Social media marketing is a cornerstone of RevenFlo’s monthly Web Marketing Management program. We encourage our clients to dive into the world of social media as a way to engage their clients in conversation that revolves around their needs and buying tendencies.

One way to think of social media marketing is as an online extension of the many networking activities you undertake in the “real world,” such as membership in your local Chamber of Commerce. The time you spend getting your face and name out into your local community is vital to your business. You should do the same in the web community, and social media marketing is an effective way to do it.

The great thing is that you can “get social” right now by posting on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn, submitting articles to Digg and Reddit, and by starting a business blog, which is the main topic for today.

Benefits of Blogging for Business

Regular blogging about your company, products, services, specials and events provides you several benefits. In addition to the less-tangible benefits of community building and being perceived as an opinion leader, business blogging promotes search engine optimization, a tangible and measurable way to drive traffic to your website.

Of course, if you are going to start blogging for your business, it makes sense to do it well. The web is full of best practices and helpful tips from various gurus in the field. One such blogmeister is Rich Brooks of Flyte New Media, who has a top-nine list of best practices designed to make your blog a more effective business tool. Let’s look at a few of his suggestions:

1. Blog for your audience

People will visit your site primarily because they have some interest in your product or service. They want to hear your thoughts about those, not about what you have for lunch, or whom you voted for!

2. Make your blog search engine friendlier

The constant conversation in your blog about your products and services is a rich source of natural keywords. But you can boost your SEO by using keyword-rich category names and writing keyword-rich post titles.

3. Engage your most active commenters

Commenting is the big bonus in blogging. When a visitor comments on a post, he is extending the conversation, and the opportunity to mention your products and services a few more times. So, encourage that! Respond to each commenter in an email, link back to or comment at their blogs, and mention them by name in later posts.

4. Comment on influential blogs in your niche

Every business niche has its opinion leaders. You may already know them but, if not, you can track them down by way of a Technorati search. Read their stuff and, if you something relevant to add, do it – and provide a link back to your site.

5. Leverage your blog traffic into real business

Otherwise what’s the point? You are trying to promote your business, so your blog posts should include some appropriate call to action. Include links that drive traffic from your blog to your business website.

The final word on the topic is Subtlety. You are trying to drive business, but your audience in the social marketing realm will be turned off by the hard sell. They want to be engaged and heard!

We want to hear your success stories. What has worked for you business?

RevenFlo Offers Social Media Marketing Services

It takes time to get it right. It ALSO takes time to find topics and do the writing, but that’s another subject. The good news is that, aside from merely stressing the importance of social media marketing, Revenflo has the tools and talent to get you in the game effectively.  So, give us a shout, and start taking your business social with RevenFlo.