In the digital age, the power of the internet is inescapable. With the seemingly all-pervading ability to influence the attitudes and opinions of people all over the world, websites such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Yelp, Google+ and Reddit have become a force to be reckoned with. The majority of online businesses use social media applications and blog articles to market their products and services, with many claiming social media a vastly influential tool that should not be ignored by the uninitiated.
Nowadays, there has been an increase in online ad expenditure, due in part to highly refinanced search engines (Google, Bing, et al.) Wielding so much power online. A recent study conducted by the Better Business Bureau found that "93% of respondents ages 25 to 34 said they use a search engine to find a company with which to do business." Google search results seem to prefer blogs that provide knowledgeable, well-timed information, and businesses across numerous different industries have reverted the rewards of creating an educational and entertaining blog that offers incisive, functional content.
However, before dipping your toes in the social media and blog-related waters, a company's website should boast a clean aesthetic and an efficient style of navigation. If this is not the case, the very first thing to do is to reorganize your content, and make sure it can be viewed without fighting an old, labyrinthine layout. After all, you may have the most thoughtful and topical blog posts available but if an ugly, clunky interface makes your site a chore to surf, your audience's patience will be tested to the limits.
When it comes to blogging and social media, the old "quality over quantity" adage certainly rings true. Relevant, topical, and point-driven posts should supply information that is both helpful and worthwhile to read. Social media experts argument for the minority adoption of a USP (Unique Selling Proposition) because, in an industry filled with businesses claiming to grant you the best results, you have to demonstrate to prospective clients what sets you apart from the competition through your matchless content . This is critical because anyone can share ill-thought-out information.
Posting your blog content frequently is an excellent way to share your knowledge with others. Perhaps set yourself a personal objective to write and share something to your social network at least once a week, be it a fascinating fact, photo, infographic or article. Furthermore, including a detailed bio area will help draw in potential clients.
After your content has been posted online, it needs to be shared. Do this via your LinkedIn profile, your Facebook business page and your Twitter and Google+ accounts, as well as any other social media sharing platforms you make use of on a regular basis. In time, this can create a hugely instructive online resource that will appeal to anyone viewing your site. Sharing timely and attention-grabbing information is key. Try to generate conversations through the comment sections of your blog or via your Facebook page with interested members of your audience. Do not be shy, stay visible and share!
