Features Business Marketing
Marc’s monthly marketing tips: social media

Feb. 8, 2013, Toronto — For many business owners, social media can be a
stressful endeavour. Between the investment of time, the challenge of
measuring returns, plus keeping up with the latest platform, it's no
wonder so many entrepreneurs are giving up in frustration.

Here are five tips to help you manage your social media efforts – and expectations:

1. Set goals.
   Are you trying to build awareness, increase sales, or become a
   resource? Understanding the role you want to take will better help you
   stay focused and motivated.
2. Know your audience. What platform are they using? There's no point in creating a Facebook page for an audience that would much rather read a blog.
3. Pick a platform.
   With so many social media sites, it can be overwhelming trying to
   manage them all. Pick one or two that you're comfortable with while
   still allowing you to reach your audience.
4. Have a strategy.
   Creating a "destination" for your audience can help you measure
   success. For example, you can offer a free eBook through your Facebook
   page that visitors can receive when they give you their email. In this
   case, getting their email address is your real goal.
5. Manage your time. Instead
   of running your social media campaign in small increments throughout
   the day, set aside a block of time and stick to it. Mobile devices also
   make it easy to manage social sites during down times like standing in
   line at the bank.

Marc Gordon is a professional speaker and marketing consultant. Get more marketing tips on his website, www.marcgordon.ca and on his online show, www.marctv.net.