From the Point of View of Business Owners & Marketing Professionals
Common questions from actual professionals.

For business owners and marketing professionals of 10+ years they've seen a huge change in marketing, media, sales, and technology.  A major component of this change is Social Media and Google Search. Out of social media and Google search came the need for 3rd party tools to help create funnels, call-to-actions, and greater integration of lead generating tools.

I want to take a moment to highlight these common statements I hear from this segment of professionals.  And add some insight for each.  Chances are you have these same questions. 

I wish social media...

• Didn't take so much time.
• Brought in more sales.
• Easier to implement. 
• Easier to understand.
• Didn't exist.

Before we answer these questions let's face reality.  Digital marketing will only evolve from here.  Whether you get on board or not, these online channels will continue to evolve.  I get it, it's frustrating to have to deal with another area of business.  Another thing on your TO-DO list.  Bear with me.  At the end of this article I hope to have you seeing social media as the best thing since sliced bread!

I wish social media didn't take so much time.
You're right, a successful social media strategy and implementation takes time.  Things to consider: planning, blog, email marketing, content calendar, analytics/measuring results, engagement, call-to-action, etc... Start where you are, give yourself 1 hour a week (to start).  That may mean 1 blog a month and 3 social media posts per week, plus 15 min a week of engaging with your target audience. (This advice is for a micro - small business).  How much time you should spend depends on your audience, market, industry, and company size.  Either way this does need to be built in to someone's workload, added to your schedule.  Don't treat social media as a 'get it done if you can' task.  If you can't do it you need to seek other social media solutions.

I wish social media brought in more sales.
Double check your current efforts.  Social media is NOT a tool to constantly sell, sell, sell.  It's about being social, building relationships, creating awareness, and getting people to NOTICE, LIKE, KNOW, and TRUST you. From there, you will see clicks to your call-to-action which generates new leads.  If you're not generating activity online you many need to reevaluate. Get a check up here.

I wish social media was easier to implement.
If you're a small team or one single individual, don't try to conquer every channel at once.  Start with 1 or 2 and build.  Avoid automating all your actions.  Social media is about being social and building relationships.  The social consumer can spot a genuine vs. automated business approach.  Seek social media guidance if you need to, you don't have to go at it alone. 

I wish social media was easier to understand.
If at first you don't succeed try, try again.  If you really hate it, find another answer.  Hire someone or outsource.  Just because you aren't understanding the value, the concept, the technical aspects - doesn't mean social media isn't important.  This attitude has 45% of businesses stuck on not moving forward.  Social media levels the playing field. Small and midsize organizations have the opportunity to interact and be found, just like anyone else.   Find your trusted social media resource and seek guidance. 

I wish social media didn't exist. 
I hear this most often.  Usually said by people who have tried their hand at social media and saw no results. The reality of it all, social media will only evolve from here.  That's really all I can say on this point. Just because you haven't seen the results you wanted, doesn't mean it doesn't work. 

We pride ourselves on providing clear social media guidance.  To help professionals like yourself see social media through a renewed point-of-view.  Consider looking at social media as an amazing tool that gives you benefits never before achievable.

• 24/7 access to research you.
• The ability to Notice, LIKE, Know, and Trust you before even meeting you. 
• Increasing your Visibility, Credibility, and LIKEability by simply publishing content about your industry and yourself. 
• A lead generating tool (online shopping, forms, drip marketing, targeted ads, event registration, list building and more)
• and MUCH MUCH MORE.

It's time to see social media as innovative, rather than a dilemma.  If you can't do this yourself you need to hire someone with experience, invest in education, or search for an outsourced solution (maybe even a combination of the three).  

These days, it isn’t enough to have a website for your business – your brand must extend to social media marketing sites, it’s time to start capitalizing on this. If your company still doesn’t use social media, it’s time to get with the program and bring yourself up to speed (or risk falling behind your competition - worse, lose potential clients). Adopt inbound marketing for your company, you'll thank us later. 

Let us know if you have questions.  Send us a tweet, comment below or send us an email.

Do you need additional help?
We help businesses like yours, get noticed.

We have 3 ways to get started:

1. 15 Min Consultation
2. Social Media Breakthrough
3. Let's Create Your Social Business Plan

Have a great week!
Margaret Brown
Founder, ANROMA - SocializeLA.com

If you have questions please contact the team for assistance.

Contact: 800-279-8922 or connect(@)socializela.com

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