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

Thinking about starting or just starting an Internet business and finding it can become an overwhelming process?  Below are 7 steps to help guild you along the way.

1.  Start a blog:  Your blog is your prime piece of real estate.  It’s your hub in Internet and Social Media marketing and is used for producing value driven content which search engines love.  Most of your status updates from Twitter, FB, and LinkedIn should contain links back to your blog posts.   Blogs help establish you as a thought leader in your niche market and creates credibility and trust.  A good program to use for creating your blog is wordpress.org.  There are many free templates available, just do a Google search for free wordpress templates.

2.   Begin interacting with your market:  Create your profile on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and You Tube.  Also look for 1 or 2 groups to join and join in the conversations.  This is where you will begin building relationships and creating credibility and trust as you establish yourself as a leader in your area of expertise. A word of caution:  This is where it can become overwhelming, so set your own pace and always ask for help.  There are plenty of people online willing to help you each step of the way. 

3.  Build your list:  Many times we try to develop the products first, then try to “drive” the people to the products.  Instead build your list first,  create the product, then “draw” the people to the products.    One of the biggest benefits to interacting with your market first on your social media sites is having already gained your market’s trust.  The time spent building those relationships makes it much easier to gather the email addresses of your market needed for building your list.  In this new marketing arena, people are more likely to share their email with those they know and feel they can trust.

4.  Provide Consistent Value:  You must provide value…consistent value.  As you present your information, think about how it will benefit your readers.  What do they want to know?  What do they want to see?  How can you provide solutions for your readers?  Never underestimate what your readers know.  Some of the very basic information may be exactly what they are looking for.  We have a tendency to think if we know it, everyone else must know it also.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  Include value packed, basic and advanced, information for your readers.  Remember:  Be specific, be informative, be approachable, and (very important) always be genuine.

5.  Find out what your subscribers want…Ask!:  You have something to offer, remember?  That’s why you are in business.  Ask your subscribers specifically what problem they are having. What’s their biggest challenge, their most frustrating problem, or their most pressing issue?  Provide solutions for your subscribers.  Let them know you not only have their solution…you are their solution!

6.  Stay in contact:  Another element in your Internet business is keeping your name and targeted marketing content in front of your clients/patients and prospects.  A question often asked is: How often should I contact subscribers on my list?   There isn’t a clear cut answer except to never spam or harass your list.   Contact them  with valuable content a minimum of one time a month, but more preferably, every two weeks or weekly contact is good.  The point is you want to keep your name in front of your market as the go-to person for the solution to their problems or to buy your products and services when they are ready to purchase. 

7.   Build relationships:   In all the above listed steps, there is one connecting element…building relationships.  Be personable and accessible.  Viewers need to know what you have accomplished, yes, but more importantly, they need to know who you are and that you are real.  It’s relationships first and business second.

Summary:  Through your blog posts; interacting with your market; building your list; providing consistent value; finding what your subscribers want; and staying in contact, you will be building profitable relationships while creating credibility and gaining trust as you leverage these 7 steps to build and strengthen your Internet business.

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

Over the past year a huge shift in marketing has been taking place.  Gone are the days when the print media was leading/selling the customer.  Newspapers, telephone books/ads…print media is no longer in control (that’s why they’re having trouble),  users are in control and it’s a total mind change!

• Today’s consumer is Internet/social media savvy and is not going to be “sold”. 
• Today’s consumer wants to be educated first in order to be able to make an informed decision
• Today’s business owner sets out to give consumers the information they are seeking and along the way estabish themselves as thought leaders in their fields

In order for businesses to be competitive in today’s market business owner’s need to establish and utilize an Online presence so they are found when and where their target market is looking.

Amber Naslund’s post 10 Ways To Get Serious About Social Media  in Social Media Today  gives 10 excellent ways, with additional resources,  for getting serious about social media.

I like #7  Quit waiting for the water to be perfect before you get in.  Which one is your favorite?  Have any you want to add?

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

I received an early Christmas gift today!  The engine light had come on in my car letting me know it was time to have the oil changed.   Since purchasing my Toyota, I’ve had it serviced with Toyota Scion of Concord NC.  They have always done a very good job and provided good service.

When I called and made the appointment this morning I was told it would take about an hour to change the oil and rotate the tires.  My husband drove his truck so we didn’t have to wait around while they completed the service and they were to give me a call on my cell when it was completed.   

Jack and I went to Starbucks, bought  pumpkin spice latte’s , went shopping in Garden Ridge, and made a trip to WalMart.  After almost two hours and no phone call that my car was ready, I was getting a little irritated that it was taking so long and I hadn’t received a call.  After all, it was Friday…I had places to go, people to see, and things I needed to do!  So we headed back over to the service department.

When I walked in, I didn’t see Paula (Marlowe) the lady who had helped me.  So I asked another service person if they could tell me if my car was ready.  I explained I was told it would be an hour procedure and it was now two hours and I hadn’t heard anything.  This was about the same time that Paula walked up.  She said she was just getting ready to call me. 

Then she took me over to her area and read the list of  “recommended service” that needed to be done.  I wasn’t doing any of that today, but told her I’d like a list with the prices included to discuss with my husband.  Paula then said it would take about 5 minutes and she’d have the list ready and I could check out. 

Twenty minutes later and even more irritated, I asked the check out person to see how much longer it was going to be.  By this time I had really gotten ill. 

Just at that moment, Paula appeared and instead of coming on in the door and walking me to the check out (their usual procedure), she called me to the door again.  I thought….gezzzz are they going to recommend more work to be done…am I ever going to get to leave today??!!  Now I was really getting upset!

Then Paula said, “Ms. Matthews, we’ve taken care of your oil change and rotated your tires for you.  I’m sorry for your wait and the inconvenience to you…the service is on us today, there is no charge to you!  I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and come back to see me!”

Talk about being caught off guard and being speechless…my husband loves it when I’m speechless…doesn’t happen too often he says.  As I regained my voice, I said in a very humble tone, I hadn’t expected that and I really appreciated it! 

Now that’s customer service!  I hadn’t said anything, but I’m sure Paula could tell in my actions that I was  gettung upset.  Even half price would have been nice, but no charge…WOW! 

In just two short sentences Paula had made me feel she valued my time, appreciated  my feelings, and valued me as a customer!  

Thank you, Paula Marlowe  and  Toyota Scion of Concord NC!!!   Will I go back…ABSOLUTELY!   Will I recommened Toyota Scion of Concord NC…ABSOLUTELY!!   After all, isn’t this what we’ve been talking about with Social Media…Good Customer Service Really Can Build Relationships!  

What are your thoughts?

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

On LinkedIn your most valuable piece of real estate is your Public Profile 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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Livvie Matthews, Copywriter,  Social Media Marketing Specialist, Blogger, and Speaker helps you build relationships and provide customer solutions within your targeted market through your online and printed marketing content.  e-mail Livvie@writebusiness.net or visit http://www.writebusiness.net   http://www.linkedin.com/in/livviematthews

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

Social Media’s dominance by the masses on Internet sites like Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn has changed the dynamics of social and professional influence and has led to thes sites emerging to be called “Professional Networks”.

Social Media Today’s Don Bulmer’s post read how these sites have emerged to become  “Professional Networks” and the staggering growth for “The Big Three” – Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

How about you?  How do you use these social networks to inform your clients, patients, or followers?

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

Social Media – THE way to promote business, increase online visitility,  and build relationships in this new marketing arena!  Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn -oh my!

Businesses, large and small, big known brands to just creating a brand, Corporations to solo – entrepreneurs are seeing amazing results using social media.  New customers, new clients, new patients, you name it.   It’s a huge outreach in word of mouth advertising for external communications.

But what about social media and internal  communications?  Jennifer Bull, a leader in internal culture and employee branding, gives 5 reasons  in her blog post Is Social Media a Good Idea for Internal Communications? 5 Reasons Why Companies Should Consider It.

What about you, how do you think social media can be used in internal communications?  Good or Bad idea?

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

I enjoy receiving questions and input from viewers and even though the two questions received below are regarding dentistry, they can apply to businesses as well.  Here are the two very interesting questions:

1)What are the top three rules for harnessing Social Media to the advantage of a dental practice?

2)What are three most effective things a dentist should do with his or her FaceBook or Twitter account?

Social media is still relatively new in the realm of using it for business and offers an incredible opportunity to get to know your target market.  Social media is a bridge that gives you access to people, information, and even companies/businesses you didn’t have access to in the past.

Word of mouth advertising is the best form of advertising and social media IS word of mouth advertising…on steroids!

Used correctly, it isn’t something that can be done quickly, it does require strategy, a plan of action, and like anything else you are building…it takes – time.

To a degree, because it is relatively new, the rules are still to be figured out.  However, there are some rules that are already in place if you want to use SM correctly for building your business/practice. In answering your questions:

What are the top three rules for harnessing Social Media to the advantage of a dental practice?

1) Social media sites are NOT about making sales, they are about making contact,  building (profitable) relationships, and establishing value, credibility, and trust.
The above is first and foremost with social media. Gone are the days when the print medias (yellow page advertising, magazine ads, flyers) were leading or “selling� the consumers.   Users (consumers) are in control now and it’s a total mind change.  Today’s consumer is Internet savvy and is not going to be “sold�, they want to be educated first in order to make informed decisions.

Today’s business owner gives the consumer the information they are seeking, helps solve their problems, and along the way, the business establishes themselves as the thought leader in their field.    Having taken the time to establish credibility, given value, and developed a relationship between consumer and business, the consumer will naturally turn to you when it’s time to purchase. 

Enter Social Media sites …the most effective and most efficient way for business owners to get their information to savvy consumers and to develop those relationships.

2) Authenticity and Transparency:  Whatever is done must be done with quality. Be transparent and authentic, you are developing profitable relationships.  Everything you do should have a strategic intent.

These sites aren’t about making sales, they are about building relationships, credibility, value, and trust and that’s done using your two strategic keys:  Being Authentic and Transparent. Then those contacts tell everyone they know, who tells everyone they know…about you, your business, product or service.  This is viral word of mouth advertising, people telling LOTS of other people .

3) Online Reputation Management.  Social media makes it easy for you to share information as you network with your community.  You have something to offer…remember?   That’s why you went into business.  Social media is conversation and makes it easy for you to engage in discussions about what you may be able to help them with.  This is where you can establish yourself as a thought leader in your area of expertise.

Social media also allows you to monitor and be more responsive to your target market.  Paying attention to questions being asked and statements being made by your target market about you, your business/practice, your brand, your products and services…good and bad.

With your community, being “visible� online can also bring out negative comments as well (there’s always one in the crowd).  The reality is angry customers are already talking whether you are online or not.  But at least when you are online, the person and comments are “in your space� and can be addressed. 

You can’t always “control� the conversation, but a lot of site applications allow you the option to post or not to post their comments.  But even if posted, it can be addressed.

Also, clients/patients genuinely appreciate seeing how businesses and practices respond to legitimate criticism and many times will come to the aid of the business/practice with their own positive responses.  This is called Online Reputation Management.

What are three most effective things a dentist should do with his or her FaceBook or Twitter account?

1) Repeat #1 and #2 above- These are first and foremost with Social Media.  If you don’t understand this, you will miss the incredible opportunity with Social Media.

2) Build a quality local network/community and build your brand.  Target your local area, your clients/patients.  Found out what their problems are, what you can help them with.  You want to establish you not only have their solution, you are their solution.  Establish yourself as the thought leader in your area of expertise.

As you build your brand, you don’t have to be a McDonalds or a Starbucks.  It can be as simple as your avatar (picture), your logo, a tag line, or even a specific color.  Point is – when used (viewed) regularly, each impression strengthens peoples awareness of who you are, your practice, and what your services and products are about.  You are being seen.

3) Be consistent with your time, your content, and your marketing.  Not every person on  your social sites are going to be members of your target market, but by providing good solid content, helpful links and information, and regularly contributing something of value and useful to your community, the viral nature of social media will get the message to those who are looking for you.

**Side Note:  Make sure you have created your social media guidelines and policies (and possible training program) if someone else within your business/practice or outside your business/practice is creating/posting your information.

In summary:  Use social networking to add value, build your credibility, and develop trust.  Value + credibility + trust turns an observer into a follower, a follower into a fan, a fan into a lead, and a lead into a patient/client!

What are your thoughts?  What do you think qualifies as a “top rule” for harnessing Social Media to the advantage of a business or dental practice?

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