Social Networking

We just returned from the Drivingsales Executive Summit in Las Vegas Nevada where Paul Rushing participated in an automotive seo panel discussion. Typically we have not attended events like this in the past, because we do not have a huge marketing budget or feel the need to acquire a large number of clients.

This event proved to be very profitable in terms of getting our name out there and new business that was acquired.  Typical auto industry events are more like infomercials by those presenting at them.  This event was different.  Best practices were shared and the podium pitches were almost non existent.  Those that were interested in our services reached out to us versus us having to pitch them.  It made for a non confrontational discussion.

If you look to serve clients in any industry do not discount the networking to be found at conferences and seminars even if you are not an active participant.  The rewards come from new business, enlightenment and seeing what your competition is up to.  One thing you need to remember if you are participating in these types of events and looking for vendors to help you meet your marketing goals.  The best pitch and the most polished presentation does not equate to results,  look for those that can show you a broad range of results not just hand picked examples.

There are literally thousands of websites that offer some value to businesses in the way of branding.  Any time you can get your name and/or logo in front of potential clients and customers and shine a positive light on it, it’s a good thing.  To survive in today’s marketplace, you need to be where your customers are, and most of them are online to one extent or another.

Social networking sites like MySpace and Facebook have made a splash in recent years as the leaders in the social networking segment.  The problem is that, as they are huge and growing, they are only the tip of the iceberg.

Today, social networks, properly managed, can be the ultimate branding tool.  With site such as Twitter, Bebo, and several hundred other viable niches in the social networking segment drawing in tons of people, they can be used for brand management as well as getting the word out about interesting aspects of a company.

In the search engines, there are social networking sites that rank exceptionally well.  Controlling the front page and beyond for searches of one’s business name can help keep poor reviews or other damaging items our of public view. continue