If you were in doubt about including Social Media as part of your marketing plan, here is a video you might want to check out. It’s called,

“What the HELL is social media – in 2 minutes”

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What the HELL is social media explains in 2 minutes using 10 key facts why brands need to take notice of social media. Do me a favor and watch the video and then consider rethinking your marketing strategy for the long run.

Anyone can add a little link luv to their business with just a few minutes of effort. It’s not really effort either because it’s all about you, and who know you better than you?

First thing you have to know is: Don’t over think it!
Just follow along, don’t worry if it isn’t perfect, some action is always better than no action. You can go back later and tweak things to your heart’s desire.

Oh, and did I mention this is all free? So, no “I can’t afford it” excuses.

First, go to http://www.google.com/local/add

If you already have a Google Account, sign in. If not, sign up with your regular email address or get a Gmail account if you prefer.

Click on “Add new business” and fill out your information.
(Hint: Be sure to follow the instructions for verification of your business.)
Bam! Instant Google Link Luv.

While you’re there…

Create a Google Profile at http://www.google.com/profiles
Click on “Create my profile” and enter your information. Don’t worry if you can’t think of what to put in every box, you can come back later when you’ve had some time to think about it.

Here’s the secret sauce for this recipe, be sure to check the box that says “Display my full name…” or you won’t show up in a search, which of course it the whole point.

Bam, Bam! More Luv for you.

For You Yahoo!’s

I would be remiss in my duties if I didn’t throw a bone to Yahoo! Go get yourself a free Local Business listing at http://listings.local.yahoo.com/. Click on the “Sign up” button. Like Google, you’ll need to have a Yahoo account, so if you have one already, great. If not, sign up either with your email address or get a Yahoo! email address.

Once you’re signed in, fill out the form just like you did before, maybe mix it up a little bit just for fun.

Well, maybe it took more that 10 minutes, but don’t you agree it’s pretty easy? Plus, there are plenty of other places you can list your business for free. I suggest you periodically go back to your profiles and update them and add more info. Search engines favor fresh content, so add that to your marketing mix.

Now, if you don’t mind, help me out with a little Link Luv and share this article with your friends, or add your comments below.
Thanks in advance!

Do you know where your business prospects are?

Better question. Do your business prospects know where you are?

Last question. Does the photo on the right reflect your income right now?

OK, I lied. One last question. What are you doing about it?

I was just invited to speak at a Real Estate office in Danville about how to use Facebook and Twitter to get more clients. The good news is that using social media for business is simple. The bad news is that it’s not easy.

No, it requires work.

You don’t just set up an account on Facebook on Monday and close an escrow on Friday. You can’t Tweet about your listing on Tuesday and get a buyer on Wednesday. (I concede that it could happen, probably does happen, but that is not the norm.)

But what you can do, is connect with people in your community and develop relationships that may result in business later on. It’s just like any other type of networking, except you can do it from the comfort of your desk, or at home in your PJ’s.

It does take some planning and calculated implementation to make the most of social network sites like Facebook and Twitter. There are some things you have to learn. If I can do it, you can do it.

I was a Landscape contractor for 17 years. My business was built around digging holes and filling them back in. My point? If I can do Facebook, you can too. Your prospects are on Facebook, or if they’re not now, they most likely will be in the future.

Social media won’t solve all your business problems today, but it is an essential part of your overall marketing plan. Of course, you can always go back to cold calling and door knocking, if you prefer.