can help you achieve those goals.
20 Possible Goals for Social Media Traffic Generation
1. I want to make my company name synonymous with my name.
2. I want to become an authority on the subject of free internet marketing strategies.
3. I want to reach wider audience through my blog.
4. I want my customers to be able to stay updated with news about my company.
5. I want to learn how to reach more targeted prospects.
6. I want to get to know my customers.
7. I want to promote my product.
8. I want to stay abreast of current news and trends.
9. I want to share my ideas with like-minded individuals.
10. I want to increase brand awareness.
11. I want to provide training and support easily.
12. I want to recruit.
13. I want people to like my brand.
14. I want to collaborate on business projects.
15. I want to directly sell a product.
16. I want to earn respect within my industry.
17. I am getting information overload, and I want to get organized.
18. I want to drive traffic to my site.
19. I want to get more involved with people on an international and global level.
20. I want to keep up with my competitors.
Of course these are just possible goals; they may or may not fit with your vision for your business. So sit down and come up with your own list.
Once you do, consider this: will social media traffic generation help you reach those goals?
I bet 9 out of 10 times, the answer is yes.
And if so, stop talking about it. Stop being a social media traffic generation tourist.
Start learning, start doing, start achieving.
You are right: you don’t have to comment or retweet, but would it help if I told you it would be much appreciated? 
PS Here is my favorite way to generate traffic from Facebook:
PSS For more no-nonsense marketing training and tips from YourNetBiz Mentor, fill out this short spam-free form:
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Hi Ana,
thanks for sharing this great video and the 20 possible goals of blogging. I love the idea of Twitter being a serendipity engine as Chris says in the video. And the word picture that the tourist part is over in the world of social media is awesome.
I use my blog to convert traffic that I generated through Facebook, Twitter etc. into consumers and customers, that’s the ultimate goal.
Take care
Oliver
Oliver Tausend´s last blog ..Anatomy Of Quitting – Oliver Tausend’s Example
That’s my goal as well, Oliver. Social media is a mechanism to drive traffic to my site.
I love how Chris Brogan doesn’t fool around with anything:) and do love his imagery!
Thanks for stopping by, Oliver.
Hey Ana
I agree, you do not have to use Social Media to build your business, just like you do not have to use SEO or PPC advertising.
You just need to chose one and stick to it.
Someone who is really good at PPC may see no need for Social Media. They certainly would not have the patience because they have the skills to turn traffic on at will. But not many people ever obtain that level of skillset.
I think Network Marketing and Social Media go hand in hand. But you need to stand out by building your brand and providing value, and that takes time.
Anther great post Ana, and I think my next read will be Trust Agents.
Peter Fuller MBA´s last blog ..Support my entry to the Famousbloggers ComLuv contest
Very well said, Peter.
The way you choose the best strategy to promote your business is completely up to you. It depends on the level of knowledge, comfort, budget and many other things.
Some ways do take longer than others, like social media, but I agree with you, Peter - it’s a necessary part of any successful online business.
~Ana
Hi Ana,
Even more reasons to take full advantage of social media to generate exposure for your business!
If you think social media is for teenagers and for people with too much time on their hands, think again. It’s now a great way to promote your business.
Thanks for sharing a great list of goals and awesome video.
All the best,
Mavis Nong
Mavis Nong´s last blog ..Mavis Nong Launches Her Brand New Personal Website!!
Considering that every prospect will most likely Google you before they even think about signing on the dotted line, having a diverse online presence, including social media profiles, is huge.
Thanks for the comment, Mavis!
Ana a lot of information here about my favorite topic. Sometimes I get overwhelmed with all the possibilities we have here and the opportunities we can create. I get really excited thinking about this vast power we now have to reach and out and connect and literally create empires. Your video for instance Chris Brogan I thought I saw the guy from CopyBlogger these guys have taken the ball and ran with it making great livings and are giving back in huge ways exactly what I’m going to do. Love this post.
Steve Shoemaker
steve shoemaker´s last blog ..Strategic Branding-Who Are YouInc
Steve:
I love it when you said “that’s exactly what I AM GOING to do” vs something like “I would like to do”. That’s precisely the mindset that will lead you to success!
~Ana
Where do you get these cool pics!! love em
Another great Blog Ana- it seems like you need to become ubiquitous to be everywhere- if you want to create your brand online- to create ripples you need to be found if not then its becoming harder to stand out from the masses.
Some do it better than others - as evidenced by your social media impact!
Cheers kiaran
Thanks for the compliment, Kiaran, and you are so right.
The trick to running a successful business is being everywhere at the same time. It’s not as difficult as it sounds, but does require much learning, testing, and optimizing.
Survival of the fittest…
Hey Ana,
It’s reason #3 for me. I am just now starting to “come into my own” as the saying goes.
Thanks, in good part to posts I’ve read here and at the blogs of, well look up, those are four of them.
I know enough about PPC to know I stink at it. What this long time loner finds amazing is that I seem to be developing a knack for social media. Go figure, I sure can’t.
Whatever works, right?
Mike
Michael Cole´s last blog ..Adversity- A Tale Of Two Men
I am not surprise you are so good with social media, Michael. It’s in your blood, my friend! Take advantage of it.
Coming into your own is a great feeling, isn’t it?
Thanks for stopping by!
Fantastic stuff Ana, yet again! Social media most certainly forms an integral part of my marketing plan in my business, but yes…it does need to be done correctly. The time has come to tale it up a few notches with some creative thinking - your EIF Tribe is a perfect example of how a social media site should be utilized.
Stay inspired!
Michael
Michael B Wilbraham´s last blog ..How To Create Online Advertising Headlines That Sizzle!
You keep me inspired, Michael. We have a great group of people, don’t we?
You are absolutely right though - those who come up with more creative ways to do the same old thing will win the race.
I want to be one of those people for sure!
Best,
Ana
I always find your posts interesting Ana.
I believe there are two aspects to social media - mass exposure to / mobilization of the social media audience and personal connections - both equally valid but with totally different outcomes.
Using the party analogy - you could if you knew how get the whole party to follow you to the next venue which would be pretty cool or you could just move around, making one on one connections with people at the party and not worry about the mass. Choosing what you do depends on what you aim to achieve.
~Marcus
Marcus Baker´s last blog ..Save Time With This Handy Email Formatter MLM Tips
I like how you think, Marcus.
You are right, mass exposure is also important although we cannot worry too much about the outcome.
It’s in one-on-one connections where the true value of social media lies.
Great to have you!
Hi Ana,
This is a great post! Social Media is stirring up the world and the best thing about it is that not only the average person can use it for recreation but also it benefits businesses.
Social Media is a sure and convenient way to connect with people worldwide. The one thing that I do is connect my blog to all the social media sites that I’m a part of which saves a lot of time connecting with people.
Thanks for sharing Ana
Sherman
Sherman Smith´s last undefined ..Response cached until Tue 20 @ 19:02 GMT (Refreshes in 47 Minutes)
Definitely, a very good tip, Sherman - making sure that your readers can conveniently connect with your social media accounts via blog.
~Ana
I really love social media - it allows you to really connect with people on a level that friendships and businesses can be built on. It allows you to relate with people and understand them as a person, and what they are like.
You can use Social Media to obtain more targeted leads than PPC, both have their own pro’s and con’s, few people find a happy medium between the two.
Great post and thanks for the video.
Robert David Strong´s last blog ..How an Object Can Travel the World That Cost You Ten Cents
You are welcome, Robert; thanks for your feedback.
You are right, any traffic generation strategy has its pros and cons, and social media is no exception. Additionally, it does require a lot of time involvement, so leveraging your time through proper planning, time allocation, and clear goals in mind is a must.
~Ana
Hi Ana,
Great article and very informational video!
I’m with Peter. You don’t have to use social media to build your business. As a matter of fact, some of the gurus have moved away from it and to PPC. Or they use both, since FB now has it’s own PPC marketing.
If you choose social media, than it’s definitely wise to limit your time as you can really get sucked in.
Ilka
Ilka Flood´s last blog ..Are You Sabotaging Your Own Network Marketing Success
I think it’s much easier for someone who has already made a name for themselves to not utilize social media.
Most of people who I meet online are not quite there yet:), using social media WISELY can definitely bring great results. Until we all become Frank Kern’s that is.
Thanks for the comment, Ilka!
Great blog post, the 20 goals are very good. We can rewrite it for our personnal business, because not all businesses can be directly impacted with those principles. But again, if we take the time to acheive goals in our respective business and be active with social media, we have better chances!!
Dave B.
Precisely, Dave.
Planning ahead can save a lot of headache down the road.
Thanks for stopping by!
~Ana