Embrace the internet in your business for 2010!

 Check out this link originally sent to me by Marilyn Kleinberg of eWomenNetworkSJ.

Social Media Revolution

Other recent milestones include the fact that Facebook nearly doubled its fan base in the past year with over 350 million users reported.  According to HubSpot, brand/product pages make up 39% of Facebook pages and local business and local professional services make up 14% of all face book pages.

 Pepsi is breaking its 23-year Super Bowl ad streak to invest in the online community. Do they know something you don’t know?  Domino’s Pizza is using the internet to totally turn around its company and product image.

 Closer to home, local companies are revamping their websites, setting up Facebook Fan Pages and using Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc. to advance their personal and business image… and they are having fun doing it… at little or no cost.

 The internet is one reason some local businesses are thriving in this down economy.  Chances are that right now someone is searching the internet for your product or service.  Will you be found?

 Joan Stippick of Connecting South Jersey recently started a LinkedIn Group of the same name (Connecting South Jersey).  Within two weeks, she had more than 200 members.  She had fun with it.  She posted discussions and solicited discussions from others.  She started a “Where in South Jersey” contest (now on its third round) to stimulate activity and get people involved.  It’s working for her, for its members and for her business.

 I know you’re skeptical.  Many people have said to me, “I know I should do it but I don’t know how to start” or “I don’t know what to do.”  Internet marketing is the hottest topic right now.  Go to a seminar or participate in one or more of the numerous webinars online.  Or, better yet, just dig right in.  Sign up for Facebook or LinkedIn or Twitter if you haven’t already done so.  These sites take you by the hand.  Create a fan page on Facebook. Join a group on LinkedIn. Better yet, start one.  It’s like going to a networking event.  Only thing is, your potential audience is bigger and you don’t have to leave your business or home.  While making a purchase recently, I had the store owner sign up for Facebook. It’s that simple. Need help?  Give us a call or send me an email.

 While you’re at it, check out your website.  If it has “copyright 2000” or something like that, it may be time for an update.  There are things you can do to make it more Google friendly.  We can help!

 … Jerry Steinhoff