Social Networking: No One Wants to be “Sold” To

No one wants to be “sold” to. In fact, advertising for internet marketers is quickly becoming more of a game than a straight forward business activity. With the onset and rapid growth of social media and the blogosphere, online business owners are being forced to either keep up with the Joneses or get out of the game.

Your followers don’t want to be bombarded with ads, because frankly, it’s annoying and clutters things up. People are short on time, and lack the patience for people who waste it. There’s a fine line to walk when you use social media for business. You have to “sell” without “selling”.

Don’t be. Banner ads, ezines and newsletters are still an important part of your internet marketing business and at this point, remain lucrative vehicles for you to increase your customer list and revenue stream. However, the new advertising approach through social media and blogging is one that takes some additional thought, practice and for lack of a better word, sneakiness!

The process is somewhat backwards than other methods. For instance, when it comes to email marketing you get the person on your list first, and build the relationship second. When utilizing social media, you have to build the relationship first, and promote second. Otherwise people will just think you’re a spammer, and they won’t pay attention. It’s pretty hard to get traffic and sales if nobody’s listening.

It’s a delicate balance. For example, a tweet that says, “Go to my website for a great deal on an ebook that will help make you successful!” will turn followers into haters almost instantly. But rework your strategy and you will not only gain followers, but possibly even turn them into customers. Consider something more like “Great ebook on how to gain success. Really enjoyed it!” Be sure to include a link to the product and you have now just informed your followers about the quality of your product by giving a testimonial and “helping” them by sharing it!

You will also have to be complimentary and interactive with your friends and followers. Be sure to show an interest in what they are tweeting about, what they are doing according to their status updates and what they have to say in their blog. As an internet marketer, you can appreciate how busy they are and will want to show them that they are valued as well. This is also a great way to take your anti-advertising internet marketing approach to the next level. Leaving comments or re-tweeting is a great way to gain additional exposure. Just make sure what you are commenting on or sending out is relevant and will reach those who may also be interested in your online business.

Social media is first and foremost, about community, relationships, and giving. After you’ve proven yourself worthy of people’s time, the traffic and sales will come.

Convential online marketing isn’t going anywhere for the time being, so don’t drop what’s working just to dive into something new. With a combination of traditional advertising and social media, you will see your business grow and thrive.

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