Consider this—according to Facebook Statistics there are over 3 million active Facebook fan pages. On top of that, out of the 400 million Facebook users, 175 million login EVERYDAY.

You got that?

In other words, your company needs to be advertising on Facebook and it’s more than just setting up another pretty Facebook page. I’m here today, to help you change your perspective and show you that when you get creative with your customers you can experience real ROI through Social Media Marketing.

Since Facebook redesigned their pages, all types brands, big & small have flocked to the Facebook scene. While Facebook states they have over 3 million pages, most of these pages are never being updated.

In my opinion, the most common reason a majority of Facebook fan pages fail to become successful is because there was no clear direction or purpose of the fan page. It was more of a re-active move then a pro-active move. Brands are just setting up Facebook fan pages because they feel like they HAVE to without any thought out objectives.

That’s a waste of time. The power you get from marketing on Facebook is you have the ability to reach your customers where they already hangout online. There’s no effort to get them over to your website because your promos, contests & announcements show up right in their news feed.

Now that we’re all in the right mindset of why you should create a Facebook fan page; let’s get into how you do that by reviewing our tips for a successful Facebook fan page.

1. Socialize to promote your page

The social media game is like a giant cocktail party. The whole point is to be social and interact. When you look at that way, as you begin to engage with your customers & fans you’ll see the fan base you’re growing is actually meaningful because you took the time to care. They’re your fan because you engaged them and gave them a reason to interact with you.

What are you doing to promote your Facebook fan Page? Here’s some things you should be doing:

• Simply ask—Suggest people to become fans
• Add Social Icons to your sites
• Promote it through your email newsletters

2. Give your fans something to get excited about

There’s no better way to keep your fans happy and also get them to interact with your page then contests & coupons. Get serious and brainstorm some goals you’d like to achieve for your contests. What Holidays are coming up? You can promote contests and coupons based on the upcoming holidays. Put yourself in their shoes, what would make you want to engage?

• Contests will keep your fans coming back to see updates on the contest or see the results.
• As part of becoming a fan, offer EXCLUSIVE Facebook coupons on to your fans. Provide specific coupon codes for special savings and discounts as a way to say thanks for being a fan.

3. Keep your Facebook fan page fresh

That’s not to say just make an update on your page so it doesn’t get stale. Make sure your updates are useful and actually provide value or interaction. Otherwise you’ll run the risk of losing fans. It’s a balancing act, but with a little creativity and common sense you should be fine.

4. Get to know your fans

If you’re a brand or company, you should already have your demographic locked down. There are two reasons why this element is crucial in your Facebook fan page success.

1. As you’re creating promotions or releasing big announcements you need to know how to best deliver it to your fans. The way it’s presented will directly effect the response you get from you fans.
2. Understanding your demographic can help you decide if Facebook is really worth the time committment for your business

Check out the image below, it represents Facebooks demographics. After reviewing it you can see the biggest demo is Female teens. On the flip side, as Facebook grows more and more everyday, it is becoming more popular throughout older age groups. Keep that in mind as your contemplating how you setup your fan page and how you’re conveying your message to your fans.

Statistics Courtesy of Quantcast

So, what do you consider a successful Facebook fan page?

Although many of us believe that only quantity measures success, the number of fans is definitely not the only yardstick to measure a page’s success.

A successful Facebook page needs to be engaging, updated and rewarding. Each element has to co-exist in order to create a one-of-a-kind page that is meaningful to the fans.

We hope you’re enjoying our 2010 Social Media Guide thus far. Be sure to follow us on Twitter (@NetMediaGroup) and subscribe to our RSS Feed so you don’t miss out on our upcoming posts!

In this installment of our 2010 Social Media Guide, we’re taking a in-depth look at the new real time search functionality that’s being introduced by search engines such as Google & Bing.

First off, the fact that the search engine giant we all know and love—Google, is indexing Twitter tweets into their search results should tell you something. Social media has shifted the way we use the internet nowadays. Take a look at this quick video from Google to see what I’m talking about:

Ok that’s cool, but as a Business Owner How Does it Help Me?

Two words—Listen & Engage.

Let me explain.

Over the past year or so consumer expectations have changed. In a crazy, scary and cool sort of way, ALL internet users can find anything and everything instantly. In other words consumer expectations are at an all time high and their want/need for special attention needs to be met or they’ll go somewhere else.

On the flip side, you also have the ability to find out what’s going on right at that instant. Not only can you drill down to a specific niche but you can drill down to geo-location.

Now keep in mind I said “Listen & Engage“. Say for example, you’re a small business owner and you run a local real estate brokerage. So when I say “listen“, take it literally. Hop on Twitter or Google and use their real time search. What are people saying around your niche? Most business owners think the only way to use their Twitter account is to build 1,000+ followers and blast out mini advertisements. I believe that’s a huge mis-concpetion of how to use Twitter. I know that’s been preached to you but to me that’s counter-productive. Rather then hoping they listen, be sure they listen by “engaging“.

Search for anyone talking about the home buyer tax credit that’s about to expire.

“Hey does anyone know who qualifies for the tax credit?”

What a perfect opportunity to engage with that person and create value. Quick example but you get the idea right?

I get it now, but still… what’s the benefit of this?

1. It’s cost effective—You have access to all this for free. It’s free to listen & engage.
2. Qualified Leads/Prospects—The potential customers you’re engaging are qualified because you’ve hand-picked them. Now it’s time to engage them and earn their business.
3. An Insiders Perspective—Learn about what’s going on with your potential customers. What are they asking for? How can you create a solution for their needs?

What’s Next?

Some of you may be reading this and think this is best thing since sliced bread Al Gore created the internet. While others think it’s a complete waste of time. Either way, you’ve got nothing to loose and you may be surprised with your results.  Don’t be a hater and knock it before you try it.

Before you leave, here’s why I feel like this so powerful. Timing is everything. With real-time search you’re engaging with potential customers who are ready to act now. If you can catch someone within seconds or minutes of them wanting or needing something what more could you ask for? Not much.

Thanks for reading through this installment. If you’re struggling with to grow your business using social media, consider learning more about NetMediaGroup’s proven social media marketing methods, give us a call at (801) 365-0057 today!

Let’s face it, the term and idea of Social Media is trendy and ever-changing. Some business are all over it, while others are ignoring it. I think most business owners truly don’t understand what Social Media really is and what it can do for their business.

Are you participating in Social Media right now? Do you really know what Social Media is? Twitter. Facebook. Youtube. We’ve all heard of these social media sites. But are they useful?

The truth is — social media isn’t a fad. It’s arrived and it’s here to stay.

With the emergence of wildly popular social media networks like Twitter, Facebook and MySpace brands big and small are using these sites to better understand and connect with their customers online.

When you think of social media, envision a newsletter on steroids. Like a newsletter, you can reach out to hundreds or even thousands of your customers instantly. The difference is—the communication is now a two way street. It’s interactive. Your customers can digest your message and provide feedback instantly.

Is it really that big of a deal that people say it is?

Short and sweet, the answer is yes. Here’s a few facts that quickly tell you just how big this medium is getting.

• If Facebook were a country it would be the world’s 4th largest – between the United States and Indonesia.
• % of companies using LinkedIn as a primary tool to find employees…80%
• There are over 200,000,000 Blogs
• 78% of consumers trust peer recommendations
• Only 14% trust advertisements
• By 2010 Gen Y will outnumber Baby Boomers… 96% of them have joined a social network

Bottom line is this, social media is the new tool for keeping a finger on the pulse of your brand. Be it negative or positive, your customers are online right now and they’re talking about your brand. The question is: Are you listening?

Introducing the Social Media Guide for 2010

Times have changed, business’ are evolving and it’s time to catch up with the real time trends. Social media has changed the game and to make sure you’re not left in the dust, we at NetMediaGroup are bringing you a comprehensive Social Media Guide for 2010.

Here’s a quick look at some of the topics we’ll be covering in our 2010 Social Media Guide:

• Leveraging the new real time search.
• Using social media as a customer service tool.
• How your social media campaigns effect your SEO efforts.
• Creating a successful Facebook Fan Page.
• And plenty more where that came from.

Now that we’ve got the introduction out of the way, allow us to pour on the Social Media goodness.

To learn more about NetMediaGroup’s proven social media marketing methods, give us a call at (801) 365-0057 today!

Five years ago, no one knew what a blog was.

Today, they are everywhere.

But they’re not just for expressing ones personal thoughts anymore.

Big companies and small businesses alike are turning to blogs as a way to communicate and connect in a way their monthly printed newsletter can’t.

Even newspapers, news stations, and magazines are moving to this model.

So it begs the question…

Should your business start blogging?

Believe it or not, your customers and potential customers want to know who you are, what you stand for and what you think.

However, there is much reluctance by some company executives and business owners; believing that blogging will somehow spiral things out of control.

In fact, somewhere right now a PR person in a major company is cringing at the very idea of a potentially negative comment being posted to their client’s website.

The horror.

I believe this worry exists because they are so used to having a one way conversation with the customers and blogging becomes a two way conversation.

Scary, I know.

But the real secret is that they have always been part of the conversation. It’s just they haven’t had a way to respond and join the conversation before.

Welcome to the age of blogging.

Seven primary challenges of business blogging:

1. Deciding that you should have one… many are paralyzed by the very prospect.
2. Deciding who will write it… should the CEO, PR manager or the intern? Who?
3. What purpose the blog will serve… marketing? Media relations? What?
4. What topics will be covered… will you talk about things generically or will you get specific?
5. How to keep it on track… or do you let it get off track once and a while?
6. How many posts to do a week… is once a week enough or should you do more?
7. Determining what platform you will use… Wordpress, typepad, Moveable Type or what?

As you can see, there is some thought that needs to take place. However, don’t let it derail you. You can always change things later if it’s not working out.

The upside of Business Blogging

There are many good reasons to start blogging:

1. Search engine optimization
2. You add to your authority
3. You build your reputation
4. Develop closer relationships
5. Keep everyone better informed
6. You demonstrate transparency
7. And more.

Your blog becomes your platform for delivering information as you see it.

You can talk about new product releases, company news, redistribute print content and more. More importantly, you can talk about things in your space that no one else is talking about or is too scared to address.

Your readers will appreciate it.

Write about things that will help prospective new customers decide to use your company. Freely share and give your insight, knowledge, and wisdom on the topics you know better than anyone.

Don’t be afraid to share what you know.

You can even add an occasional video or audio interview to add depth to your blog. There really isn’t any limitation to what you can do.

Now, I know what you’re thinking.

“Will my competition notice? Will they copy me? Am I opening a can of worms with my customers?”

My advice, get over it.

View it as an opportunity for you to shine and connect.

What you write about and how you put things together will resonate with your audience. You can’t dwell too much on how your competition will react.  I realize you can’t ignore your competition, I’m just saying don’t let them stop you.

It could be the very thing that helps you get more business. In fact, it could be the very thing that helps you keep existing business.

When you share what you know, a funny thing happens. People start to listen. Then they start to interact with you. They start trusting you.

As well have all heard people do business with those they know, like and trust.

Blogging can build major trust as they get to know you through your blog.

In fact, you will also be amazed at how many people start subscribing to your content via RSS and email alerts when you just start writing. You might even see messages from people saying they want to hear from you even more.

Now, I’ll be honest. It’s not all roses and peaches. But it’s time stop the one way speech and start getting a two way conversation with your audience.

Take the chance and do something honest.

When it’s all said and done, a blog should be done with passion and sincerity. Personality should be allowed to shine through. Maybe even let a little bit of personal information slip into it from time to time.

Don’t make it dull, boring, and a platform for generic drivel.

Just be real.

Frankly, it is hard work to keep your blog fresh, interesting and full of relevant content. However, in my humble opinion, the benefits far outweigh the negatives.

Agree or disagree? Let me know in the form of a comment below!

To learn more about what Net Media Group can do for your company give us a call at (801) 365-0057 today!

There’s no doubt social media is the new craze and it seems like everyone is talking about it. One of the most talked about topics regarding social media is… ROI.

Can you really experience ROI when you deploy a social media marketing strategy?

Let’s Face it, we’re Addicted to Analytics

These days, we have the ability to track almost any part of your online marketing efforts ROI. And now with the control web-analytics offers it has become an addiction.  Wouldn’t you agree? Yes, ROI is the bottom line we’re all looking for and needs to be analyzed to measure our overall results. What results would you like to see from your social media marketing efforts?

With that being said, what is the ROI of building relationships?

Is there ROI in building your brand through your various social networks?

Is that something your analytics reports can whip up for you? I’m guessing NO. We’ve been spoiled with the ability to track and measure every aspect of our marketing efforts that it seems no one can determine the ROI of social media.

There’s no ROI

A big majority of companies are not engaging in social media because they feel there’s no ROI in it. Absolutely there’s no ROI in social media when you don’t engage in it and there’s plenty of companies not engaging in any social media. Social Media is here and whether you like it not it needs to be part of your online marketing efforts.

The ROI in social media is not something that’s black and white because the value of a relationship goes beyond revenue generated. Through social media you can promote your brand through videos, social networks, blogging and more. When you combine all of your marketing strategies together to work towards the same goal that’s when you’re marketing is running on all cylinders for maximum ROI.