Despite the fact that companies are struggling to break through the buzz, newer marketing strategies are creating even more buzz and a concern that everyone is tuning out their message. But through permission-based marketing services, it not only works itself out, but proves to help define and improve the way businesses market themselves.  Social networks have created the need for businesses to generate quality content in order to gain followers and most importantly listeners. Permission networking is an increasingly critical addition to companies marketing plans.

Twitter is an online service that can be read on a mobile phone or computer that allows the user to broadcast short messages (140 characters in length) real-time to subscribers as well as receive messages (“tweets”). Although Twitter has a reputation for broadcasting trivial matters to groups of friends (like “I missed the subway!”) it is an invaluable real-time marketing tool for businesses.

Perhaps you have an item that has a shelf-life that did not sell as well as expected and you would like to move it quickly. You can announce to your Twitter followers that the item is half-off until closing. A venue may have put on a show and did not receive the turn-out expected. The venue can “tweet” that the event is free after 9pm (to prevent people from waiting until 9pm by announcing this in advance) and gain additional revenue from drink and food sales. For a service business, it can be used to summarize a new blog post to encourage traffic to the website. It is a great real-time announcement of additional or new services to gain early entry into the market.

Brand development depends on visibility. Twitter helps with repetition and exposure. It also helps keep you in touch with your customer-base and let them know you are still out there.

My clients ask “Why should I use Facebook?” As a social network, LinkedIn provides overall information and is a strong network tool to create and read group post, provide a CV, and gain new contacts through online networking.  Some  people feel that creating “friends” on Facebook  does not fit their professional brand. Therefore, Facebook now allows for Business Accounts. The benefits of Facebook include:
1. Viral Marketing of Media

2. Easily post upcoming events including webinars, and conferences to associates’ profiles

3. Provide more detailed information about the individuals on staff.

But the greatest strength of Facebook is the social networking. You can join groups and invite others to get to know your business better and build a deeper  interest in your company.

Creating Facebook and Twitter accounts are an asset to your business but also a time commitment.  An empty Facebook account, or silent Twitter may give the impression that you are not interested or that you have no time to commit (most likely the later.) Either one risks weakening your brand. It is best to focus content creation directly on your website then once you feel confident that the blogs and/or website updates can be maintained, add one new marketing plan at a time. If you have a blog, you can first try Twitter to announce your new posts. And then create a Facebook account to start building your online network. With some organization and a little time set aside, even once a week, you are sure to see results.