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In this WPN interview with Matt Bailey from SiteLogic, Abby Johnson gathers his perspective on using Social Media and its fit in a Marketing Plan.

Matt brings up a really valid point, that you should know how you are going to use Social Media in your business and that it should be identified in your Marketing Plan. I could not agree more as endless Twitter post are not only going to get annoying for your followers, but will be a waste of your efforts. If you are going to utilize Social Media in your Marketing efforts, you need to have a clear plan as to what you hope to accomplish and which of the many Social Media applications you are going to use in that effort. I would not use more that just a couple as it can become very time consuming and you will be unable to put your best foot forward in any one of them if you spread yourself to thin.

I recommend using Facebook, (Siskiyou Web Design Facebook), LinkedIn (Siskiyou Web Design LinkedIn ) and Twitter (Siskiyou Web Design Twitter) and that consistency in their use is important. Below are a few ways you can use each in your business:

Facebook

• Set up an account separate from your personal Facebook
• Keep in mind your Facebook profile will eventually be indexed by the Search Engines like Google so make sure your profile information is professional and directs people to your Website, your Blog and other Social Media applications you use
• Send a message to your personal Friends list to become a Fan of your new business listing
• You should set a goal to post at least 2 to 3 times per week in your business listing, something relevant to your business, your industry, your community, or start a Discussion on a related business topic
• If you find an interesting article related to your industry, post it on your Facebook
• Don’t just promote what you have on Sale, your Fan’s will get tired of it
• Put a link to your Facebook business profile from your business Website
• Put a link to your Website on your Facebook business profile
• Link your Facebook to your Twitter

I know I have probably left something out, so if you comment on this post, please feel free to add ways that you use Facebook in your business.

LinkedIn

• LinkedIn is designed for making connections with others in your industry or related industries and not so much a Social platform like Facebook or MySpace.  It is more about Networking and exchange of ideas.
• Link your WordPress blog to LinkedIn so your post will appear in your listing
• Join related Industry/Discussion groups that are available in LinkedIn and be active in those groups
• Post a link to your LinkedIn profile on your Website and email signature

If you use LinkedIn, please comment on how you use it in your business.

Twitter

• Set-Up your Twitter ID as a Keyword related to your business as the other complimentary tools that people use and index your ID using that keyword
• Put your logo, photograph or other related business information as your background for your profile
• Follow only people that might have some relevancy in your industry, community or company, don’t go out and follow everyone like it is some kind of competition to see who can gain the most Followers
• Post at least once a day something relevant to your business like a link to an industry related article, a special Sale, community news, company event.
• If you have a restaurant, you can post your daily lunch special as your Followers can opt in to receive your Tweets on their cellphone
• Link to your Twitter account from your Website and email signature

If you use Twitter for your business, please comment on how you use it.

Social Media applications are a good way to stay in touch with your customers and to potentially create new business with your contacts, Fans, Friends, Followers.  You do need to address how and what you will use these applications for in your Business and Marketing Plans.  Just like fresh content is required for your Website if you expect it to do well, so is it important to Social Media.  It is a way for you to become an authority figure in your industry and to build relationships with other businesses who may refer business to you.  You can advertise in Facebook as well which can be directed toward a Market and may very well be a tool to add in your mix.