Social Media Tips | Welcome to FGmarket Buzz

How Social Media Can Help Grow Your Business

July 29, 2013 by Laken Watts Leave a Comment

In a fast paced, ever-changing market, social media has become a necessity for businesses. Whether your business is a mom and pop store or an international leader, social media is important. Often times TV commercials are fast forwarded, newspaper sales are declining, and billboards are becoming outdated. Social media is fast and easy to manage for a company of any size. The three main social media resources a company should use are Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

Tweet Tweet

social

Twitter was first started in 2006 and was envisioned as being just another social networking site with micro blogging capabilities. What happened in the few short years since its creation is mind-blowing. Twitter now has 554,750,000 active members in only 7 years. Twitter’s ability to reach the masses has grown exponentially, and doesn’t seem to be going towards a decline.

For the younger generation, Twitter is a tool to keep up with friends, but it is more and more becoming the only news outlet they see. Information is passed to someone in the blink of an eye, for free, and can include a link to your website or a picture.

Not only is it appealing to younger generations, but all generations are quickly becoming engaged in Twitter. Give it a try and see where it can take your business.

Insta-what?

Instagram is the newest social media platform to take off. This social media tool allows users to post pictures and videos to their profile for followers to see. Facebook recently purchased Instagram, and the growth is expected to continue. Followers of your company’s Instagram account can see exactly what your products look like! Being able to show off your special work is an important way to connect with customers and leaves a lasting impact. Images and videos are more likely to stick in the minds of the viewer than a boring, old newspaper ad.

Is it Facebook Official?

Facebook is the largest and most interactive social media platform available. 1.11 billion people use Facebook today. This platform allows users to create pages about themselves or their company and post to their profile. A company can utilize everything from videos to pictures to text posts. You are free to add as many “friends” as you would like, which is a way for your company name and image to reach the masses, again FOR FREE! Side note: you can buy ads for Facebook which will appear on the side of user’s homepage and also ads that show up within the user’s feed.

Along with these three social media platforms, others are becoming very popular. Pinterest, Reddit, Etsy, Tumblr, and WordPress are rising stars in the social media sphere. Keeping up with current trends in the ever-changing landscape of online media will be key in developing and growing your business to levels you never imagined!

Source: Expanded Ramblings

Marketing Tip of the Week: Social Media (Twitter)

July 5, 2013 by FGmarket Leave a Comment

We’ve talked about websites and we’ve talked about Facebook, that’s enough isn’t it? The short answer? No. Your website and your Facebook page are great, and you will see positive growth from them, but there is one more social media service you need to be using, Twitter!

Is Marketing with Twitter Possible?

Twitter is an odd form of social media in that it is restricted in ways that most of the others are not. On Twitter, you only have the opportunity to phrase whatever you want to say in 140 characters. The only way to exceed that number is to break your tweet into more than one post.

You also can’t post an entire memory stick full of photos at once like you can on Facebook. In fact, if you post more than one or two at one time, your followers may become annoyed and stop following you! Twitter is its own animal, and it’s important to understand what it is and how to use it in order to be effective.

However, in spite of its limitations, or perhaps because of them, twitter is an excellent source for marketing. Finding success there can be challenging, but your influence has the potential to be more broad more quickly than with Facebook. So what do you need to know? Lets dig in!

Marketing with #Hashtags

Marketing Tips

The best way to communicate with people who aren’t actively following you is through the use of #hashtags. A #hashtag is when you place this symbol “#” in front of a word or short phrase. You can have no spaces between the # and the word or words you are using. For example, instead of #FG Market, I would have to use #FGmarket. If I typed #FG Market, only the FG is tagged, and Market is left off.

Why is this important? Twitter is set up so that you can search it’s entire network for everyone tweeting under a specific #hashtag, and you can read all the posts associated with it. Therefore if you post and use a #hashtag, anyone searching under that #hashtag will be able to see and read your post. Anyone. Anywhere. Now that’s reach! When multiple people are using the same #hashtag, that’s referred to as trending.

Of course, the secret here is not to make up your own #hashtags, or at least not always, but rather to piggyback on one that is already in use. It’s also important that your post be relevant to whatever tag you are using, as an errant post will be ignored and not garner you additional followers or the attention you want. In fact, it could result in some negative backlash. This is where my mantra once again comes into play: Continue reading “Marketing Tip of the Week: Social Media (Twitter)” »

Marketing Tip of the Week: Social Media (Facebook)

June 28, 2013 by FGmarket Leave a Comment

The past two weeks we’ve covered website content and website SEO. This week we’re going to shuck and jive our way out onto the Social Media dance floor with some basic tips for operating on Facebook.

Content is King

Just like with your website, the content you generate will be the driving force behind traffic to your page. However, the difference here is that you have to be cautious about how often you post. With your website, the more you update the better. Facebook is a bit different.

Marketing Tip

On Facebook, anyone who has “Liked” your page will see anything that you post on their news feed. If you post too much, they will become annoyed with the constant bombardment and “Unlike” your page. You don’t want that. People who have liked your page are potential outlets for free advertising. Any post has the potential to be liked and shared by them, thereby causing it to show up on their friends news feed. It’s a viral form of marketing that has the potential to go very far afield.

Remember to use the medium effectively. Much like a standard website, Facebook lends itself to photos and graphics as well as text posts. There is room to say whatever you need to say, but ensure that it pops visually to get the reader’s attention. It’s also okay to talk about things that may pertain to but are not specifically about your business. Find out what’s trending and see if you can use it!

Promotions

How do you get people to share your posts? That’s easy. Just run promotions! One day you may choose to offer a coupon to anyone who has liked your page. The people who have already liked you will share the post so that their friends can benefit from the coupon as well. Those people will navigate to, and like, your page. If your page is interesting and well designed, they may take some time to read over who you are and what you offer.

If your particular business model does not lend itself to coupons, do not fret! You can always run a “Fan of the Week” or similar promotion. Encourage people to interact with your page by hosting a weekly contest. Maybe they send in a photo of themselves enjoying your product or write a post declaring their excitement. You select one of these posts as the winner, and give that picture or the fan’s profile picture some face time in the corner of your banner. You’ll generate a lot of traffic at no actual cost to you!

Culture

It’s important to understand, and promote, the culture of your followers. You will discover what this is through interactions with them. You may cater to a certain age Continue reading “Marketing Tip of the Week: Social Media (Facebook)” »

Marketing Tip of the Week – Stand Out and Be Noticed

May 17, 2013 by Kelly Curtis Leave a Comment

When creating and building your online presence, it’s important that you get noticed and you’re remembered. Sure, you might grab the attention of potential customers, but you also need to have a great marketing campaign to make sure they remember your company. So, this week’s marketing tip will focus on standing out and getting noticed.

Getting Noticed & Being Remembered

Marketing Tip

Here are a few tips on what you can do to gain potential clients:

Create a clear-cut marketing plan so potential customers know who you are and the services or products you offer.
Be branded. Create a well-defined brand to entice customers to want to get to know you better.
Engage your customers with your website and anything that represents your company. Let them see that you offer value and trustworthy with the services and products you offer.
Create an integrated marketing and social media platform. Social media is a major part of marketing today. So, engage, entice and serve your potential customers.
Be consistent within your marketing strategy. Make sure everything is cohesive and consistent among all marketing platforms. You’ll send mixed signals and people won’t understand your company.
Attend conferences. Are there trade shows and conferences within your industry? Attend these, make yourself known and get your name out there. This puts you as a professional.
Get well-known in your community. Serve your community through volunteer work or just interacting with activities that go on within your community.

There are plenty of tips out there that can help you get well-known and noticed. The important thing to remember is to get noticed first, but learn how to keep those Continue reading “Marketing Tip of the Week – Stand Out and Be Noticed” »

Marketing Tip of the Week – Engage Your Twitter Followers

April 12, 2013 by Kelly Curtis Leave a Comment

Twitter isn’t about gaining the most followers that you can. Most of your followers will never actually have any involvement with your brand. And, companies never actually engage with their followers to add value. How do you make the most with Twitter? FGmarket’s marketing tip will focus on turning your followers into customers.

Marketing Tip

Engage Your Followers – Instead of focusing on how many you actually have, start giving your followers engagement. You want quality followers instead of quantity; the ones that will follow you back. You are targeting your target market on Twitter.

Give Them Something to Read – Establish your brand through your tweets. Make sure you tweet valuable content to your customers about your business. Tell them about exciting updates or ongoing sales in your store. Give them something that will attain their attention.

Respond Promptly to Your Followers – You want to show your customers that you care about them. They may give you a shout out, re-tweet one of your tweets, ask questions or have a problem with your product. Make sure you respond to them. It could be a thanks or you can tell them you sent them a direct message so you can deal with their issue that they’re having with your business. This shows that you actually pay attention to them.

Be Fun with Your Tweets – Of course, give them something more than just what’s going on with your business. If you find great articles about something related to your industry or exciting events going on in the world, tweet them. Your followers may get tired of just reading about your business, so offer them up something exciting Continue reading “Marketing Tip of the Week – Engage Your Twitter Followers” »

Marketing Tip of the Week – Social Media = Improved Customer Service

March 1, 2013 by Kelly Curtis Leave a Comment

Don’t think of social media as a platform to help boost your sales. There’s more to it. Your customer service should truly be active within social media. Why? Social media is more than just a marketing message, it’s about brand management as well. This week’s marketing tip will focus on how you can use social media for more than just spreading your message.

Marketing Tip

Customer service is what helps build a business and a good reputation. Social media is a great place for brand defence, word of mouth marketing, and is a great place to handle complaints. Here are a few examples on how social media can help besides spreading a marketing message:

A customer has a complaint about a product or the service they received and posted this on Twitter or Facebook. This is seen by all of their followers or friends. You see their complaint and are able to respond with an apology and are able to contact them directly to work out any issues they may have. You are able to fix the problem and you have a satisfied customer, which then Tweets or updates their status on how they are ecstatic with the customer service they received from your company. Again, their followers or friends will see this update and see exactly how your company handles business.

Customers are now bypassing marketing messages and are looking for reviews and recommendations from their peers. They trust their friends more so than marketing Continue reading “Marketing Tip of the Week – Social Media = Improved Customer Service” »

Your Social Checklist

February 14, 2013 by Kelly Curtis Leave a Comment

By now, you should have social media implemented into your business. It’s an important and effective marketing tool that can keep your customers updated year round. Through social media, there is certain etiquette, as well as things you must do in order for your customers to “like” or follow you. FGmarket has a social checklist that will help make sure you have everything in order so your customers will enjoy visiting your social pages.

Facebook

marketing tip

Cover Photo – Get creative with your cover image. That’s one of the first things they’ll see when they visit your page. Make it eye-popping and intriguing so they scroll down the page to find out more.
Tab Images – These are below the cover photo and serve as navigation for your customers. Make sure the photo is intriguing and even customized for them to understand what they are clicking.
About – This is where you will tell customers about your business or services.

Google

Business Listing – What does it look like when you Google your business?
Google + – Claim your business page on Google +.

Pinterest

Set Up Verified Account – It’s pretty simple to set up a Pinterest account. Make sure your image is your business logo, place a short description about your company, and place your url in the area provided.
Create Boards – This is where you will house your pins and there are themes to each boards. For example, maybe you’re a florist, you can create a board that is all about wedding arrangements and this is where you will house those pictures. Make sure the titles are catchy, use keywords, and the appropriate hashtags.
Pins – Be sure to pin items from your website or create pins to be pinned. Use products in your store that links them back to you.
Continue reading “Your Social Checklist” »

Attract More with Unique Products

January 29, 2013 by Kelly Curtis Leave a Comment

January 2013
Vendor Spotlight • FGmarket Buzz 403 • Suggest a Vendor

Why Shop Artisan Products?
Why should you feature artisan products in your store? There are many reasons to feature unique artisan products. No item is ever alike, they’re always different. This gives you the option of featuring much variety.What are artisans? Artisans are craftsmen who skillfully apply aesthetic designs to everyday items with a multitude of materials.FGmarket wants to give you a little more information on artisan products and why they should be in your store immediately. Read More about Why You Should Shop Artisan Products.To view more products to feature in your store, visit FGmarket’s Vendor Directory.

In The News

The Latest in Social Media Technology is a huge part of our world today. It’s a part of everyone’s daily lives and especially a part of your business routine. Read More about The Latest in Social Media.

Marketing Tip

Resolutions for the New Year
It’s a brand new year, so what? Now is the time to figure out ways you can better your business, like with resolutions. Did you make resolutions for your business? Read More about Resolutions

Featured Products

Bentley’s Drink Ware	Solay Wellness Inc	Laketown Chocolates
Pansaver	Melrose International	Silver Creek Industries

Vendor Spotlight

American Pet Food Company – Helping Pets Lead a Long & Happy Life Pets are part of the family too. Are you taking that into consideration when you’re purchasing items for your store? Read More About American Pet Food Company	Eat Right with Cookwell & Co When searching for gourmet foods for your store and customers, make sure you find quality products that are fresh and tasty. Read More About Cookwell & Co	Doggie Deposit – Your Greenest Solution Are you looking for great products for the pet lovers that shop in your store? Find products that are not only beneficial for their pets, but for them as well.Read More About Doggie Deposit
Receive Beautiful Vintage Designs from Postcard AntiquiTEES When on the look out for products for your store, you are always in search of unique designs that will stand out. This goes for everything in your store, but especially for home and fashion accessories.Read More About Postcard AntiquiTEES	Create Unforgettable Arrangements with Schusters of Texas In order to create unforgettable arrangements, you need quality florals, right? When looking for natural, dried, preserved, floral supplies, and home accents, this company is for you. Read More About Schusters of Texas 404	Season It Up with Strawberry’s BBQ Are you looking for delicious gourmet food that will attract customers from miles away? If you find the right food, customers will definitely travel to purchase it from your store. Read More About Strawberry’s BBQ