A Kinder, Gentler Social Networking Strategy

by Julia D. Stege, MFA

"How do I start marketing on Social Networks?"

That's what a lot my peeps have been asking me lately. They feel a bit overwhelmed by all the options, and yet they know Social Networks are becoming as important as a website (if not more important) to their marketing campaigns. They hear buzz about Twitter, Facebook and other popular sites, but they don't know the best strategies for using them.

The bottom line really is they don't want to waste a lot of time learning and using these sites if it's not going to bring them clients. And they know if they put out a lot of hype like some internet marketers these days, their customers will run away rather than be attracted in.
So how to use Social Networks to attract clients without being obnoxious?

First you want to clarify your unique message. The biggest mistake many solopreneurs make is looking at what others in their industry are saying and doing and copying them. When you're just getting started, it's smart to know what your 'competitors' are doing, but you don't want to be just like them. You want to stand out. How to do that?

Ask yourself "What makes me tick?"

Do you know that what makes you and your perfect customers tick is aligned, simpatico, a match? The Law of Attraction says "like attracts like." When you define what is most important to you, your mission and message, you are distinguishing what makes you compelling and attractive to others. When you relate your core life mission with your business offerings, you have a message to share with the world.

Then, choose one Social Network to play around on. I suggest Facebook to start, because many of your friends, family and colleagues are already on Facebook and you can connect with them and start sharing what is important to you. Make sure you don't just post business messages. Include caviats from your day, what you're grateful for, what you're really thinking about, what you're doing. People want to know the real you, so be authentic. When it comes time to market your event or services, people will actually be interested in your offering because they're interested in you.

Add new social networks as you are ready.

Each of the networks like Twitter, Blogger, LinkedIn and YouTube, have different 'personalities' and different strategies for how to attract your peeps. Go on these sites and explore. Create profiles and invite friends and start building your followings.

Social Network marketing experts suggest spending a minimum of 2 hours per week building online relationships, and 6+ hours if you want to master online marketing.

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Magical Marketer Julia D. Stege, MFA helps people attract their perfect customers with a unique combination of Law of Attraction, wildly attractive logos and websites, and smart Internet marketing techniques. If you're ready to start attracting your perfect customers now, get Julia's free Magical Marketing Toolkit at http://www.magicalmarketingtoolkit.com