Not only has social media changed the way we live and see the world, but it’s also become a powerful tool for business. There are now more ways to connect with potential clients than ever before but we have all seen examples of social media being used in ways which have negatively impacted businesses. Perhaps a company’s social media isn’t targeted or well thought out. Perhaps their content is just too bland to be memorable.

How, as small business owners, can we get the most out of social media? What can we do to make a positive, lasting impression that will bring tangible benefits to our businesses? In this episode of the number one small business podcast, we’ll be speaking with Ramona Rice who knows more than a thing or two about this exciting topic.

Like all promotional activities, there needs to be a strategy behind a company’s social media output. This can give the impression that we will need to devote a lot of time to it. However, planning out your social media strategy doesn’t need to take up too much of our time and targeted output can have a huge impact. A little forethought and the help of some automated platforms can give us more time to concentrate on the more traditional areas of our businesses.

Most of us didn’t become small business owners to simply sell any old product. The products and services that we provide are things that we are knowledgeable and passionate about. It’s important when using social media to use that knowledge and passion when connecting with potential clients. Don’t be afraid to put some personality into your social media campaigns. It’s easier for customers to make a connection with a company that reveals the personalities of the people behind it.

Issue Challenged in this Small Business Podcast

How can we use social media effectively to improve our businesses?

About Ramona

Ramona Rice is not only a great friend of the show, but also a social media strategist, real estate marketer, blogger and podcaster. She manages social media strategy for one of the largest independent real estate companies in the United States. She has her own real estate marketing site and hosts the Sports Gal Pal podcast.

Top Quotes

* “You have talented people who are passionate about things outside of what they do. If you encourage them, it leads to better camaraderie and companionship.”

* “We started small, took baby steps and focussed on one platform at a time and very quickly we started seeing results.”

* “For our site, social media is behind only organic and direct traffic. That’s a real testament to the content we are creating.”

* “We want to provide education and value to our prospective clients. When the time comes when they want to buy a home, they already trust us.”

* “When you have a content marketing plan, it means that every single post, tweet, blog and video has a purpose behind it. It makes things much more effective and it’s easier to measure results.”

* “If you want to do this, the biggest thing you can do is have some data to show your boss. Find out if your competitors are doing something similar. The minute that they find your competitors are doing something, your boss will want to do it.”

* “You can’t be afraid to put some personality into your business. You have to be willing to let go of some potential customers to make sure you get the right customers.”

* “Automated services will save you so much time and they are all very cheap!”

Actionable Tips

* Every post needs to have a goal attached to it. It needs to be based on something that you hope to achieve. Even if it is just letting customers know that you are out there, keep a goal in mind. Defined goals make the process easier to plan for and the results are easier to measure.