Social Media, along with search engines and blogs, represents 1/3 of the most visited and frequented websites on the Internet today. The evolution of sites like Facebook, Twitter, Linked In, and YouTube have changed the way we connect, share, learn, shop, and exist…both on personal and professional levels.

A significant number of companies have re-directed large portions of their marketing budgets towards creating substantial social media campaigns because they realize the chances of reaching customers in the social mediasphere far surpasses a traditional ‘megaphone-style,’ interruption-based commercial format.

The question is: Is YOUR Company On Board With Social Media Management Yet?

Social Media: It’s More Than You Realize

Many think Social Media is limited to sites like Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace. However, there are hundreds of social networks on the Internet today.

But, did you know social networking is not limited to just these sites? Social Media and Networking also includes, but is not limited to:

• Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Linked In, Foursquare, MySpace, etc, etc. (like I said, there are hundreds of these out there!)
• Blogs
• Videos and Podcasting
• Customer Reviews
• Social Bookmarking Sites (Digg, Reddit, Delicious)
• Message Boards, Forums, Wikis

In short, any site where socializing is featured is a form of Social Media.

Why Your Business Needs a Social Media Manager

One of the greatest perks to Social Media is that it allows companies of all shapes and sizes to effectively and efficiently reach their target audience, regardless of the size of their marketing budget.

One of the biggest downfalls is that many business owners and managers can’t find the time in their already jam-packed schedules to effectively and efficiently make Social Media work for them. Or, they just don’t know where to start.

Enter: The Social Media Manager!

“The Cocktail Party” comparison is an oft-used analogy for social media that says meeting people on sites like Facebook and Twitter should be done with the same sort of behavior you’d use in a live social setting. And with that thought in mind, if social media is the party, then the Social Media Manager is the party planner!

A Social Media Manager ensures your company is following the right people by building a targeted audience. They promote important information, support you in marketing choices, handle logistics, and makes sure the “party” runs smoothly so you can relax and connect with your guests (followers and customers).

Most of all, they stay in the background and make you look good!

With the reach Social Media has gained, Reputation Management is a huge feature of a Social Media Manager’s responsibilities. They keep your profiles fresh and updated, and act as the front line defense in regards to customer service. If a customer has a complaint that’s posted via Social Media, your Social Media Manager can be sure it reaches the correct party, or handle the problem right on the spot!

A Social Media Manager can alleviate much of the learning curve for you by helping you decide what strategy would be best for your business, execute that strategy, then nurture your brand and build relationships with your customer base. They can perform market research to determine who is best to follow and where the largest group of potential clients is gathering online.

Small, medium, and large businesses from all corners of the world, in thousands of industries, are jumping on the Social Media bandwagon because it presents an extremely cost-effective way to market online. Plus…

IT’S WORKING!!!

Traditional forms of marketing and advertising have lost an extreme amount of effectiveness with the rise of the Social Web. The “old school” mediums are increasingly hard to track results and probably cost you THOUSANDS of dollars with little to no return on your investment.

Marketing has evolved to Social Media and the Internet, meaning you and your business need to do the same!

Are you ready to dive in and build your presence on Social Media? Keep in mind, the right Social Media strategy can lead to better results and greater returns than your offline efforts. And you don’t have to embark on this journey without a guide. Having the right Social Media Manager can help you eliminate outdated “selling” techniques and replace them with relationship-building tactics that bridge the gap between you and your customer and assists them in making their purchases with you.

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