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!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Mark Swaby
Net Media Group
Office: (801) 993-2222
Email address: mswaby@netmediagroup.com

Salt Lake City – October 19, 2008 – AffiliateCrew, an online marketing agency, has changed their name to NetMediaGroup. The name change was done in an effort to better reflect the company and all of its marketing capabilities.

“Our business is helping companies connect to customers online,” said Mark Swaby, Senior Vice President of Business Development at NetMediaGroup. “Over the years we have become the industry experts in doing this. While our affiliate business is essential to what we do, and we will continue to do it better than anyone else, it really is just one component in a very large, and successful solution for our customers. We are passionate about taking a customer’s online campaign from inception to successful implementation with all of the resources at our disposal. NetMediaGroup helps us convey that message to our customers.”

NetMediaGroup works with successful national companies, with established products and brands that are lacking an online retail or sales presence or looking to make an existing campaign better. Some of the tools used to do that include:

• Lead Generation
• Paid Search
• Search optimization strategies (SEO)
• Affiliate Programs
• Turnkey Website
• Multi-Variable Testing
• Social Media Services

Another way NetMediaGroup works to set itself apart from other online marketing agencies is by working on a performance-based business model. If clients don’t see a predetermined, desired action, they don’t pay. Only when their clients succeed does NetMediaGroup succeed. The company currently has a client roster filled with successful national companies including Little Giant Ladders, Rug Doctor, Register.com, Rockwell Tools, WORX, Lipozene, Bosley, Pro-Form, and Health Rider.

For more information about NetMediaGroup and their services visit  give us a call at (801) 365-0057 today!

About NetMediaGroup
Located in Salt Lake City, NetMediaGroup is an online marketing agency specializing in helping nationally known companies selling products or services via traditional media connect with the online component. This is done through groundbreaking strategies in lead generation, paid search, search optimization strategies (SEO), affiliate programs, turnkey website, multi-variable testing and social media services.