Social media may not cost you dollars, but it sure as heck costs you time. Social media management can be very time consuming. Many small businesses rely on social media because they can’t afford to hire an advertising agency or may not be able to afford online advertising like banner ads or search engine marketing. The typical small business owner has lots of hats to wear and a laundry list of tasks that includes social media management. With that in mind, the following social media marketing tips will help you be more efficient and effective with your social media efforts.

Social Media Marketing Tips

Where are your customers

There are a lot of social media options out there and the numbers seem to keep growing. Most people start with Facebook or Twitter. Don’t assume those are the right choices. Do some research to find out what social media channels your customers use most. The idea is that it’s easier to join them in their community rather than starting your own community and hope they find you.

You need a social media marketing strategy

This social media tip may make me sound like Captain Obvious, but just like a good marketing campaign, your social media efforts need a strategy. Map out your goals and steps need to achieve them.

Strategy should include

• Who is responsible for the social media daily tasks
• What specifically do you want to achieve
• How will you measure success
• What type of messaging will you create

Be Human, not biz like

It’s called social media, so be social. People will respond more when your social media voice sounds like a human rather than a business. You can be more human by using a picture of yourself rather than your company logo. Respond to comments made by customers just like you would if you were having an actual conversation in person. If a complaint is made, address it quickly and you will find that people are often forgiving.

Listen and learn

Your customers use social media to share and converse with each other. Take time to listen to what they have to say instead of telling them how great your product or service is. Stop with the hard sell and tap in to what they are saying. After lending a kind ear, you will be able to better help them.

Be an expert

One of the best ways for a small business to interact with customers is to be an expert in social spaces. By joining existing communities where your customers are, you can easily insert yourself into the community by being a voice of expert advice. For example if your small business is plumbing hardware, find those online social communities on Facebook, Twitter, discussion forums and blogs and start answering questions and offering advice. Remember to let people know you are a business owner — never pretend to be “just another consumer” when you participate in social discussions.

Value is a good thing

Simply conversing with potential customers is no enough to continually keep the interest of your social network. There need to provide some type of value. This value can come in the form of information, like solving their problems as it pertains to your interest. Value can also come in the form of some type of special offer, perhaps a discount or coupon.