A social media consultant shared her knowledge of online marketing and networking at a Chamber of Commerce and ATB sponsored presentation held recently at the Rimbey Drop In Centre.
Jennifer Belanger knows first-hand the importance of the social media. A stay-at-home mom with a natural bent to creativity and out-of-the-box thinking has successfully set up her own business, Mompreneur & Social Media Rock Star.
During her presentation, “How to Advertise on the Web,” she provided information regarding online strategies and marketing information.
“Twitter is a valuable resource because it provides an instant connection with your clients. The number one way to network online is to tweet,” she noted. “If you are looking to widen your market, Twitter is where you want to be. You can update Twitter all day long, unlike Facebook, which can only be updated once or twice a day.”
Belanger said LinkedIn is another valuable resource.
“It is the number 1 way companies are hiring right now. It’s like a resume. Fill it out. It truly is a professional platform. It’s great for people who are working on their own and it adds credibility to your resume.”
To get the most out of social media, users need to schedule three 15-minute time slots to update and maintain their platforms. “Basically, by doing this you’re showing consistency and that you’re actively involved.”
Being consistently active online for three to six months should show a marketing return, Belanger said.
Facebook is valuable because it allows the user to create interactive pages which promotes interaction.
“You want to get your readers to be able to interact with you as much as possible, said Belanger. “Get their opinion and provide content they can easily share. The goal is to get your customers to start spreading word of mouth in a positive way about you on line. Honestly, every business should have a Facebook page,” she said.
She stressed that using your name is important regardless of what social media platform is used as it allows the client to know with whom they are dealing and whether that person is male or female.
Do not connect Facebook to Twitter because people who go on Facebook do not understand the twitter lingo and it becomes frustrating for them, she added.
“The goal with Twitter is to network with new markets that might otherwise not be available.”
Having an online presence, no matter what platform is used, is crucial, said Belanger.
“If you want to get ahead in today’s competitive market place, you need to have an online presence.”
Belanger offers courses online and is also available for individual and group training sessions at various locations throughout central Alberta.
For more information about Belanger check out jenniferbelanger.com