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Some very interesting statistics and insights were released in the 2010 Social Media Marketing Industry Report for 2010 sponsored by Social Media Examiner.  The number of participants more than doubled from last years study and the report shows a significant change in how people view using social media as a marketing tool to directly connect with customers.

Even a year ago people were not sure about social media, but make no mistake – Social media is here and it’s here to stay!  As Michael Stelzner of the Social Media Examiner says “Much like email and websites first empowered businesses, social media is the next marketing wave.”

Just look at this sampling summary for their primary findings:

• Top three questions marketers wanted answered:  (1) How do I measure social media return on investment? (2) What are the social media best practices?  and (3) How do I best manage my time with social media?
• Marketers are mostly new to social media: A significant 65% of marketers surveyed have only been involved with social media marketing for a few months or less.
• How much time does it take? The majority of marketers (56%) are using social media for 6 hours or more each week, and nearly one in three invest 11 or more hours weekly.
• The top benefits of social media marketing: The number-one advantage of social media marketing (by a long shot) is generating exposure for the business indicated by 85% of all marketers, followed by increasing traffic (63%) and building new business partnerships (56%).

The above summary is merely a sampling of the information in the actual report.  In addition to the sample list above, people also wanted to know about blogging and social media, generating traffic and leads, the tools needed for social media, and especially about the time commitment. 

This report also contains graphs, charts, and is packed full  of information on social media and how others are using it to market their businesses.   It’s a great tool to use in planning your own social media marketing strategies!

Click here to receive your Free copy of this revealing report

Technorati Tags: Internet Marketing, Livvie Matthews, social media marketing

Social media is a great marketing tool when done correctly.  Even though it’s a relatively new area, there are “rules of etiquette” that should be followed to achieve the maximum benefit. 

This post The 11 Rules of Social Media Etiquette  by Eric Brantner presents a great template to model your social media efforts on. 

#6 Build Quality Relationships is my favorite.  When put in a summary, Social Media IS for building relationships, not  for making sales.  As you build the relationships and gain their trust, the sales will follow.

Do you have any rules of etiquette you would add to the list, if so please add them in your comments.

Technorati Tags: Building Business, Internet Marketing, Livvie Matthews, social media marketing

Social media is changing the dynamics of marketing and in 2010 will continue to revolutionize marketing as we know it. 

In this economy businesses are seeing the huge benefits and potential Social Media Marketing presents for:

• Expanding their reach to existing and potential customers
• Relationship marketing and establishing credibility
• Becoming a thought leader in their area of expertise
• Increasing sales
• Cutting costs in printed marketing and advertising
• Low to no cost marketing on Social Media platforms – i.e. Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, You Tube, and virtual events  (Tele-seminars, Webinars, Podcasts, etc)

Lisa Olinda of OlindaServices.com is hosting 2010 Social Media Masterminds Event with a line up of amazing guest bloggers sharing their expertise in social media marketing each day during the month on January. 

Read JoAnne Westwood, owner of Westwood Virtual Associates, guest post on the Dynamic Changes in Virtual Events .  JoAnne’s post shows how businesses are changing the way they are hosting events through Social Media outlets. 

What are some ways you see Social Media changing traditional business marketing?

Technorati Tags: Blogging, email marketing, Internet Marketing, Livvie Matthews, social media marketing

The New Year, for me, has always been an exciting and happy time! Recently I was posting in one of the great groups I belong to and I compared the New Year to a new page.

The new year always brings the opportunity for what seems like a new beginning, a chance to “start over”. It always seems crisp, clean and exciting! We all get to start with a ” new page ” and it’s up to us what we want to “write” on it!

Take a few minutes and reflect on last year and your goals, but don’t dwell on the past year’s missed opportunities. We need to look ahead with excitement and anticipation for what we can do with this year’s new opportunities (pages) that will be presented.

Whatever you “write” is an opportunity within itself! At the beginning of a new year we are all at the same point, granted some may be beginning with more than others, but we are all beginning!

As you begin “writing” your business this year, focus on ways to “work smarter and not harder”. We unclutter and organize our garages, our houses, our closets, our cabinets, right on down to our drawers! Shouldn’t we do the same for our minds?

Eliminate (unclutter) situations that are stressful. Focus (organize) on what you did that was positive last year that caused your business to grow and then expand on each of those areas.

Increase your exposure, be seen.  Link up to other peoples blog post through your post and send a trackback. Follow and join in conversations on Twitter and Facebook with leaders in your niche. Join or participate more in discussion groups on LinkedIn.  Create videos and upload to You Tube.  You want to always be looking for additional ways to be seen as you market your business.        

The old saying “You can’t see the forest for the trees” sometimes prevents us from seeing new opportunities for marketing and growing our business. Ask a friend or an associate, who’s opinion you value, to comment on what you are doing or not doing.

They aren’t seeing the same “trees” you are seeing and can offer a different view….they might even help you to be able to “see the forest”!

As you begin “writing” this new year don’t lose site of balance. Remember to keep all the “pages” in perspective. From time to time you will need to turn the “pages” down, walk away and take time to enjoy life and everything that goes with it.

So, what do you want to “write” on your new page this year? It’s all up to you! Just get your “keyboard” going, “write” one word after another and then–press enter!!! After all it’s….. A New Year and A New Beginning!

Technorati Tags: Blogging, Building Business, Internet Marketing, Livvie Matthews, social media marketing

On LinkedIn your most valuable piece of real estate is your Public Profile/Summary area.  What is your profile (or lack of it) saying about you?

As a copywriter, one of the first places I look for information on a person, client, or business is their LinkedIn profile.  I’m amazed at the number of people/businesses that aren’t utilizing their LinkedIn Public Profile area.

LinkedIn is a powerful professional networking site viewed by other businesses, colleagues, prospective clients and patients, and your competition.

If you had the opportunity to advertise (Free) your business/practice on the front page of your city newspaper, would you jump at the chance to share the benefits of your business or would you just pass it up?  I’m sure you would jump at the chance!

Similar to a newspaper, your LinkedIn profile area is your ‘Front Page’ opportunity to tell your viewers – who you are, what you do, and most importantly…how you can solve their problems.  

Here you want to list your business information, accomplishments, and benefits you and your business provide.  It can be as long or as short as you want it to be.  Medium length is a good length to create. 

You want to make sure you give your viewers the information they are looking for. List the benefits for them. How you can solve their problems, what solution they will receive in doing business with you, how you can make their life simpler-less stressful.   Answer in your Public Profile area the questions your viewers are asking in their minds, what they are looking for – why they are searching.

Your Public Profile area is where you and your business can shine. But remember, they aren’t asking about you, they are asking what can you do for them!

Make sure you also create your shorter, more professional, LinkedIn Public Profile URL, if you haven’t done so already.

Whether you create your profile yourself or hire a reliable copywriter, don’t overlook your LinkedIn Profile: Your (powerful) Front Page Opportunity!

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Would you like to learn more about using Social Media to increase your online visibility, build profitable relationships, and grow your practice?  Livvie Matthews, a Certified Social Media Specialist, Blogger, and Speaker, is passionate about helping dentists leverage the incredible marketing power social media presents for their practice and their bottom line!  Email  e-mail Livvie@writebusiness.net or visit http://www.writebusiness.net/blog    http://www.linkedin.com/in/livviematthews

Technorati Tags: Building Business, Copywriting, Livvie Matthews, social media marketing