8 Ways Social Media Can Grow Your Business

This is a common scenario:

A business hears that social media can help generate business. So, they rush out and set up accounts on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.

Then, panic sets in: What on earth are they supposed to do once they get there? How will this help their business?

Good question. One that many fail to answer before they dive in.

If you're not sure how social media can help you grow your business, here are several ideas to help you get started:

1. Find your people. Social media gives you a great way to find YOUR people (i.e., those who want to connect with you and buy your stuff). For example, LinkedIn gives you the ability to search people with a particular industry or job title and Twitter allows you to search by location or bio.

2. Discover opportunities. Businesses that know how to listen can position themselves to find opportunities on the social Web. Setting up Google alerts and social media searches can help you pay attention to the needs of your audience and even offer a solution right when people are looking for it.

3. Spread your content. Social media is the perfect companion for your content (i.e. blog, ebooks, whitepapers or videos) because it helps your information get in front of more people. It also showcases your company's expertise and gives your audience a taste of what it would be like to work with you.

4. Engage with customers. Businesses can offer excellent customer service through social media by answering questions and solving customer problems. Doing these things will keep your customers coming back.

5. Test ideas and get feedback. Social media offers the perfect forum to solicit feedback on ideas for new products or services and ways you can better serve them. You can also use the feedback you get to capture testimonials that can help you promote your business.

6. Run a promotion. Deals are a great ways to drive sales and spread the word about your business. Offer a special discount to your Twitter followers or give Facebook fans "first dibs" on new products or services.

7. Connect with influencers. Use social media to develop relationships with key influencers that may help your business. But remember, just make sure you don't start acting like a used-car salesman. Get to know them first. You never know where it might lead.

8. Help others. Everything you do on social media should be with an eye toward helping people solve their problems. For example, if someone needs recommendations for a new restaurant, don't be afraid to chime in. When you take the time to help others, even if it's not in your niche, people will view you as a trusted, helpful resource.

These tips just scratch the surface of what's possible, but this gives you several ideas to connect with your target audience and, ultimately, grow your business.

Laura Click is the founder and CEO of Blue Kite Marketing, a Nashville-based marketing and social media consulting firm. She can be found on Twitter at @lauraclick.

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