I have just started a conversation on social media with a woman who is setting up her own business in a creative industry.
Her big dream is to turn her passion and love for art into a business.
I’ve met many people over the last few months with similar goals.
So here is my top 15 guide to success for creative businesses;
(There are plenty of others and social media is a constantly evolving monster so be prepared to explore, trial and play with it. So no matter what you can stay current and create an effective marketing strategy organically.)
I hosted a last minute (because I love your business) social media master class recently and this is the email I shared with the business women afterwards. Some of these business women were completely new to social media and others had dappled and some would even say they were getting some results. BUT they all left saying “Wow thank you!” and I loved the way one business women said “Oh now I get how to not make it take up all my time!”
So I thought I would share my top tips for them as they move forward using social media as part of their marketing stratetgy:
“I’m aware that we didn’t have as long as would have liked to go into more detail, but I hope that we were able to concentrate on what to say, when to say it, to get people interacting with you, wanting to sign up to your mailing list, reading your blog, etc, so that you are able to gain new leads and more importantly sales.
With the use of Hootsuite it would be good to hear that you aim to get tweets, etc automated and if you were my coaching client, when you intend to put into the diary to actually do it. Even if its just to write a one week plan of what actions you could take. Everyone has to start somewhere!
Remember to test and measure your results. Are people engaging with what you say? If not trial other times of the day.
With Facebook and Linkedin – think about what groups it would be good to join and engage with other peoples conversations. And if you want to post your profiles to me on any social media platform to discuss please feel free to.
In the future it is worth considering;
Using Eventbrite for events (because it can be so easily integrated into Facebook and helps you track where leads have come from.
Using Mailchimp, again its easy to share on your social media.
Its also good to share your press releases online (once published) for many reasons, but I will save that for another day, as well as a ton of other stuff!
Its all about sharing useful relevant content that makes people want to be involved in all that you do. Share your passion!
Here are some blogs that maybe useful too;
http://www.mandieholgate.co.uk/7-reasons-why-twitter-isnt-working-for-you/
http://www.mandieholgate.co.uk/marketing-production-line/
http://www.mandieholgate.co.uk/whatarefacebookladders/
And remember don’t be frightened or put off by what I share here its all about you personally moving forward, not about all being the same. Social media just like your marketing is an ever evolving thing and that is why I like teaching business women those skills so that you have them for life and constantly grow and adapt with the ever changing markets.
Keep in touch and let me know how you get on and if you feel I can assist further please do not hesitate to contact me,
And they say the proof is in the pudding, here is the little conversation that I had with one fabulous Essex business woman I’ve had the pleasure of knowing for years, after last nights session it was great to see Kate Nudds from Professional Choice Recruitment online – boy was she keen to put things into practice!;
So remember;
Have a genuine reason for being in touch.
Only engage with people that you are already getting to know online, off line and who genuinely want to be hearing from you – don’t waste people’s precious time to tell them all about your website!
If you use the right copy then this could lead to sales as it does for me.
Let me know how you get on.
07989 935556
(Everything I share is low cost / no cost and just like this blog it may not be the prettiest but boy does it work. So call me today so I can be helping you too!)
BTW don’t tell me you don’t have time to video blog, this short film, blog and the social media took me less than 15 minutes to do!
I’m fresh faced back from 12 days of Mickey Mouse, magical castles, fast rides and exercising my credit card down the Champs Elysees (it had to be done) and while I was having fun, laughing, singing and loving the magic that Disney creates for you and your loved ones I still made the sales. Why do I tell you this?
Well I did not even take my smart phone with me, I did not send a single social media message or check one email and yet I made sales in every area of my business and picked up new clients too. Wouldn’t you just love that?
You see when it comes to a marketing strategy that works it WILL deliver to you whatever you are doing, and most of the time you will be very busy delivering to your clients (but its just as effective so that you can have a life outside your business too!) So you need to know your marketing strategy is always;
(And that folks is just for starters, knowing your marketing strategy really works and is powerful for your business success gives you this inner calm and the ability to get a good night sleep too….oh and I found myself grinning a smile as big as Mickey Mouse’s when I saw those sales coming in today!)
Want the sales?
I share no cost, low costs strategies that deliver success, from a coach that genuinely understands you and your business because with my proven track record, history and skills I can ensure you are getting the results you want, and you get me there between sessions to kick butt (if you like that style) support, motivate and inspire you to succeed.
You will love having someone like me on board!
Email me to learn more or give us a call – 07989935556
Heading Home Thoughts Social Media Master Class
Do;
Get Social
Add Photos, How to’s, film
Share good ideas, Blogs you loved, Testimonials
Get involved in # & Ladders
Ask Questions
Automate
Reply
Follow people in your industry, magazines,
Experts, TV
Play with it!
Don’t;
Sell
Add a link to every post
Say what you wouldn’t say in person
Say the same thing only once or a 1000 times
(It will be like talking to a brick wall that isn’t listening!)
And if it still isn’t’ working for you and your business – then its time we talked!
I can offer anything from a 1 2 1 session at your offices, one off mentoring groups or talks for your networking group or organisation or monthly groups to enhance your skills. In my experience its often the case that you are engaging in the wrong way, with the wrong people at the wrong time of day and I can help you find the rights for all those wrongs!
Which you can then replicate in other areas of your marketing.
Whatever works for you, whatever size your budget – lets talk.
This week I received in the post 24 chocolates to take me up to Christmas in the form of a nifty little marketing tool of a Advent calendar.
What is impressive, is that its a gift from a business woman that I have supported and sent work her way and connected her to people and yet we have never ever met.
We have only met online and yet Sabina feels like a business woman I’ve known for years. I know how many children she has, I’ve shared in her massive success, we’ve talked challenges we face as busy business women, and I’ve watched her business grow in the last few months. (You’ve got to remember I’ve only been back to work 3 months).
And its already a real pleasure to get emails and correspondence in any format from her.
Why do I tell you this?
Firstly because great online networking means that I really trust Sabina, because we have both backed up with good follow up, genuine interest in each other and doing what we say will do.
Secondly it means that as I get busy again in 2014 if I intend to use a VA, who am I likely to use?
Thirdly I got free chocolate folks!
You see good social media marketing creates more than just connections and the chance to make a sale, it creates lasting connections with business women who make me smile and who I adore seeing doing brilliantly.
Thank you Sabina, from Sabina VA Business Management Support for SMEs – its really appreciated.
And to prove it, here is a link to Sabina Hinchcliffes website, pop by and get involved in her social media too, you won’t regret it.