Michigan Internet Web Marketing – Using Social Media in the Motor City and Beyond.

What the heck is social media and how does it affect you as a local Michigan small and mid-sized business owner? I believe the game of social media is misrepresented.

Many social media consultants say it is about the number of followers that you have. I disagree, and think it is not about the number of followers it is about the number of active members in your community. If you have 56,500 followers but know one that listens or responds to your posts, are you really making a difference?. Yet if you have only 134 followers and they are raving fans and listen and comment on your every post, you have to say they are very valuable to your brand.

Social media is just a new way of creating relationships. I liken it to a big backyard BQ. Sites like Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and LinkedIn, are all just tools to help you build relationships with people you would never in your lifetime have a chance to develop relationships with.

I believe that when you meet someone for the first time, let's say, you give them a firm hand shake while looking them in the eyes and smile at them.

The relationship that is started with that handshake only continues if you have something to offer to the other person or have something in common. This is the same with social media and social media marketing.

The way we introduce ourselves may be different but the actions have not. Using the social media networks allows you to communicate with more people faster than ever before. However the message and/or content still must be valuable to the listener or follower.

As a local small business owner in Michigan using social media marketing as part of your internet web marketing strategy is a very smart choice. However it is important not loose site of why you are using social media strategies. The reason you should be using these social media tools is to create a deeper relationship with your clients. People want to do business with people they know, like and trust - basically friends. Using social media marketing is a great way to form those friendships with your clients and potential clients.

The next step in effective social media marketing is to listen to your clients. They are willing to listen to you so you should reciprocate. Remember you are building friendships or connections with your clients. It is important that you as an Ann Arbor small business owner open up and try to connect as well. The message you put out across the social media networks should not be all about building your brand. The message needs to include some personal stuff as well, not that you have to tell them what you did over the weekend, but if it was funny or exciting, by all means tell them. You want your clients to form a relationship with you and your brand and including them into just a little of your personal life will help. If you can come across as "human" just like them, then they are more apt to buy from you because they fell connected to you in some way.

If you use social media marketing as intended by listening to your clients and answering their questions or concerns you will be wildly more successful. Don’t be afraid to disagree with your clients on issues either. Social media is a conversation tool. It is ok to have a debate. This shows clients or potential clients you are "real" and that you believe in your product or service enough that even if you have a disagreement, you expect that people will do business with you anyway. Assume the sale!

The game has permanently changed and the use of social media marketing tools by small business owners is a MUST HAVE. It is time to open up and be as transparent as possible with your clients. Social media is a great way to increase business and stimulate word of mouth marketing that so many businesses crave. Follow these tips and you will be well on your way to creating a community of people that want to do business with you. You will also be on the way to creating "Raving Fans" Remember people want to do business with people they now, like and trust. So extend your hand, shake firmly, and look the person in the eye…Then ask them to follow you on your social media networks.