Arlene Santos of AG Design Group Uncovers 3 Social Media Misconseptions

March 20, 2012 - PRLog -- Advertising and advertising methods have changed drastically over the past several years. This is evident in the number of marketing options available to businesses today. With so much variety, one would think it would be easy to advertise, right? Unfortunately, the multitude of options and the rise of social media only confuse most business owners. When it comes to social media, most business owners are misinformed. AGD uncovers 3 classic Social Media misconceptions:  

1. Social media is difficult and risky, so I won't do it. If this is you, you are truly missing out. Traditional marketing (magazines, radio, commercials) is a one-directional approach. YOU talk to your audience, and that is where the conversation ends. You inform your audience about yourself, what makes you great, and it is up to your audience to reach out and hire you. Social media like blogs, Facebook, Linkedin, and Twitter is a bi-directional approach. You talk to your perspective audience and they have the ability to talk to you. This allows you to readjust your strategy accordingly.

Social Media is also an excellent way to optimize your online presence. When conducting an online search for a business or person, a CEO for example, social media profiles for Linkedin and Facebook are generally the first to appear. New advertising avenues, such as social media, are simply ways to increase your brand visibility. After all, if customers can't find you, they can't hire you.

2. I have to do every type of social media. Wrong! Maybe you don't even need social media. What?!? But number 1 says I do. Many companies start blogs, Facebook campaigns, and the like, and then neglect their accounts. If you are not going to be active, then it is best to not participate. An outdated blog or un-used profile gives the impression that your business operates like your social media, neglected and out of date. There are of course alternatives, like hiring a company to manage and facilitate your posts like Nott Limited Solutions in Concord. Companies can meet with you, ghostwrite, and even post and comment for you. This is a great solution for companies that do not have the in-house support.

But I though you said I may not need social media? In order to make this determination, you must look at your client base. Who are you targeting? If your clients are 80-year-old seniors, then a Twitter account may not be the best way to reach them. But if you are a plumber who services a 40-mile radius and want to increase your market share in Contra Costa County, then you BETTER be on as many sites possible.

3. Now that I have joined the Network, I can stop all other forms of advertising. Abandoning other forms of marketing because you have a free Facebook account is a very poor decision. People do not become millionaires by investing in 1 stock. By the same token, one ad in the paper will not get you 100 new clients. In order to see the best return for your advertising dollars, you need to diversify. Marketing is a systematic progression. There are a whole lot of steps before someone buys your product. All marketing, well planned and well executed, must work together to build a brand presence. This includes both your one-directionals (postcards, ads, brochures, website) and bi-directionals (Blogs, Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter).

Don't get lost in the noise. For help with your business’ Social Media, branding or marketing, AG Design Group can help. We offer free consultations, in which we can review your current strategy and make suggestions as to how to increase your brand visibility.

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AG Design Group Inc. is an award-winning graphic design & marketing firm, specializing in branding. We provide custom design & marketing strategies that fit your needs & budget. Our services are flexible & our process allows for action-oriented results.