Creating YOUR Image, Online

When most people think of social media networking, they think of the hours of entertainment their own facebook or twitter account provides while they peruse photos and read about current events through tweets and status updates. But there is a different side to social media, and while it might be a bit slower to emerge on the scene, social media has exploded as the new, cost effective, instant, track-able, and viral marketing tactic. While it all seems like fun and games, businesses and professionals alike can not afford not to get on board the social media bandwagon.

".....But, how?" is the question I am often posed with. Creating the pages requires little technical saavy, an email account is usually all you need, and most of the top sites will walk you through the brief set up process. The question usually does not pertain to the technical component, but more how to best present ones image in an appealing, creative way that will not get lost among the masses of profiles and blogs.  In an attempt at a quick answer, here are a few things to consider as you navigate the process of building your online profile. 

1. What is your objective for the site? 
• Whether your goal is to drive people to an online store or blog, keep customers aware of current events/ sales, build brand awareness, (or for personal use, networking, secure clients, get a better job) makes sure you know your goals and prioritize them prior to setting up the page. Space is often limited and it will help you to narrow down what is really important to say
2. Who are you? What are your specialties, what can you provide others can not? 
• Answer all of those questions in as close to one sentence as you can get. This is the hardest part, but easily the most important. Be concise. This is the hook you will use to draw views in so they search for more about you.  There is no need to cram a ton of information in here, just enough to entice. Never forget the importance of sounding confident, it is OK to brag a little here. 
3. Heres the kicker-  Community and Content
• These two go hand in hand. It is useless to have thousands of contacts that don't know you or have no use for your services, and it is just as bad to have very few contacts who know you well. As with direct mail or any direct marketing for that matter, you need to make sure that you are getting your message into the hands of your target demographic. 

• Browse through the countless sites (here is a great list of them by category) pick the most relevant. There are of course, the Generic sites which most any demographic, facebook, twitter, linkedin, and blogger are my favorites. Once you've picked your platforms ( using more than one creates a more dynamic image, even if you are only consistent about one or two) Start connecting! 

• Start with people you know, coworkers clients, customers, customers, colleges, even family members to help get you started. 
• Now, spread the word about your new page! Advertise that you are out there (think emails, in store mentions, special offers exclusively through social media sites), and you will be surprised how quickly it catches on. 
• The real secret to social media success, in simple: once you have created the pages, USE THEM! Even if it is as simple as on status update a day... it keeps you active and makes sure that people are seeing your site. 
• Never underestimate the power of a picture. Attach them to important updates and you'll catch some eyes. 
• It is OK to be bare for a while. It takes a few weeks/ or months for the page to fill up. Content comes organically as you connect to friends and subscribers. 
• Here is a list of great ways to generate contents for a blog, but I think they are relevant for a social media page as well.