More things to share on social media

Posting stories, video, photos helps you connect with followers

Premium content from Sacramento Business Journal by Debi Hammond, Contributing writer

Date: Friday, January 6, 2012, 3:00am PST

You already have the tools to reach more people more often and more efficiently than ever before.

For years, small businesses looking to market their products and services have been at a disadvantage because of limited budgets. With the advent of social media, small businesses now have a marketing tool they can afford.

Yet few companies, especially small ones, have strategically incorporated social media into their marketing mix. Many have amazing content but don’t use the “social” tools available to distribute it. Think you don’t have great content? It’s time you dig a little deeper. See if you have any of this content to share with your customers.

• Pictures

• Press releases/news

• Video

• Charitable work

• Personal stories

Social media provides the perfect platform to engage your customers on a more personal level and, depending on the size of your organization, your employees as well. You might not feature a personal or behind-the-scenes story in an ad campaign, but social media is the perfect way to tell that story. In fact, that’s what people want — something authentic to your brand. So don’t be shy — tell your story.

The next time you post something to your website, ask yourself where else you can promote it. In today’s world, your website is simply the first step in telling your story. To truly engage your audience, you need to embrace all of the distribution channels available to you and connect with your clients.

For complete article, visit the Sacramento Business Journal.