Social Media Marketing  and Blogs – Why Use It For A Bed & Breakfast, SME’s and Small Business.

Life sometimes can be full of coincidences. Last week after a few telephone conversations, I met with a new client in person at a Dublin hotel, as my client wanted me to organize a Blog for her bed-and-breakfast business -nice countryside location- and also wanted me to set up some social media accounts and put a training schedule in place her and one of her daughters.

The interesting part of this story is that what led her to do something about an online presence for her business was the fact that

1. Over the last few months she had quite a number of phone calls by way of enquiry, but she found that many of the callers asked her did she have a Website or a Facebook page and when she replied…. No ….they would hang up. I must confess that whilst not surprised I found that interesting.

 2. She also hired me because she told me that she expected 2014 to be in fact a good year in her trade as apparently many couples are superstitious about the year 2013 for a wedding ….because of the 13….and she expects better business next year. I never thought about that !!

By way of coincidence just a few days later on a Sunday morning relaxing over a coffee and reading the Sunday Times I came across the following article- see the image above- which further enhances the point in question and you are welcome to check out the link below too.

Use The Web To Get More Guests From The Sunday Times 

Twitter is a platform that Irish local businesses and startups and SME’s should use to market their businesses.

Twitter in Ireland is Popular…

Twitter use in Ireland per capita ranks no 10 in the world ??? – Think About That ?……..

Like texting Twitter is quick to use …..forcing us to get to the point

Like all social media…Twitter however is not a magic button to cure all ills and magically get those customers in the door for you……You have to know how to use it properly ?

The downside….Tweets go by so quickly.  Auto-tweets have removed the novelty from Twitter, drowning users in a sea of impersonal, shallow tweets. You’re only allowed 140 characters to say what you want to say (around 90, if you want people to recommend when they Retweet).  And everyone seems to say the same thing; mostly endless links to blog posts nobody reads…….

Fortunately, some Twitter business users out there know exactly how to leverage Twitter….many of them have been properly and professionally trained.

So learn to use Twitter like the crème de la crème, and you’ll soon discover these  tips really do work.

There are many many ways to use Twitter for your business, but these top tips are effective. Try them in your tweets – and be sure to track the difference….to see if you are getting results.

One of Twitter’s most popular features has been the invention of hashtags. 

A hashtag is born when one or more words is prefixed with the “#” symbol.  This instantly lets Twitter’s search engine deliver any tweet containing that hashtag, if you search for it.  It’s an easy way to filter out search results you don’t want and zero in on search results you do.

In the above tweet, you can see I used hashtags that Irish Business Use…to bring a You Tube Video to the attention of the above Business communities in Ireland on Twitter.

BOTTOM LINE:  Create a great and catchy hashtag, and you can drive  targeted traffic to your products, website, blog, posts, articles, other social posts – and tweets.

One big mistake traditional businesses make, when using Twitter? 

Their hours are 9-5… so they tweet 9-5.

It is important to know when is the best time to tweets when your followers  are online. Here is a post that will help you to time your tweets

BOTTOM LINE…..Learn how to find out the optimum times for your followers so that you tweet accordingly !! No point tweeting when no one is there 

The fact that your Profile photo appears next to each tweet you make can really help brand your business, if you follow these two best practices:

1. Use your logo instead of your photo, if you are tweeting as, or solely for, your business
2. Tweet regularly and consistently

You want to send out business tweets at least five days out of seven; preferably when you know your target audience is most often online.

BOTTOM LINE : Regularity is the key, just as much as consistency.  (“Consistency” refers to the type and tone of your tweet:  “Regularity” refers to exactly how often they occur.)

Email marketing is not as powerful as it once was because people have been bombarded with business/marketing email and are often very reluctant to open or subscribe…..Twitter can be easier folks.

Twitter makes it easier than most other networks to  here is the link to add twitter buttons to your site ..  twitter buttons.

But it doesn’t just make it easy for you, however:  It makes it easy for people/customers to press the button with the cute little birdie icon

And when they do that, they share your content.

Just with this one little button, you can command people to:

• “Tweet” your post
• Follow you on Twitter
• Tweet a specific hashtag you’d like to promote

Remember to take this small but vital step – and watch your Twitter followers list start to grow

(Your personal name too, if you’re branding yourself.)  It’s a lightning-quick way to find out what people are saying about you and/or your business.

You can also instantly check out retweets and mentions to see:

• Who mentioned you in a tweet
• Who retweeted your own tweets

Checking which tweets get retweeted is a highly accurate way to instantly find out what sort of content or topic your audience likes the most.  (Use Twitter Advanced Search if you want to search for something specific.)

 Remember Twitter Can Help Big Time With Your Marketing….You Just Need to Know… How to Use It Properly

There are numerous shortcuts available through Gmail…Go Check Them Out…..Here are my 5 favourites that I have memorised for daily use !!

easel.ly

Facebook it seems are attempting to enter the mobile market…..Facebook Home…Dislays photos, messages and updates from friends on your lock and homescreen so you can see who’s doing and saying what !!!

Is it a  Hit or a Miss…..Check out this interesting article ???

Facebook Home — Hit or Miss? – Huffington Post

http://news.google.comFri, 03 May 2013 20:53:08 GMT

Irish Times Facebook Home — Hit or Miss? Huffington Post If you don’t quite know what it is yet, it’s an app which integrates Facebook into the working of your phone and becomes almost a Facebook operating system; changing your home screen, the way you …

Read more

Why Irish Businesses & SME’s Should Take Notice Of my Silver Surfer Pals Online Observations

In the West of Ireland I have a pal – a retired professional bachelor who never entered the digital age, but whom I persuaded a few months ago to buy a laptop on the promise of my teaching him how to use it for the internet. He loves travel and realised he was missing out on value to be got online. An unusual but rather rewarding job experience over the last  month for me!

 Last weekend  reviewed his progress . Delighted to say he is now part of the online digital age-surfing and researching online merrily- and has booked an independent trip abroad online- the lot-flights, hotel, travel etc- he got value all round – delighted with himself. The second part of our conversation together  intrigued me ! 

My friend basically told me bluntly – he likes to Buy Irish – but that since he has gone online he has been exceptionally disappointed with the quality of many Irish websites and the fact that some businesses have no site at all….

 He has an interest in antiques for the last 30 years and is rather an expert and explained that as soon as he got up and running online -surfing away-he checked out online two auctioneers who hold auctions every six weeks or so (most of which he goes to !!!).

He was thrilled with himself to discover that Site 1 allowed him to download and print the auction brochure almost a week in advance and not only that but online they had photographs of every auction lot, which he was thrilled about.

He was disappointed in Site 2 which merely gave him dates of forthcoming auctions and pretty much nothing else of value.

 Somewhat taken aback I recall giving a blasé response such as anywhere in the world online local or national sites are good and bad.

However-curiousity got me and later on I looked at the two sites online….

Site 1- A simple one with no bells and whistles…But Guess What…it didn’t need them- it was easy to navigate , got to the point –whats on offer-and happily browsing the auction lot pictures myself- even I became tempted and I will happily find time to go to their auctions with my pal-potential new business for them-my pal is already hooked. People will go back to that site !

 Site 2- Looked flashy, but my pal was right- nothing of particular value in it to tempt me or him or anyone in a hurry.

 That simple little conversation with my west of Ireland silver surfer pal has been in my subconscious a lot recently and has led to me writing this post now because…..

 Yesterday I was following up on some business prospects of my own – and began to review the web presence of Company X before considering their social media needs. Company X are professionals who in the offline world know their business, but low and behold their website whilst very visually appealing told me absolutely nothing as a layperson about what they really had to offer and why I needed to buy from them- lots of techie stuff about products, but no clear info as to what was so good about them or why I needed them – My Silver Surfers observations rang in my ears yet again- because by chance they have something to sell I know even he would be interested in.

 Indeed in my world- social media is no different – time and time again – if you were a member of the public would you not be disappointed in reaching a Facebook business page that had not been updated in yonks….what message does that send out ?

 Yes the lot of any small business nowadays is a difficult one – we all have so much to do – we all have only so much time. However I always say to Leads and clients, that we do not have to be Microsoft, because with some thought and consistency …it  can be done – even the public understand a local business website is not Microsoft, but they will want to know what you have to offer them when they look at your business online ……so if we are all going to go to trouble of operating a website and social media accounts, let’s face it, all of us need to use them properly or else why bother at all.

We should all strive to learn from my silver surfers observations and become like his favourite……Site 1…… giving existing or new customers what they want and whats tempting……

Rosemary O Shaughnessy

Point  site1 makes it easy for him to buy, tempting him with whats on offer, giving him time to dwell on the offer , showing him images to attarct him,

Ring Me 087 2301544 – For Social Media Management and Training

Contact me on Linkedin  Facebook 

A good General Needs Troops to Command…..He Needs to Know That, They are competent, Know what they are at, and can take Orders!

Many local businesses or SME’s also need Troops to run a business…..and for Social Media

Despite the dawning of the Digital Age and all of its undoubted benefits that do help us expedite many aspects of our businesses, any  Business Owner still has so much to cope with on a daily basis…..

Running social Media Accounts Productively and Effectively…..Is A Skill……And Once You Have Mastered It……Why Not Use Your Staff to Help Run Your Social Media Accounts .

• Are They Aware of Whats Required?
• Do they Know What to do ?
• Could they Use quiet Times to Promote the Business Online Through Your Social Media Accounts ?

A Website or Blog or Social Media Accounts are only worthwhile in a Business…..if People get …….TO SEE THEM.

Unfortunately we all know we need them…..but just having them is not enough folks…..

You Need Targetting…AND….Consistency !! Check Out My Video…..For The Busy Businessman or Businesswoman, I Can Manage Your Social Media for You…Contact Me To See If We Are a Fit for each other…..

If You are Using Linkedin To Get Business….

Its Very Important …..

to make your Linkedin profile  Stand Out making it easier for You and Your Business  to be found.

A quality profile……….

makes all the difference in attracting quality business contacts on Linkedin who will connect with you.

Often when I talk to SME’s they can tell me they have a big Linkedin account and when I ask the next question do you get business from it . Some admit disappointing results and with investigation often it is because of the standard of their Linkedin profiles.

If You are using Linkedin to get business, people have to be able to find you easily……..

Are you using the right keywords ??

Here are a few tips.

1. Your Professional Headline……does it have keywords , remember people find you using keywords .For example… if I am looking for an accountant I will look for an “accountant” not “Rosemary O Shaughnessy” -owner of an accountancy practice .

2. Also remember when you are using Linkedin your professional headline is with you at all times……when you comment on groups , discussions etc. If the Linkedin community click it you want to explain exactly what you do with the right keywords. Also you can add your website on your professional headline . In other words when you comment if people check your headline they can see your website address.

3. Another very important factor is that skills are highly ranked in searches Have you a clear description of your skills , products etc. Also keep an eye on your ,endorsements  people might endorse you and your company for skills or services you have not thought of adding to your profile.

4. Check Out if  there is consistency in the standard of Linkedin profiles for you and all your staff who use Linkedin . That is another problem I often see in a company ….some of the staff are using it really well and then other staff have an unprofessional profile and it reflects  badly on the company. If you have all your staff on your website remember people can then go to Linkedin to learn more and let Linkedin be there to help you get that sale….. not let you and your company down if it is not done properly.

5.Also we like to do business with people who we know  and feel that they are the right fit . Why not share a video , slide share , online documents or links to awards or professional certification.

6. Your professional photo is very important and if it is the right fit the photo can including recognizable branding to make your company stand out . For example Linkedin profiles on Linkedin.com have the linkedin logo on their staff profile photos.

7. Do your staff profiles link to your company page ???

In Summary Folks……….. Make a Profile easy to read , make it clear -why exactly someone should hire you, and how they go to the next step to do business with you. Is it sending you an email, phoning you etc . Make it easy and simple.

I would love to hear if you find these tips helpful and why not leave a comment and share your linkedin profile.

 Why not click the logo to connect with me or this link for  Linkedin

May thanks for visiting my site . Rosemary O’ Shaughnessy

1.Facebook Sweepstakes and Contests are a great way to get more customers for you business , who does not like winning a prize and if you won a prize would you not tell your friends. Would you not like your customers or potential customers telling people how wonderful you and your business is.

2. It is very important that your compeititon is relevant if you have a local florist you want to attract local customers that like flowers . If you offer a iPad people will join your competition but that does not mean they will have any interest in you or your business.

3. Make it relevant I teach Social Media For Local Business In Dublin , my Facebook Sweepstakes is for Social Media Training in Dublin. Think about it the people who have join the contest are interested in my business and what I offer.

4. Also the terms of Service on Facebook is your competition has to be run from an app, and when people enter the contest they give me there email address. Think about it that gives me the opportunity to to keep in touch with the people who join the competition after the event. Also give more details about my business , for example show them video’s of my training , give them more details of my social media accounts. Also to keep them up to date with news and offers from my business.

5. Remember do not run a Facebook Contest with out an app as this would be breaking Facebook terms and conditions and they have the power to close down your Facebook Page . Here is the link to Facebook Terms of Service For Contests.

7.You can not run the competition or Sweepstakes from the wall of the page ask people to like , share , comment to join your contest .

8. You must have this disclaimer …something like this “This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook.
You are providing information to [disclose recipient(s) of information] and not to Facebook.”

9. You can not inform the winner from the Facebook You need to use another form of communication for example email the winners.

Social Media  In Ireland and Online Safety have you thought how to protect your children and family ?

In Ireland most of you cannot have missed some recent tragic stories and media coverage concerning online cyber bullying in Ireland. It is also a fact that many parents nowadays do not take enough interest in their children’s online activities. It has surprised me however that many parents know nothing or indeed very little indeed about the positives and negatives in online social media platforms for children.

A few weeks ago I did some business with a client- lets call her Mary. Mary was quite happy to promote her own business online using Facebook  but was horrified about recent news media coverage such that she was contemplating banning her children from using Facebook/ Internet. Over a cup of tea I was politely trying to persuade her that in my view she was wrong- explaining the benefits of online learning and educational tools available nowadays for kids, and the fact that kids are enterprising too ( her kids could simply use their friends PCs or mobiles to get online ) BUT the simple fact of the matter is that the online world does admittedly present dangers, the same being true in the offline world. Predators for example operate wherever they can – be it online or off-line. Unfortunately they go where children go – up there or down here.

These were just some of the positives I gave her :-

•        Kids can gain social confidence from interacting with other people online
• Kids can collaborate on school projects , homework etc…..,
•  Social Media is constantly evolving, enabling  kids to become more familiar with new technologies,.
• Kids find support in online communities; this is especially true for kids who have unique interests or feel isolated. Encourage your child to find other kids who are interested in the same thing or may be dealing with similar issues.
• Online communities can be very diverse and expose your child to many new viewpoints, ideas, and opinions .
• Social media is becoming an increasingly important method of communicating in schools and the workplace, so it’s good for your child to be prepared to communicate
• ·        Keeping in touch with family members that live far away – and who can encourage your kids in all sorts of ways- can become much easier regardless of country through the use of online social media
• Social networking is becoming increasingly important in schools.

I train Businesses in the use of Social media platforms , I know the undoubted benefits of social media for business which realistically most businesses cannot afford to ignore nowadays as a matter of fact, but there are dangers online in social media for business  too. The biggest danger of all is Reputation Management – for example a restaurant dealing with an awful review – genuine or ungenuine, or maybe jealous competitors, disgruntled ex employees etc…….None of this is unusual to me……I have trained in this area. However considering online dangers for children was a somewhat of a new sideways learning curve for me such that I decided it was something to explore further, as my business clients have raised these fears with me seperate from their  business on many occasions particularly recently.

I recently attended a training workshop in London with Jonathan Taylor who is an expert in this field, being both a Criminal Psychologist And Internet Safety Specialist operating in the UK. His background is working as a covert investigator within the UK Metropolitan Police and in particular the child abuse section for the  seven years. He also has worked with interpol. My training with Jonathan was both enlightening and harrowing.

Here is a Presentation from Jonathan I would highly recommend you watch 

 Thank you Jonathan

In Ireland we have our own experts too….Niall Mulrine being one who I personally spoke to before writing this post…..his new site cybersafetyadvice.com in it he give very useful advice and what I like about his site is it is written from a local Irish perspective  and I would also recommend you read it and keep an eye on it for new updates .

I am not an Expert like Jonathan or Niall in this area , and I really respect there work and dealing with this very difficult  field of online safety for children, nor could I even begin to set out  all that I learnt in this short post….BUT what I can say is that I learnt from a parents perspective that ……

The Future of Privacy in Social Media…Interesting video

PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE

It is not unusual nowadays for teens  to upload pictures and information about themselves on social media sites, but caution is necessary to make sure that posts, images and videos are appropriate and will not come back to haunt them….Remember whats online stays online and none of you want your childrens future job prospects harmed for example because of a rash moment of posting without thinking…Indeed your children very often do not or will not want everything they post to be available for all and sundry up there

 SET SOME GROUND RULES….( these suggestions are just some of the many widely available tips (pretty consistently) online ….but worth repeating)

1.   They cannot give out personal information such as address, telephone number, parents’ work address/telephone number, or the name and location of their school without your permission.

2.   They agree to tell you right away if they come across any information that makes them feel uncomfortable.

3.   They will never agree to get together with someone they “meet” online without first checking with you.

4.   They will never send a person their picture or anything else without first checking with you.

5.   They will not respond to any messages that are mean/cruel or demeaning. Remind them It is not their fault if they get a message like that and if they do they will tell you right away.

6.   Set up rules for their going online and using a mobile phone. Eg. the time of day they can be online, the length of time I can be online and appropriate areas to visit etc.

7.   They will not give out my passwords to anyone (even my best friends) other than my parents.

8.   They will not do anything that hurts other people or is against the law.

On a practical level YES it is a thin line balancing between your childrens desire to have their own online personal space as opposed to house rules to guard against online dangers……..but I would suggest the earlier house rules are started and implemented the easier the habit is for your children to conform to.

Repeating the fact that I am not an online child safety expert……..I would really suggest that BOTH  you and your children make it your business to understand the privacy and reporting features of social media platforms….it surprises me how few parents bother to consider any of this…..

FOR FACEBOOK VISIT and Facebook check this as well

FOR YOU TUBE……… 

Digital Rights in Ireland is another site you might find of interest .www.digitalrights.ie

All the Best….

Rosemary O Shaughnessy