Utilizing social media marketing to promote business
In the past ten years communication has drastically changed, both with methodology and structure. If we exam the early transformation of communication it was called email. Both in the corporate world and in our personal lives we went from writing memo’s and letters to plugging away on emails. The email revolution adjusted to include tools like return receipts and forwarding which catapulted it beyond traditional methods of communication.
Then the internet communication platform explodes and nearly 100 million people get on the “My Space” bandwagon. This platform was new, different and exciting and is the grandfather to the “social media” platforms many use on a daily basis for personal and business.
Then the new social media technologies such as LinkedIn were formed for business professionals to keep in contact with their contacts and possibly meet more through introductions. I remember my first introduction was to a Real Estate attorney that a friend of mine was connected to. I had a question regarding an investment property contract I was commencing and my friend Jeff introduced us and to this day we still talk. I started with just a hand full of “contacts” and now have nearly 3,000 professional contacts on LinkedIn.
We now have two new social media platforms, Facebook and Twitter. Many feel that these technologies will not stick and won’t be on here long so they refuse to get involved. The reality is that even if these particular technologies don’t stay, this platform is definitely here to stay. Currently over 200 million people use Facebook every day. I know that being a transplant to Florida and having family spread throughout the United States, it is easy to keep track of family no matter where they are. Additionally, friends from over 20 years ago have found me and we have re-kindled our relationships and are talking on a regular basis. If you are not involved with this yet, it is easy to sign up and takes 10 minutes, plus it is free. It is the most intuitive social media networking website out there.
Then there is Twitter, originally designed by two guys who were looking for a way to keep each other informed about their day. Twitter is used by many business owners, like myself, to promote their business on this excellent communication platform. Just to put it in perspective, I have over 7,800 people following me on Twitter. I can place a property Web site on it and get between 150 250 hits on the site, with 15 percent of them actually clicking through the site and about 10 15 of them leaving their information. This is a great way to obtain potential customers if you own a business. Celebrities are using Twitter to keep fans informed of upcoming concerts and appearances.
The platforms we use to communicate are forever changing. Even the way we market businesses now through “Social Media Marketing” is drastically different today. I find that these technologies are helping me with both personal communication and with my business.
(ITALICS) Jason M. Jakus is a licensed realtor for Leisure American Realty, a full service Real Estate and Property Management company serving the beaches and surrounding areas of Lee County. Their office is located at 2450 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach FL 33931. For more information on this or any other real estate or property management subject contact Jason at 239-463-3178 or email RealtyInfo@LeisureAmerican.com.