Frequently, small businesses and others will ask what is the optimal social media strategy for my business. However, the answer really depends on what your goals are, who your market is, and what you have to offer. And that’s pretty much what our experts said this week on Ask a Marketing Expert.
What would be a comprehensive social media marketing program to introduce three franchises to Washington, DC market? Franchises are in tax, bookkeeping and legal markets.
Marketing That Works http://www.facebook.com/l/41ea5/MarketingThatWorks.TV
Jarret, What goals do you seek to accomplish for each franchise through social media? What action do you want people to take? What is unique about your franchise(s)?
Jarrett Smith Hi, the goals is to sell franchises. The unique position of this franchise is the low upfront fee – less than $3,000.
Marketing That Works Jarrett, Are there any existing successful franchise owners? Jarrett, Also, what does the franchise owner receive for his $3,000 investment?
Jarrett Smith Franchisee receives: Tax prep software, comprehensive training for franchisee and employees, marketing materials, five year agreement and territory rights. In DC territory will be neighborhood based. For example the right to U Street or Shaw. DC inner suburbs will be .25 to half a mile, depending on areas density.
Company website: 1040Taxbiz.com
While the medium of communication via internet is considered social media, social networks are the elements that keep social media up to date. The social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, and Linked-In are essential in advertising and connect to others. When using these mediums you are allowing individuals to stay updated in the status of your company and you have access to an unlimited amount of individual in which to solicit your product to, free of charge and with little effort. Unless you are geared towards the purchasing of advertisements on Facebook which then would cost money. Either way you a reaching individuals in which would never know about your company and building a network of followers from there. When an individual likes your page or post that appears on everyone else’s page whom is their friend giving you free publicity for others to see. In regards to Twitter, which is a little more difficult to access people because they have to search for your company and follow them, it still allows you to promote yourself to your followers to keep them updated on sales, current news, career opportunities. In a way, similar to a newsletter with the information that you are able to provide them. I believe that social networks are a virtually untapped reservoir of gold which businesses have barely scratched the surface in its potential uses.
Great points — the potential for social media is vast, but the potential for abuse is also there. Firms must find a way to participate in the conversation without interfering with it.