Below is a great article that I found from a Facebook friend whom I also follow on Twitter. This article brings up an interesting topic: Should you cross-post updates to your various social media outlets?

I personally do cross-post. I found that it is very time saving. However, I do have multiple businesses and every update is not necessarily appropriate to each of those businesses. So in this regard cross-posting may be limiting me. What are your views?

Should you cross-post updates to Facebook and Twitter?
By Ari B. Adler

Consider your audience before posting the same update to multiple social media channels

The root strategy for any public relations initiative includes creating your message, determining your audience, and finding the best way of delivering your message to that audience. But now, with social media, technology has given people the ability to blast identical messages to different audiences.

LinkedIn allows you to post your status update simultaneously to Twitter. You can automatically feed your tweets to Google Buzz. You can connect tweets with your Facebook status updates or your Posterous feed. And with third-party software like Tweetdeck, you can post the same message to multiple Twitter accounts, Facebook and LinkedIn with the touch of one Send button. Whether that’s a good thing or not depends on whom you ask.

“I don’t cross-post, because I use each tool for a slightly different purpose. Therefore, I target messages for each audience,” says Angela Dockett, marketing and communications manager for the American Cancer Society in East Lansing, Mich.

“I’ve done it, but am starting to back off,” admits Jason Dobson, a professional gaming blogger in Broken Arrow, Okla. “Audiences can be quite different between social media sites, and the messaging needs to reflect that.”

Although there is some mingling of followers and friends from one platform to the other, the style of how people communicate on those platforms differs, especially from a language standpoint.

While Twitter often is filled with abbreviations and symbols, those same messages appearing on a Facebook page could be confusing. Still, that hasn’t stopped some people from connecting their accounts.

“I post Twitter to Facebook, because I have friends and family finally on Facebook that don’t get Twitter. It’s too much of a hassle for me to keep up with both,” says Colleen Lin, senior rich media producer for the Dallas County Community College District in Texas. When asked if the audiences were ever confused, Lin said they were at first.

“I had some complaints, but I find that most people ‘hide’ me (on Facebook) if they’re irritated,” she says.

For some entities, particularly government agencies and universities, cross-posting may make sense.

“We cross-post, using Facebook for students and future students; Twitter for corporations, media and parents,” says Laurie Creasy, a new media specialist at Penn State.

Creasy said they aren’t using quite the same message everywhere, but Penn State hopes all the separate networks see similar messages. She noted the messages on Twitter are “more professional.”

In Rhode Island, the state Department of Transportation uses the exact same message on multiple networks, according to Dana Alexander Nolfe, RIDOT’s chief public affairs officer.

“I have a very broad target audience, and I think my goal is to get my message to as many people as possible. With so many venues, and to ensure consistency, I cross-post my message,” Nolfe says. “Some social media have a good-size audience, and some are very small, but my feeling is if MySpace, for example, is the only place someone is going to go to get RIDOT’s message, then I am going to continue to ensure that the message gets out that way.”

Some argue that business accounts should be given some leeway when cross-posting.

“The audiences are completely different if you are coming from a personal perspective,” says A.J. Teachout, owner of Ulu Marketing in Detroit. “My Twitter followers are likely not my Facebook friends, or friends at all for that matter, so they will not care to hear about what my kid did the other day. My Facebook friends actually know me and care to hear more personal details.

“That being said, from a business perspective, I think it’s a wise move. Your audience is in it for the same reason—to learn more about the business and, likely, your messages will be similar.”

In the end, it’s up to the individual whether to cross-post. With social media being such a new conduit, there’s no proven right or wrong way to do things—yet.

“The bottom line is: Know your audience and how they might be different across multiple networks and social sites,” Teachout says. “How would that affect your message?”

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By Dewitt’s Media

The world seems to revolve around the Internet these days, making it vital for Web sites and businesses to get out there and make themselves known. It’s dog-eat-dog when it comes to Web marketing, so you’ll have to do whatever it takes to get to the top. One of the best ways of getting the word out about your business and/or Web site is to use social media networks like Twitter. Here are some reasons why you should use Twitter and how it can benefit you.

1. Creating a Brand: As a company, your top goal is to create a brand that will sell the products and services you offer. Making consumers loyal to you is what keeps a business thriving. On Twitter, it doesn’t matter if you’re a startup or a small business that’s been in operation for ten years — anyone can build a brand. Your best bet is to create a personal account if your company isn’t well-known yet — people don’t like to talk to LOGOs; plus, a personal account will make you friendlier to Tweeters. Humanizing your business is always an effective route. By having your business up on Twitter puts you in the position to show the world that you are a part of the online community. You will become a social personality that will slowly but surely bring in more followers, who can eventually become loyal customers.

2. Touching Base with Customers: Every business wants to be able to connect with their customers on a regular basis and Twitter lets you do just that. After branding, this should be your top priority. The reason Twitter is great for businesses is because it allows them to communicate with consumers directly. It’s like attending a worldwide party and being able to stand up in front of everyone and speak (and everyone actually listens). Those that are following you on Twitter will receive updates on your comments each time you post something up. You can also turn things around by keeping track of what your customers are tweeting. Getting to know them personally will help you to create a better brand and products/services that are more customer oriented. Also, make sure to reply back to customers as quickly as possible — they love that.

3. Getting Feedback from Customers: After working with a few tweeters that you’re connected with, you will likely receive feedback about your companies services and/or products, and how they can be improved. Just make sure that you can take criticism because it can be used for your benefit. Listen to what your customers have to say and try your best to cater to their needs.

4. Marketing for Free: Sounds too good to be true actually, but Twitter allows you to market your company without having to spend a pretty penny. You’ll be able to connect with potentially millions of people who in your eyes are potential sales. Marketing on Twitter is simple, whatever you post on your account will be seen by whoever looks into your profile and by those who are following you. In order to gain more followers, you should take the time to search around for people to connect with. Don’t become a spammer, be genuine and you will steadily build a group of followers. In most cases, tweeters will spread the word about a company they have enjoyed working with, which helps to increase followers and business for the company.

5. Building Links and Traffic: Getting more traffic to your site can easily be done using Twitter as well. Once you’ve created a personal or strictly business persona on Twitter and have developed followers, you will find it very beneficial to post up links to your business Web site. It will help to bring in more visitors and if you create great content for the site, you will be well on your way to building quality links. Developing content that offers information that is valuable to readers will help to keep people coming back to your site. You will even find a great deal of conversions of visitors/readers to buyers. Consider posting up a link to have people follow you on Twitter. When people see that you have a Twitter account, it shows that you are more than just a LOGO. When they follow you they will receive updates about your offerings, which brings us to the next reason why you should use Twitter.

6. Posting up Deals, Coupons and News: Everyone likes a great deal and as we all know, it’s a great way to bring in more buyers. By posting up coupon codes and special deals for products and services that you’re offering, it will catch the eye of many tweeters who could use your business. You can even make it a special deal for tweeters who are following you — that could help to get you more followers you can advertise to. Any company news that you would like to inform customers about can also be done through tweets. Keep customers and employees in the loop.

7. Keeping an Eye on Competition: Unfortunately, you’re not the only business on Twitter who is looking to get some attention. Use it to your benefit — keep an eye on your competitors to see what they’re up to. Whenever they’re offering a deal, try to outdo them, but don’t get too competitive to the point where you’ll end up losing money. You can look at the tweets their customers are giving them — these could be good reviews or complaints. If you see someone having a problem with the competitor, tweet them and see if you can offer a “helping hand”.

8. Increase Sales: Another great reason to use Twitter is to help increase the sales of your business. Since you’ll be receiving more attention than you probably ever have, you will receive the chance to sell more to more people.

9. Networking: Tired of attending local networking events that seem to never work? Now, you can effectively network with companies and individuals that are more likely to help you bring in more customers. Connecting with like-minded people can help to increase peer recommendations and testimonials.

10. Finding Prospects:You can use Twitter to find potential clients; you just simply type in keywords that are related to the services or products that you offer. You can then follow the users that pop up on the search results. Then begin tweeting about topics that are parallel to what you have to offer. Keep in mind that you should use direct messages or offline communications to keep prospects closed away from public channels.

Conclusion: Overall, using Twitter to boost your company’s or Web site’s visibility can be done with a few clicks of the mouse. Most of the work has already been done for you — all you have to do is make an account on Twitter and begin following and being followed. Make sure to stay active with tweeting to ensure that you build a reputable brand for your site or business.

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September 16, 2009

Last week, I was asked for ideas on ways brands can participate in social media circles despite the fact that they don’t have frequent new product announcements and company news.

It’s a good question that I think keeps some brands away from social media. They realize that ongoing, consistent participation in social media gives their brands the best shot at standing out and connecting with customers, but they don’t feel like they have enough new things to share.

Since social media is not best used solely as another way to distribute news releases, I highly recommend that you outline the types of content you’ll share in your social media efforts as you develop your strategy and identify the places where your brand will participate.

Here are a few ideas to jump start the discussion. Please share your ideas in the comments.

Loosely-related Valuable Stuff

What is the big picture, end benefit that your brand or product delivers that adds value to the lives of your customers? Relief? Joy? Knowledge? Confidence? Health? Bringing people together? Once you’ve identified your end benefit, share anything in your social spaces that also delivers that to the people you’re connected with, even if it’s momentarily.

For example, SunTrust Bank gives you tools and tips to make solid, confident financial decisions. The company is kicking off its social media participation and one thing it’s doing purposefully is starting discussions around everyday ways to Live Solid. If I worked with a baby products brand, I’d spend a little time every day scouring YouTube and other places to find short baby videos and stories that remind parents why they love being parents.

Industry News

Don’t just share your news. Share news related to your overall industry that your customers might find interesting. It’s a way to keep them informed without it being all about your company.

For example, if you’re in a regulated industry, share updates on proposed, pending and new regulations. If something is proposed that would have a negative impact on the ability of you and your competitors to run profitable businesses, share your concerns with your social media connections. If appropriate, try to inspire and mobilize them to share their thoughts with regulators.

Your Personal Side

People want to do business with people. Actually, they want to do business with people they like. Empower your social media community managers to be human and share tidbits about their daily lives. Ask questions and acknowledge and implement the answers from people who take the time to respond. This helps humanize your brand and create personal connections with current and potential customers.

What would you add? What other types of things can brands share in social media spaces to add value to the conversations?

Here is a link to the original article: http://www.davidwmullen.com/2009/09/16/3-things-to-tweet-that-arent-about-your-brand/

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I don’t know about you, but I am starting to get really sick of Twitter.

Lately all I am seeing is Twitter spam. MLM and Porn follows that I have no interest in. Tweets that are blatant calls to buy something. Agh!!!

Whatever happened to giving good information. Asking questions and answering some? What happen to communication, or as is the new buzz word “engagement”? That is what I am looking for, but apparently many people just don’t get it.

I want to learn and engage with you on Twitter. I don’t want to look at your porn or be “sold” on your latest and greatest twitter scheme to get rich quick.

Twitter spamfest is not what I signed up for.

People to need to pay attention to people like Chris Brogan and Gary Vaynerchuk. Emulate what they do. Engage with your followers and then invite them to your party via your website/blog. Get your followers to WANT to follow you.

I want to read funny stories. See great pictures that you took. Learn about YOU, as a person, but not as a salesman…Because dude, you suck at selling.

Anyway that is my rant.

Peace.

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One of the most important things a company can do is build a good reputation and making sure that reputation is spread like wildfire on a grass roots level. One the best tools for this is testimonials.

But lets be honest, how many local businesses actually collect testimonials let alone promote them? Very few. Yet you see all the major corporations getting and using testimonials from their customers. Why? Because it is effective marketing.

Internet marketers, especially the rich ones, thrive on getting and splashing success stories all over their sales pages. Books have endorsements from leaders in the world on the back cover. But so few business, and the majority of local businesses even refuse to collect them.

No joke. I went to Dible Builders here in my hometown to let them know of good techniques which may help them overcome this housing crisis. I was told by their 80yr old marketing director pointblank that they were NOT going to get or use testimonials, because this gentlemen stated “No one is going to want to have their name associated with us!”. Speaks volumes doesn’t it.

Well if you have a shitty product, then of course no one wants to put their name in association with yours, but if you have a great product and service and you do an awesome job, then why wouldn’t they be a reference for you.

If you belong to charities or groups and they say you are the greatest thing since sliced bread, why wouldn’t you want to scream that from the rooftops? Only an insane person wouldn’t want to promote that. It is only good for business.

The thing about social media is that now you can, to a degree, control what gets said about you and your business. You can influence other to spread your message far and wide.

I had another businessman, Ken Sudall from “Go Green Glass” express to me that there is no use for Facebook or Twitter in his business. What? Are you nuts? Of course there is. Facebook and Twitter is not about driving business to your business, it is about relationships. Driving business to your business is secondary.

However, you can get a lot of your Facebook and Twitter friends to spread tons of good news about you. And that, my friends, is effective marketing.

Good news made well known is the definition of good PR. Getting that message is object of marketing. Good marketing then is spreading good PR out to the big wide world.

Success stories, testimonials, or whatever you call it are good news, thus it is good PR. You must get that passed out by the boat loads. Social media is a tool to help with that.

But don’t forget the importance of testimonials. People believe what other people say about you more than what you say about you. Get tons of people saying good things about you and the battle is over, get them to say it a lot and the war is over.

Good News Made Well Known is your best strategy. Use it, and use it often.

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Posted by Beth Kowitt, Reporter
July 26, 2009 8:59 AM

For Ashton Kutcher, winning the race to 1 million followers on Twitter before CNN was not about being victorious in a popularity contest.

Instead, it illustrated that “one individual could have as much influence on a social network as a media conglomerate,” he said at Fortune’s Brainstorm: Tech conference.

He also noted that it signifies a shift in turning media back over to consumers, who are now also content creators and editors. This dynamic “has and will forever change media,” Kutcher said.

Now more than three months after hitting the 1 million mark, followers of his Twitter handle “aplusk” come in at 2.9 million. He said he Tweets to stay close to his fans, to raise awareness about causes that interest him, and simply because it’s fun.

It also allows him to engage his fans even more directly by involving them in the creative process. During the making of “Five Killers” (due out next year), Kutcher was looking for a joke to tell during a scene. After Tweeting about it, hundreds came pouring in and one got plugged into the movie. “We’ll see if it makes the cut,” he said.

It’s a smart marketing tool as well. Kutcher said that movie studios spend half their budget for a film just trying to let a potential audience know it’s being released. “I can do it for free by pushing a button,” he said.

Responding to the notion that movie stars are becoming less important, Kutcher said, “I don’t have three million followers because I’m really good at putting up content.” He noted that he shuts down a website every day because he sends too much traffic to it from his Twitter feed.

But he did acknowledge that people in the entertainment business are going to have to start to embrace the web and leverage the platform or they won’t be able to demand the same fees.

Kutcher said that he’s starting to see the convergence of television and digital media, and his company, Katalyst Media, is trying to capitalize off of that by working across multiple platforms and finding the intersection between them.

“If we can have our foot in that arena and understand that space…we’ll have a leg up when convergence actually does take place,” he said.

While Kutcher is currently a Twitter devotee, he said that it’s likely that someone else might create a microblogging tool that has a better search and syndication function. But right now he’s happy to Tweet anywhere from zero to 20 times a day to lift the “curtain” between him and his fans.

He’s also not above poking some fun at himself. In the run up to the conference, Kutcher Tweeted: “Headed to the Fortune tech Brainstorm in Pasadena. Gonna do an onstage interview. Quick someone invent me [an intelligence] pill.”

But when it comes to Twitter, the world’s most popular Tweeter knows what he’s talking about.

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2 Reasons You Don’t Promote Your Business On The Internet And Why That Keeps You From Booming.

I just couldn’t figure it out. I keep going to businesses and telling them all about my marketing strategies and how I can help them harness the power of the internet to double, Triple or even QUADRUPLE their business and they seem just not to care…

Okay; that is not exactly true…they do care, and are even interested in utilizing my services. But they don’t. Why?

Why are you so afraid of using the internet to expand your business? Is it because you think you know better than me? Are just too busy? Don’t have the money? What is the reason?

Well I know why you don’t use the internet. And it isn’t because you don’t have the time or the money…those are just excuses you say to me just to get me out of your office.

No, the reason you don’t use my services, or the internet to market your business is because:

1. You don’t understand the internet really, and it overwhelms you, and
2. You are just plain scared.

And you know what? You are absolutely right. The internet is scary and overwhelming. It isn’t that it is hard to learn, it is that there is just so much too learn. It is hard to find the place to start.

I got it! Really. I understand.

The first thing that you should do is just pick one internet tool; like Twitter and learn the ins and outs of it. Master it. Learn how to make it yours and “work the system” so to speak.

Once you have done that, then pick another aspect of the internet like YouTube. Master that.

And while you are doing that. Search the internet and learn everything that you can. Go as slow or fast as need to you so that you understand what it is that I am trying to do for you.

It is all very simple really. Just follow these simple steps and you’ll be alright:

1. Pick on thing to learn on the internet.
2. Study it.
3. Practice it.
4. Master it.
5. Search the internet and study something else.

It really is just that simple. Read it, practice it, do it. A very simple formula to mastering the internet and marketing.

Don’t let the silly excuses like time or money get in your way.

Remember: Read it, practice it and do it! Bada bing, bada boom.

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Are some churches going overboard in their attempts to package and market religion?

Soon you will be able to Twitter your prayers to God, which may not be a bad thing as long as he follows you back.

First Dell uses Twitter to make over $3 mill, A catering truck uses it to flood in customers, and now churches are using Twitter to preach.

See below a recent article that I cam across about churches using twitter in their services. Too much, or really savvy.

By JEFF STRICKLER, Star Tribune
Pier Paolo Cito, Associated Press

At the Eagle Brook Church

Marlin Levison, Star Tribune

Eyes roll when Rabbi Hayim Herring tells his fellow clergy that they should spend an hour a day on Facebook, MySpace and Twitter.

Listeners at his seminars exchange smirks when he says blogging should be considered mandatory. They look aghast when he recommends posting short video clips from their sermons on YouTube.

It’s a lot better than the reaction he used to get.

“They used to look at me as if I’d just said a four-letter word,” said Herring, the former senior rabbi at Beth El Synagogue in St. Louis Park and now the executive director of STAR (Synagogues: Transformation and Renewal). But in its seven years, the organization has seen more converts to what many call one of the dirtiest words in religion: marketing.

Across the country, religious congregations have turned more to marketing to keep the members they have and attract others to their emptying pews. The trend is accelerating as the Internet and its explosion of social networking sites add entirely new ways to connect on spiritual issues.

But the growing emphasis on new salesmanship tools alarms others who say the onslaught undermines the idea that spirituality should be a respite from the constant clamor of commercialism.

“It’s considered heresy in some circles,” agreed Greg Smith, a research fellow for the Pew Research Center’s Forum on Religion & Public Life. “They consider consumerism shallow.”

But, Smith said, “Whether they like it or not, religions are being forced to compete for members.”

Smart-phone spirituality

That debate has intensified with this spring’s follow-up study of a 2008 survey that discovered that 44 percent of adult Americans have a different religious affiliation than the one they grew up in. Surprised by so much movement, researchers went back and asked the respondents why they changed.

Along with the expected answers marriage to a person of a different faith, the arrival of a new minister, disagreement with church rules came the discovery that people have started to shop for churches the same way they shop for cars. They test-drive sermons and check out the “accessories,” which can include everything from the music to children’s programs to the co-ed softball team.

“We live in a competitive religious marketplace,” said Pew researcher John Smith. “You have to be competitive if you are going to attract and keep members.”

More than just bragging rights are at stake. Maintaining membership is critical for church finances, especially at a time of economic distress when contributions are dropping and endowment funds have taken a beating in the stock market. If belt-tightening members drop less money in the collection plate, the congregation needs to pack more people into the pews to make up the difference.

Like a cutting-edge political campaign, the use of electronic marketing is spreading across all religions. In a recent speech, Rajan Zed, president of the Universal Society of Hinduism, urged his religious organizations to use “smart-phones with BlackBerry, iPhone and Symbian.” While they were at it, he suggested, they should check out Flickr, Habbo, hi5, Skyrock, Tagged, Bebo, Netlog, MyHeritage, Odnoklassniki, Sonico and VKontakte.

“Use new technologies to create a dialogue,” he said.

The younger generation’s reliance on these electronic social networks leaves religious leaders no choice, Herring said. “If you’re not out there, there’s no chance of your message being heard,” he said.

For Aricka Johnson, a member of Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Mound, the Internet is a way to stay connected with her faith emotionally when she can’t do so physically.

“I felt very alone after moving a lot throughout my life and hopping to church after church,” she said. “When I go onto websites like Tangle.com, Shoutlife.com and Mychurch.com I feel more connected with others. Before, I almost felt awkward in speaking about my beliefs in God, but after talking more and more about it with other Christians on these websites I feel way more comfortable in sharing my beliefs in depth with others. These websites have changed my life for the better and have brought me closer to God.”

A slippery slope?

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More Proof That Twitter Is A Great Tool For Businesses

I found this article today in The New York Times. It tells you how Dell uses Twitter to make $3 million selling their computers, etc. Are you using Twitter for your business? Now is your chance.

Dell Says It Has Earned $3 Million From Twitter
By Claire Cain Miller
Dell

These days, lots of companies are talking about their

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Get Twitterpated!
You Can Use Twitter To Rocket Your Local Business.

What Is Twitter?

Twitter is a free micro-blogging tool that is revolutionizing the way businesses function online. Micro-blogging is a form of posting short messages or updates (to include: text, images or media) to a social networking website. These updates are commonly called “tweets”.

What Are Tweets?

“Tweets” are text-based posts which contain up to 140 characters. The tweets are delivered to the homepage of any subscribers (followers) which you have obtained. If you are subscribed (following) to another person

In March 2009, Twitter had a growth of 1382%, Zimbio had a growth of 240%, followed by Facebook with a growth of 228%, according to Nielsen Wire.

What Do You Tweet About?

Some people tweet about their everyday activities, and use twitter as a means to keep family and friends updated with home and work life.

For local businesses who are into reading and social networking, tweets about new internet marketing tools, techniques and other tidbits of business advice are common.

If you are reading something that could be of use to others, post a short tweet about it and inform your subscribers. The more useful and relevant information you deliver to your subscribers, the more people who will want to subscribe and know what you are up to.

How Does Twitter Help Your local Business?

Twitter can help your local business in several key ways:

• It will drive targeted traffic back to your website (customize your profile and share a link to your homepage)
• It will provide you with networking opportunities and the capability to connect with people in your industry
• Extend your readership both on twitter and your website
• Helps to establish your online presence and gain credibility
• Keeps you up-to-date with trends in your market

What Do you Honestly Think of Twitter?

When I first saw Twitter, I honestly thought it was a little weird and decided to stay away from it. Maybe I thought it was just another fad,and little did I know it was a lasting tool to help with my business. So later, I decided to signup and it was a very wise decision.

Should a local business use Twitter?

Absolutely!

If Dell Computers can use Twitter to make $3,000,000, and a catering truck can use it to drive thousands to it, and if a church can use it successfully, then you business (no matter the business) can use it. Below is a video that helps you to understand Twitter a bit better and explains why Twitter is NOT a waste of time:

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEBUPoFxrRg

If you found that this was a useful article then please share it with your frineds by clicking on one of the buttons below (maybe the Twitter button!?) Or leave a comment below. Hope you are doing well..

Thank you.

Thanks to Holly Mann for the original content of this article.

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