So you have a business, a blog, and a Twitter account… Now what? One of the first recommendations we give to our web strategy clients is to find their community and engage them in value-added conversation.
The first rule in Social Media Marketing is to add value to your community and NEVER use it as a marketing soapbox. As an example, do not broadcast “Check out our awesome widget! Buy it today!” on Twitter. This is not adding value to your community – it is simply creating noise and gives your community the perception that you are here to use them. Don’t use them, engage them.
But this assumes that you have found your community… Here are 5 steps to help you find your social communities.
1. Use Twitter Search
Use Twitter’s search to find people talking about the topics which interest you or are related to your company and product. As an example we seek out people who are talking about web strategy – so we can learn more and be there as a resource for beginners. In this instance, we have subscribed to “web strategy” on Twitter Search.
2. Use Twellow
Twellow is often referred to as “Twitter Yellowpages”. Basically it helps you find people based on their interest, business, expertise, etc. Let’s say you have an online store that sells knitting supplies. If you search for “knitting” on Twellow you will find all the people that knit or are interested in knitting. Following them on Twitter will likely give you an idea of what kind of products they are looking for and where they are currently getting their supplies…
3. Use Google Blogsearch
Google Blogsearch does exactly what it says – searches blogs. It is essential to identify topical bloggers in your niche when you seek out your community. Not only will they give you ideas and thoughts on your own business – it gives you an opportunity to have a conversation in the comments on focused topics of which you are an expert in.
4. Use SocialMention
SocialMention is a tool that scours the “social web” for topics. It searches blogs, microblogs, comments, Twitter, bookmark sites, FriendFeed, etc, etc. Again – if you are looking for the knitting community online, simply search “knitting” and you can track the conversation across all social media outposts.
5. Use BackType
BackType is a service that searches comments left on blogs.. This is a great way to find people that are leaving a lot of comments on your topic and where they are commenting at. If you want to find the top commenter on “knitting” posts, it’s an easy search. Finding these commenters gives you the ability to join the conversation around your niche by targeting some top commenters.
REMEMBER: Don’t use social media as a marketing blowhorn – it will come back to haunt you.
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Thanks for the good info. Cool stuff, I usually don’t comment on these but I thought you did a truly exceptional job and I’m certainly sure other people feel the very same.
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