What You Should Know Before Joining a New Social Network
New social networks are surrounding you on a very regular basis. Sometimes it is difficult to know which ones are worthwhile for your business and which ones are not. Don’t compare them to a large network, such as Facebook.
Just because a social network is new and relatively small doesn’t mean that it isn’t valuable and that it won’t be advantageous for you to be a part of it. Many times, companies are connecting with niche social channels, depending on the types (and quality) of interactions that are taking place. If the results are good, you should seriously consider being a part of some of them.
Some of the new ones that are worth considering are Pinterest, Houzz, Tumblr, IntoNow, and PlayUp. Each one focuses on something different and as a business owner, you need to decide which one (or ones) are right for you. It is definitely advisable to do your research before you sign up for any of them. Before you move ahead in full force, you may want to start small by posting something as a guest so that you can see what kind or reaction from the readers you receive. If you find that certain small social networks are working well for your business, you should then create more of a presence there so that you can start to interact with other people.
There are some fundamental questions that you should ask yourself before you sign up for any of the social networks.
Are the members of the social network that you are considering also members of your target audience?
If you do some research, you will be able to establish whether your target audience is involved with that particular network. If your goal is to engage with specific people (who are either prospective or current clients), it is important to understand how important the focus and quality of the network is to you and your business.
How much time and effort are you planning to devote to that particular channel?
As you are aware, in order to make social media work effectively, you need to put time and effort into it. Before you start interacting, you need to figure out (and commit to) how much time and effort you plan on investing. It is important to remember that you will need to put more effort into it in the beginning. Once you have laid the groundwork, you may not to devote as much time and you can enjoy the fruits of your labor. It may take you between 10 and 12 hours to create a new profile, write and post content on the new social network, and start to really make your presence known. If you see that that particular network is good for your business, you may want to devote more time to it than you would otherwise. In many cases, you will get out what you put in.
How will you be using this particular social network?
Before you get started, you should figure out exactly why you want to be involved with that particular social network. Once you have established that, you will have a clear understanding of exactly how you will need to approach it so that you get the most out of it for your business. It is very important to bear in mind that if you are working with a small social network, your results may take longer to show up than if you were working through a large social network (such as Facebook). Of course, that doesn’t mean that you won’t realize positive results. It just means that you need to have a little more patience.
Will the chosen social network exist in a few years?
There are many that people have started and have not been able to succeed at. A great deal of factors go into whether a social network will have longevity. It is important that the network constantly makes efforts to improve and offer new and exciting innovations along the way. It is a good idea to have a wish list before you get involved with any social network. This will help you to determine right away if that particular network that you are considering is right for you and your business.
Conclusion
New social networks can be deceptive at times. They look very appealing when they are new and you may think that you should get involved; however, make sure to do the research so that you don’t waste time later. In addition to connecting with new (smaller) social networks, you should always keep abreast of new offerings within the social networks that you already have profiles for. Social networks are here to stay and it is up to you to figure out the right ones for you and your business. If you ask the questions that were presented here, you will be able to make informed decisions that will help you in the beginning as well as along the way.
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Hi Michael,
Set aside time for a deep Q and A session before joining a social network. Target groups and Fan Pages on sites like LinkedIn and Facebook before you decide to spend significant time on networks. Super tips here.
Give freely of your time and talents. Focus on specific spots; hang out where your prospects hang out. Contribute helpful content. Make connections with leaders in your niche.
Be patient. Social media marketing pays short and long term returns. In time you can prosper by doing your SM homework beforehand.
Thanks Michael!
Ryan
Via LinkedIn Groups
• Group: Linked-N Bergen County NJ
• Discussion: What You Should Know Before Joining a New Social Network
This is a very informative posting about social media that shows that bigger isn’t always better. You need to research and pick the right social media venues for you personally or for your business. Excellent posting.
Posted by Jon Babcock
Via LinkedIn Groups
• Group: Social Media & SEO
• Discussion: What You Should Know Before Joining a New Social Network
You just need to do some research and know what you want out of it. We have to pick social media venues that are appropriate for reaching our target demo. Excellent posting Michael!
Posted by James Avant
Via LinkedIn Groups
• Group: Informed Ideas For Writers
• Discussion: What You Should Know Before Joining a New Social Network
Thank you for the link. Another consideration here is whether the network you join can lead you to the audience you want, and how directly. There is a danger in joining a social group that’s too-narrowly defined for your audience, and will not provide the same return as a larger group with a more general focus. Something to think about.
Posted by Peter Rogan
Via LinkedIn Groups
• Group: Public Relations and Communications Professionals
• Discussion: What You Should Know Before Joining a New Social Network
Good points. Too many companies and organizations set up a Facebook page or Twitter account just to have one, without researching usage by their target demographic or assuring that they can put in the time required not only for regular posts, but also to engage in a CONVERSATION.
Posted by Pamela Bailey
Via LinkedIn Groups
• Group: Public Relations and Communications Professionals
• Discussion: What You Should Know Before Joining a New Social Network
I agree with Pamela..good points in article and research to targeted audience is an element key.
I have a Public Relations boutique that focus on the small business market and non-profit organizations. I have an non-profit that helps the elderly…..no twitter account required. Then I have an organization that is youth oriented…twitter account advantageous. Then there are those media outlets I think everyone and anyone could/would benefit….i.e…Linkedin.
So yes…strategic planning is key to the success of any organization. I just brought an intern on board as ‘social media guru’…who’s greatest task and non-doubt, most time consuming -is engaging audience interaction. I find myself overwhelmed at times. Although I enjoy every aspect of maintaing followers support, I joyously relinquish/share all outlets….except Linkedin.
Most if not all business owners, do not have time to invest in the collossal time restraints of social media/networking…. whereas a dedicated team would get the task done.
The scope of a successful business is evolvling and as business owners and leaders….we too must evolve with it….strategically. thx!
Posted by Liz Keith
The toughest part is predicting which social media sites will be around for an extended period of time. It seems like new platforms are being cranked out every day now.
Via LinkedIn Groups
• Group: Linked-N Bergen County NJ
• Discussion: What You Should Know Before Joining a New Social Network
And as you know, not just posting over and over and over and over but actually responding and engaging with people on social media media sites is probably even more important:
Posted by Gene Sower
Via LinkedIn Groups
• Group: Linked-N Bergen County NJ
• Discussion: What You Should Know Before Joining a New Social Network
That is a great point, Gene. You need to engage the audience by responding and answering any questions or comments people have about your company, message, or post. Follow-up is key on social media.
Posted by Jon Babcock
Via LinkedIn Groups
• Group: Linked-N Bergen County NJ
• Discussion: What You Should Know Before Joining a New Social Network
Because I’ve seen people write and throw out so much content in a one-sided way and they never respond to comments or questions and they THINK they’re practicing social media. NOT! I’ve seen certain people completely take over forums and Facebook pages by inundating the community with a tsunami of content that it’s overwhelming and counter productive.
Posted by Gene Sower