There can be no doubt that online marketing is a growing field. In fact, throughout these tough economic times, the digital sector has continued to show strong growth. Of course, much of this increase in uptake can be attributed to larger companies – the multinationals who had the foresight to stay ahead of a rapidly changing online landscape, as well as a size-able budget to implement their plans.
These big corporations tend to have in-house online PR and marketing staff, meaning that they are ready to adapt to new situations. Smaller businesses don’t have this ability, and in fact, they probably don’t need it. But it should be regarded as essential for every business to have its own website and preferably a number of social media profiles. Many small business owners have recognised this, and have become a part of the new digital economy. What benefits are they enjoying?
The most basic reason for small businesses to get on the web is that they are expected to do so. In a time when we are depending upon the internet more and more for a wide variety of tasks, the average customer will not be searching the Yellow Pages for local companies. Instead, they will be using a search engine. Your company will be invisible to many potential customers if it lacks a website. Now that so many of us are turning to the online world for products and services instead of walking into the town centre, your website is your shopfront. A basic site with information on your services and contact information is cheap and easy to set up, so there’s no excuse!
Social media platforms are a great way to establish a link with potential consumers. Not only do they add another form of online presence over and above your website; they put you on the same plane as the people you want to sell to. Social media marketing is effective for two reasons. Firstly, you are communicating with your target market via a medium that they have chosen to sign up for, and which they probably spend deal of time on. Secondly, there is great potential for viral growth. Social networks are a fantastic resource because when a customer ‘shares’ something that you have posted, they are implicitly endorsing your business. Their contacts are then more likely to view you in a beneficial light, thus making them more likely to also interact with your profile.
The viral potential of social networking makes it child’s play to attract more traffic and, hopefully, sales. By running a competition for a comparatively low-value item, such as a free cinema ticket or something from your shop, you can achieve massive exposure. Do this by requiring each entrant to ‘Like’ and ‘Share’ your page before they can be entered into the draw. Once again, you are receiving a subtle endorsement from each entrant, and you are making it more likely that increased numbers of people will be exposed to your messages. This is because once they have ‘liked’ your page, consumers will see your status updates in their home feed.
Author:
Thomas Jones is Content Manager for I Say! Digital, the outsourced SEO specialists. Though he mainly takes care of copywriting and content creation services, he is training to become a social media consultant. In his spare time, you might find him brewing his own beer and talking politics.
Have you ever stopped and wondered just how large the internet actually is? Or how much influence it holds on our daily behavior?
This infographic put together by Open-Site.org displays the raw power of the internet and how it is used. It also puts things into perspective when trying to identify just how large and in charge the internet is to society.
Internet marketing is one of the hottest trends these days especially for people who want to earn some money. If you are a newbie, it would help if you know more about Facebook marketing. Getting targeted traffic can cost you money, but one way to get cheap traffic is through Facebook ads. The good news is that these ads are very easy to make at a low cost. When it comes to performance, you can expect a great deal of traffic soon.
Facebook, like other popular social networking websites, have millions of users or members. This is a good way to tap on an effective tool to drive traffic to your website. Within the social network alone, millions of people share blog posts, notes, photos, news stories, and even links every month.
Using Facebook is not confusing as it seems. People of different age groups are now using the network, and as a business owner or internet marketer, it is much easier to reach your target market. As a beginner, you can focus on the three tools that Facebook has provided for purposes of marketing. You can use their tools alone or you can combine them according to your preference. These tools include the following – pages, ads, and groups.
The ‘Pages’ tool is designed for public figures, organizations, and businesses; and it is very much similar to the profiles created by individual users. Anyone can ‘like’ pages and there are no restrictions as to the number of fans or friends. This tool is free and you can set it up with ease. However, you have to invest time in building your very own fan base.
If you are willing to spend some money on Facebook ads, you should check out the ‘ads’ tool. This is a targeted ad platform that you can use for specific age groups and geographic areas. Users can like or close the ads; therefore this tool can be powerful enough to enhance your marketing efforts. Since the goals of each internet marketer or business owner tend to vary, the cost of these ads differ as well.
The third Facebook ad tool is the ‘groups’. This tool is similar to forums but Facebook has integrated additional features that are similar to the Wall found in profiles and pages. Groups can be created that are relevant to product offerings or industry. If you want to reach prospects, this is a free tool that you can use. If you want this tool to work for you, you need to invest time and effort because it can be time consuming.
To start marketing using the ‘pages’ tool of Facebook, you can do many things like:
For now, you can focus on the pages tool since it is free like the groups. If you see amazing results, you can proceed with the other tools that Facebook has to offer.
Author Bio
Patric Seeley is a Global Brand Manager at Mattressnextday.co.uk/- huge range of adjustable double mattress in different constructions and all comfort ratings catered for, with free next day delivery.
You might think you’re the only one scrolling through Instagram during your lunch break, but you’re not alone. The world’s hooked on social networks. They’re shaping how we communicate, do business, and even sway politics.
But it’s not all ‘likes’ and ‘shares’. Let’s dive into the global trends, impacts, and even the darker uses of these platforms. Grab your smartphone and let’s explore how our planet’s using, abusing, and benefiting from social networks!
You’re now exploring the global reach of social networks and the immense impact they’re having worldwide. It’s a bit like stepping into the Matrix – only instead of dodging bullets, you’re navigating memes, cat videos, and the occasional political ‘debate’.
Let’s start with the networks’ demographics. They’re as varied as a bag of jelly beans and twice as colorful. From Baby Boomers sharing photos of their grandkids on Facebook to Gen Zers making TikTok dance videos, social networks are a veritable melting pot of generations.
Now, let’s get serious – privacy concerns. Social networks are often more revealing than a poorly timed skinny dip. Your data, from your favorite pizza topping to your shoe size, can be up for grabs. It’s a digital Wild West out there, partner, and it’s important to know how to protect yourself.
Cultural impacts of social networks? Well, they’re as significant as the invention of sliced bread – only with more emojis. They’ve redefined communication, rallying people around causes, trends, and movements.
As for digital citizenship, it’s the new black. It’s about behaving responsibly online, a bit like not double-dipping at a party. But it’s also about access – networks’ accessibility is crucial. Whether you’re perched on a mountaintop or tucked away in a small town, social networks are usually just a click away.
In the realm of social networks, you’re not just engaging in casual chats, but you’re also experiencing a shift in communication dynamics, where anyone can voice their opinions and ideas. It’s like a worldwide open mic night but with fewer bad karaoke performances.
Let’s talk about Networked Privacy. It’s the digital equivalent of trying to whisper in a crowded room without anyone overhearing. It’s tricky but achievable. Studies show that 74% of users have tightened their privacy settings in the last year. That’s no small feat, considering the complexity of privacy settings, which are often more complicated than assembling Swedish flat-pack furniture.
Next, Digital Relationships. They’re like regular relationships, but with more emojis. Data suggests that 1 in 5 relationships now starts online. It’s not surprising, considering you’re more likely to get a reply from a text than a love letter tied to a pigeon’s leg.
So, what about Social Networks’ Ethics? Well, it’s like the Wild West out there, with everyone trying to do the right thing while avoiding being shot by trolls. But efforts are being made to instill some law and order. Cyberbullying Prevention has become a top priority for many platforms, with 60% of them implementing stricter rules, proving they care more about user safety than a cat cares about…well, anything.
Lastly, Online Activism. It’s the modern-day equivalent of shouting from the rooftops. Except now, you can shout from the comfort of your couch, wearing pajamas, and reach millions. It’s a powerful tool in promoting social change, just like a rubber chicken is a powerful tool in comedy.
Leverage social networks for business and marketing, and you’ll quickly see the potential they offer in reaching a larger audience and boosting customer engagement. Don’t believe us? Let’s dive into the data – after all, numbers don’t lie, but your ex probably does.
Brand authenticity is the golden goose of social networks. It’s the thumbs-up emoji to your ‘you up?’ text at 2 a.m. The data shows that 86% of consumers say authenticity is a key factor when deciding which brands to support. So, don’t be the brand that cries wolf, be genuine.
Now, onto your audience engagement. It’s like the salsa to your nachos. The more you dip into it, the spicier your business gets. A smart content strategy can increase your engagement rate by 23%, that’s like adding guacamole, cheese, and jalapenos all at once – yes, it’s that good!
Customer retention, another crucial element, is the clingy partner of your business. It’s cheaper to keep ’em than to find new ones. Around 65% of a company’s business comes from existing customers. So, don’t ghost them after the first date, keep the conversation going.
And lastly, viral marketing. Think of it as the contagious laughter in a comedy club. It spreads fast and wide, but only if it’s genuinely funny. A single viral post can increase your audience by a whopping 1200%. But remember, no one likes a try-hard. Be authentically hilarious, not hilariously authentic.
Nearly 70% of the global population is influenced by politics through social networks, so you’re living proof that it’s not just cat videos and memes ruling your feed. Instead, your newsfeed is a battleground for political polarization and, let’s face it, you’re the prize.
Just think about it. Every time you scroll, you’re not just passing time but you’re unknowingly participating in the grand opera of activist mobilization. Those seemingly harmless retweets, shares, and likes? They’re the fuel that feeds the fire of policy influence. It’s a bit like being in a room full of people shouting their opinions at you, except you can’t find the exit and everyone’s wearing clown shoes.
Perhaps you’ve noticed the increasing trend of election interference. It’s the digital version of those annoying people who knock on your door at dinner time, asking who you’re voting for. Except this time, they’re not just knocking, they’re also trying to pick the lock.
And then there’s propaganda dissemination, the crafty, sly fox in this political jungle. Those ‘sponsored’ posts you see? They’re the modern-day equivalent of whisper campaigns. Only now, they’re not whispering, they’re shouting.
Throughout your time online, you’ve likely noticed how social networks are transforming global education by offering virtual classrooms, online collaboration, and instant access to a vast array of educational resources. It’s like Hogwarts has gone digital, minus the owls and the potential for turning your classmates into toads.
Digital literacy, once the domain of tech-savvy nerds, is now a must-have skill. Sure, you can’t code your way out of a paper bag, but can you find the square root of 144 on Google? That counts too. Online tutoring has exploded, with E-learning platforms popping up like mushrooms after a rainstorm. It seems every Tom, Dick, and Harry with a stable internet connection is now an armchair educator.
Virtual classrooms are the order of the day. Forget the dingy classrooms with squeaky chalkboards. Now, you get to learn in your pajamas, in the comfort of your own home. And don’t forget the collaborative learning. Remember group projects where you did 99% of the work? Well, online collaboration tools are making it harder for free riders to slink off into the shadows.
The data says it all. E-learning platforms have seen a 900% increase in users since 2015. Online tutoring is projected to reach $132 billion by 2023. And 90% of students find online learning equal to or better than traditional classrooms. But let’s face it, the best part about the digital education revolution? No more ‘dog ate my homework’ excuses.
You’re aware of the benefits, but it’s also important to discuss the dark side: misuse of social networks is a growing problem around the globe. Let’s dive in, shall we? And remember, no need for a snorkel – it’s not that kind of diving.
First up: cyberbullying prevalence. It’s like a viral cat video, but instead of leaving you laughing, it leaves a nasty sting. Studies show that one in three young people have been victims of this digital menace. That’s enough to turn Facebook into Fearbook, right?
Next, we’ve got data privacy concerns. You’d think your information is safer than a chocolate bar at a weight loss convention, but you’d be wrong. Hackers are out there, ready to snatch up your personal info faster than a grandma at a bingo game.
Let’s not forget online addiction issues. The ‘Gram, Twitter, Snap – they’re like digital potato chips, you can’t have just one. And the result? An alarming increase in digital dependence. Now, that’s a status update nobody wants to see!
Moving on to disinformation spreading. It’s like a game of telephone, but with world leaders and important news stories. The result? A distorted truth that could make a Picasso painting look like a photograph.
Lastly, there are identity theft risks. Imagine waking up one day to find out you’re not you anymore. It’s like a bad dream, but instead of waking up, you’re stuck in a Kafka novel.
While you’re considering the dark side of social networks, it’s equally crucial to look into the emerging trends and predictions shaping the future of these platforms. And, let’s face it, it’s like trying to predict what your cat will do next. Unpredictable, yes, but not impossible.
Virtual Reality Networking is the new catnip. Imagine, instead of ‘liking’ your friend’s brunch photo, you’re sitting across from them, stealing their bacon. It’s as if you’re there but without the hassle of putting on pants. Data shows VR users are likely to increase by 14.5 million in 2022. That’s a lot of virtual bacon.
Blockchain based Networks are the laser pointer of social media, offering an enticingly secure and decentralized platform. You control your own data, much like how you control the red dot (or do you?). The World Economic Forum predicts 10% of the world’s GDP will be stored on blockchain by 2027. That’s a lot of dots.
AI driven Interactions are the perfect solution for those pesky tasks you’d rather avoid, like weeding out trolls or managing your digital identity. It’s like having your own robot butler, minus the silver tray. Reports suggest 85% of customer interactions will be managed without a human by 2021.
Biometric Authentication is the cat’s meow for security. It’s like a secret handshake but with your face. A Juniper Research study predicts mobile biometrics will authenticate $2 trillion worth of transactions by 2023.
You’ll find that social media habits vary greatly among age groups. Generation Z’s habits often include constant scrolling and posting, while millennials’ networking focuses on career connections. Adolescents show behavior influenced by peer interaction.
Interestingly, senior citizens online are catching up, bridging the digital divide. It’s like a wild party where everyone’s invited, but each age group hangs out in its own corner. Life’s a hashtag, isn’t it?
You’re building an online identity on social networks, aren’t ya? But hold up, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. It can mess with your self-esteem and create emotional dependence.
Ever heard of cyberbullying? Yeah, it’s that bad. And don’t get me started on privacy concerns.
So, next time you’re scrolling, remember: it’s not just cute dog pics and meme shares, there’s a whole psychology to it.
Stay aware, stay safe!
Sure, social networks can lead to digital addiction, making you check your phone every 5 seconds. They can also open the door to cyberbullying impacts, causing you to second guess your every post. You might even experience network induced isolation, where you’re surrounded by online friends but feel utterly alone.
However, moderating your social media diet and fostering healthy online relationships can counteract these negative effects. So, it’s not all doom and gloom in the virtual world!
Ironically, you’re likely reading this on a screen, the birthplace of digital vernaculars and emoji evolution. Social networking’s changed how we communicate, creating new slang and altering texting etiquette.
Studies in cyber linguistics reveal we’re quicker, and more efficient but also less formal. You wouldn’t say ‘LOL’ in a job interview, would you?
Yet, these changes aren’t all bad. They’re just different and continue to evolve as we adapt to our ever-connected world.
Absolutely, you can use social networks to promote environmental awareness and sustainability. Green campaigns and sustainability influencers are increasingly popular. You’ve probably seen eco-friendly hashtags and awareness posts pop up in your feed.
Online activism isn’t just trendy, it’s impactful. Data shows it’s an effective way to spread the word about sustainable practices.
So, you see, social networks aren’t just about sharing memes and vacation photos. They’re powerful tools reshaping communication, business, politics, and education, and unfortunately, even used for misuse.
However, as these platforms continue to evolve, so does our understanding of their potential and pitfalls. You, like millions worldwide, are part of this digital revolution. Remember, your voice matters in shaping the future of these global networks.
Say what you want, Google+ is awesome. Sure it might not be as popular in the mainstream media as Facebook but the reality is that Google has created something great. If you want to compare user numbers it is no slouch either. In this short Google+ video 5 different users discuss how their career and life have changed by using the Google+ social platform.
Pinterest is not just another website where you can look at cute puppies and baked goods. Pinterest has become the newest and hottest social bookmarking site the web has ever seen. Sure at first glance it might look like Pinterest can’t help your B2B business grow but you are not looking at it with a big picture mindset. Just because you pin a blog post regarding LINUX server hosting does not mean that you will not reap some sort of reward from it.
If you are serious about your search engine optimization efforts than you should be pinning your blog posts on Pinterest. Don’t forget that Google & Bing really like it when websites and businesses try really hard to grow their brand online. Google has repeatedly come out and told the business community to try and build good quality links through social channels that can help build your brand online. Pinterest is one of those channels that can do just that. Each pin is a link back to your site and you know how much good quality links can help the SEO power of a website.
When conducting random search queries we are already starting to witness Pinterest boards and pins starting to rank in the search space more and more everyday. As Pinterest grows in power so will its ability to infiltrate the search results. With a properly optimized board you could see your Pinterest account quickly generating traffic. Remember that just because you don’t see immediate traffic from your efforts on Pinterest does not mean there will not be some sort of positive residual bi-products that occur down the road.
If you have a business that sells multiple products, services or solutions and you like talking about those products through your company blog you should have a specific board dedicated just towards those products. Make sure the title and description of that board is always optimized and well written. Each board comes with the ability to have a description written and the more quality content you can put there the better off you will be in the future.
More and more Pinterest images are quickly occupying Bing and Google image searches. Pinterest requires users to use images has the focal point of each pin resulting in a massive amount new images being indexed by the search engines, the better the image the better the visibility. With so many images making it into the search results your business has a good chance of generating visibility from the images you use in your pins if you require frequent quality images in your website content or data.
Whoa! Buried inside the fan page dashboard sits this little gem called The Best Practice Guide for Marketing on Facebook. It is loaded with great info for those of you trying to figure out your own Facebook marketing strategy. The guide is 14 pages long and filled with great info on how to tackle the beast we all call, the Facebook (minus the “the”).
For example, Facebook discusses it’s ecosystem which consists of:
This is just a sample of what you can find in this little document. Check out the Facebook Marketing Guide to learn all the little fun little pieces of information to execute your Facebook marketing efforts efficiently.
Social media is not just something that is planning on sticking around for a little bit with the plans of eventually moving on. Sites like LinkedIn, Facebook & Twitter have completely changed the landscape of digital communication — forever. With LinkedIn going public recently it is even a stronger indicator of just how important it is to use this networking giant to grow as an individual and even a business. Sure, things will take time like anything else but if you don’t want to make the time you might just be shooting yourself in the foot.
Here are some ways you can really increase your online influence in LinkedIn and have it start working for you in a positive light:
Don’t just add your name without anything else because that is useless and a waste of time. Remember that this thing will rank very well for your name in the search engines so you want that profile robust and full of information that can help you grow as a person or a business. If someone searches your name and they bump into a LinkedIn profile that is completely empty that is not going to strengthen their case to want to work with you.
Using a good quality image is extremely important for many obvious reasons. Unfortunately people do judge a book by its cover so it is important to use a quality image that allows you to market yourself. Nobody cares to see a photo of you doing a keg-stand or snuggling with your cats. Save those for your friends on Facebook if you absolutely must showcase them.
For quite some time now I have been sending short quick thank you messages to anyone who wants to make a connection with me. I can’t begin to tell you how many great conversations this tiny little effort has sprung up. It is a great way to break the ice and introduce yourself to someone who wants to have a professional connection with you on LinkedIn.
There is an immense amount of targeted groups anyone can join on LinkedIn. Some of these groups have over 100,000 members and most groups allow you to place a link into their news feed that has the potential to be seen by thousands of qualified eyeballs. A great strategy is to take a blog post your business has written and distribute it through some of the groups on a consistent basis.
Being social is all about trying to communicate along with being a team player when it comes to social media. This means leaving comments on a competitors posts, liking others submissions and generally doing things that leave behind some sort of connection between you and the community. This lets the original owner of the post know that you enjoyed what they have to say and it gets you on their radar screen.
Are you looking to create a successful Facebook fan page?
Then you need to know the important elements that will engage your audience and boost your online presence.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the key components of a winning fan page.
From choosing the right profile and cover images to implementing a compelling content strategy, we’ll show you how to make the most out of your Facebook fan page.
Get ready to connect with your followers like never before!
Your profile and cover images are key elements in creating a visually appealing Facebook fan page. These images are the first things visitors see when they land on your page, so it’s important to make a good impression.
Your profile image should be a clear representation of your brand or business logo, as it will be displayed next to every post and comment you make. It should be easily recognizable and visually appealing.
The cover image, on the other hand, provides an opportunity to showcase more about your brand or business. It should be eye-catching, high-quality, and relevant to your page’s content. Use this space to convey your brand’s personality or highlight special promotions.
To keep your audience interested and coming back for more, focus on creating engaging content for your fan page. This is the key to building a strong and loyal community on Facebook.
Start by understanding your target audience and what they want to see. Use a variety of content formats such as images, videos, and written posts to keep things interesting. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things to see what resonates with your audience.
Ask questions, encourage discussions, and respond to comments to foster engagement. Remember to post regularly, but also maintain quality over quantity. By consistently delivering valuable and entertaining content, you’ll keep your audience hooked and ensure they keep coming back for more.
Click on the call-to-action button to learn more about the products and services offered. It’s important to have effective call-to-action buttons on your Facebook fan page. These buttons serve as a direct invitation for your audience to take action and engage with your business.
Whether it’s signing up for a newsletter, making a purchase, or contacting you for more information, a well-placed and compelling call-to-action button can make a big difference in driving conversions. By using clear and concise language, such as ‘Shop Now’ or ‘Sign Up,’ you can guide your audience towards the desired action.
Additionally, make sure the button stands out visually and is prominently displayed on your page. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to optimize your fan page with powerful call-to-action buttons that drive results.
Posting regular updates on your page keeps your audience engaged and informed about your business. When you consistently share updates, news, and valuable content, your followers will feel connected to your brand. They’ll appreciate being kept in the loop and will be more likely to interact with your posts.
By regularly posting, you can showcase your expertise, build trust, and establish yourself as a thought leader in your industry. Additionally, posting updates allows you to stay top of mind with your audience, increasing the chances of them remembering you when they need your products or services.
Engaging with your audience through comments and messages is a great way to foster a sense of community on your page. When you take the time to respond to comments and messages, it shows your audience that you value their thoughts and opinions.
By actively participating in conversations, you can build strong relationships and create a loyal following. Encourage your audience to share their experiences, ask questions, and provide feedback. This not only helps create a vibrant community, but it also allows you to gain valuable insights and improve your content.
Remember to be genuine and authentic in your interactions, as this will further strengthen the bond with your audience. So, don’t hesitate to engage with your audience and watch your community flourish.
To choose the right profile and cover image for your Facebook fan page, consider your brand and target audience.
Use eye-catching visuals that represent your page’s purpose and make sure the images are high-quality and properly sized.
To create engaging content on your Facebook fan page, focus on posting a variety of content types like videos, photos, and articles.
Interact with your audience by asking questions and responding to comments.
To drive desired actions from your audience, utilize call-to-action buttons on your Facebook fan page. These buttons prompt users to take specific actions like signing up, shopping, or contacting you. This can significantly increase engagement and conversions.
You should be regularly posting updates and posts on your Facebook fan page to keep your audience engaged.
It’s important to find a balance that works for you, but aim for consistency to maintain a strong presence.
To foster community engagement on your Facebook fan page, there are several strategies you can implement. Firstly, make sure to interact with your audience by responding to comments. This shows that you value their input and encourages them to continue engaging with your content. Additionally, asking questions is a great way to spark discussions and get your followers involved. This can be done through polls or simply posing thought-provoking queries. Furthermore, running contests or giveaways can generate excitement and incentivize participation. By offering prizes or exclusive rewards, you encourage your audience to actively engage with your page. Lastly, it is important to create a welcoming environment for your followers. This can be achieved by being responsive, respectful, and appreciative of their contributions. Making your followers feel valued and included will foster a sense of community and encourage ongoing engagement.
So there you’ve it!
By incorporating important elements such as a captivating profile and cover image, an engaging content strategy, effective call-to-action buttons, regular updates and posts, and fostering community engagement and interaction, your Facebook fan page is sure to thrive.
Remember to keep your audience in mind and provide valuable content that keeps them coming back for more.
With these elements in place, you’ll be well on your way to building a successful and thriving Facebook fan page.
Who said you have to stand up and be proper all the time online? There is no rule book in the web space that states you have to operate your look and appearance like a fuddy-duddy. The web space is there for you to show your company personality and stick out amongst your sea of competitors. Give people a reason to want to come back and visit your website because they enjoyed their user experience. Sure you want to appeal to your target audience and make sure your efforts and branding make a connection with your visitors but there is no reason why you can let your company personality shine on the exterior. Companies who laugh and smile can also get the job done. Life is short and time flies so give your online audience a reason to want to learn more about your business.
Here are some ways you can show your personality online and tap into the fun side of your business:
Your employees can be a great resource when it comes to showcasing your companies fun & wild side. Some company’s encourage their employees to set up professional company Twitter accounts and tweet throughout the day, others will showcase their employees by taking photos of them and displaying them on the website. Sure there is risk by allowing your employees to have their own company Twitter handle but there is also reward if executed properly. If upper management has the personality of drift wood than dig into your staff to see if there is anyone that would be willing to step up to the plate and get creative online. At the very least you should be showcasing your company talent on a team page along with employee photos.
You know who does a good job of this? Rackspace.
Rackspace is one of the leaders in the cloud hosting market yet they put an image of a goofy employee laughing (I mean that with the most respect) on the home page, why? Because they are not scared to show their fun side. Even to a super technical business space like cloud hosting where many of the end users and decision makers will be IT managers and CTO’s they still have the guts to completely go against the norm of that particular space. This is an amazing approach in eyes. Is it a coincidence they are superior in their field? I won’t put all the success on personality but it sure does help a brand grow online.
A blog is the mega phone for a business to express themselves how ever they wish. It doesn’t have to be all rigid and informational all the time. You can position it to however you want. In between all those corporate blog posts try dropping in an image of a visitor that came to your office, or possibly something funny that happened during a meeting. If your audience does not value the fun side of your business than you don’t need them anyways. It is OK to smile and work.
Running a business online should be fun and enjoyable. Don’t sweat the small stuff when it comes to how you market yourself and show your personality. The web space has no boundaries and you are free to be as social as you would like. Companies with some of the most successful online marketing approaches have very robust and extensive social media approaches. Communication is key and you can change the personality of your business overnight by how you communicate with your audience online.
A little quote from Inc. magazine on how they feel about this topic:
“Every business organization has a personality. There are many books and articles about it, but they all make the same statement: The business personality is what the company is about, made up of the firm’s mission and messages, values, environment, corporate culture, and its behavior under stress.
Small businesses and start-ups develop their personalities based on the founders’ and senior executives’ enthusiasm for the business and their drive for success. Their feelings of purpose and exuberance are passed on through direct interaction between senior executives, front-line employees, and customers. Everyone enjoys the thrill of actively working together to execute the company mission and even small successes energize the close-knit workforce.”
In my opinion having a fun and unique online personality will allow you to really strengthen your brand in the web space. Being unique is what allows websites to outshine their competition and these days the online space is all about branding. Years ago having website pages that ranked in the search engines was enough but today it is a different story. The start-up community is extremely active and there are some companies coming up very quick with very strong online personalities. The branding foundation they are building for themselves is worth its wight in gold.