Social Media Basics

Social Media Marketing - An Overview for Newbies

The Fab Techno Lab held in the Internet Lounge at the January Holiday & Home Expo was a huge hit. Hosted by J Schwanke, Host of JTV and CEO of uBloom.com; J gave Facebook and Twitter beginners some first steps to getting a social media presence started on the Internet.

J related the following analogy to help people understand why they need social media marketing. Your company is the fisherman and your customer is the fish. Therefore, to catch the fish (your customer), you need a fishing pole (your website), a line for your fishing pole (Facebook) and bait for the end of the line (Twitter).

Twitter (the bait) leads your customers to Facebook… Facebook (the line) guides them to your Website (the pole)… and then you have a completed connection. With no bait, line or pole the fisherman are out of luck… and vice versa.

Schwanke suggests these simple steps for beginners. This pertains to AFIA members just as easily as Retail Stores and Consumers!

1. Step One… Don’t Be Afraid… Setting up a Facebook or Twitter Account is easy! You’re not going to BREAK Anything… you’re going to get connected to your customers and people with similar interests!

2. Check out the Book Facebook, The Missing Manual for a Simple Overview of how to navigate Facebook.

3. Create a Facebook page for YOURSELF as an Individual - your Personal Account… Do this FIRST!

4. Create a Facebook Fan Page for your Company. Do this next!

Here’s the reason for setting up two pages: each account has an different use. You may “FRIEND” people with your Personal Account. Invite your friends to become your “FANS” for your business page, along with promoting your page at your place of business - “become a fan on Facebook.” You’re already on the way!

Next, bait the line with TWITTER. Twitter is MICRO Blogging. You’ll be creating “TWEETS” - 140 character teasers that you send out into the TWITTER World!

1. Don’t be afraid… again… Twitter is just an abbreviated form of Facebook!

2. Check out the Book Twitter Tips, Tricks and Tweets for a simple overview of how to navigate Twitter!

3. Set up a Twitter Account for yourself - this will get you acquainted with Twitter and “Tweeting”

4. Learn to offer valuable information and direction to more content on your Facebook Page… from Facebook you can post pictures, blogs or other valuable information from your website.

It’s simple - just remember the fishing analogy … you need each portion of this chain to make a connection!

This seminar was so popular J will be giving a similar program in June during a new 5-hour workshop called InStore LIVE! The Workshop for Successful Retailers. J will be presenting in the last hour. Attendees will pre-register; a $99 tuition fee includes 5 seminars in succession, workbook and refreshments. As an added incentive, participants will be reimbursed a portion of their hotel expense the night of the seminar. Watch for more details soon, and make sure your customers are aware of this valuable resource during their June trip!

Until then, start experimenting with Twitter and Facebook. Social Media Marketing is valuable and best of all it’s FREE communication that can send customers swimming straight to your door!


Social Media Basics Social Media Marketing - An Overview for Newbies The Fab Techno Lab held in the Internet Lounge at the January Holiday & Home Expo was a huge hit. Hosted by J Schwanke, Host of JTV and CEO of uBloom.com; J gave Facebook and Twitter beginners some first steps to getting a social media presence started on the Internet. J related the following analogy to help people understand why they need social media marketing. Your company is the fisherman and your customer is the fish. Therefore, to catch the fish (your customer), you need a fishing pole (your website), a line for your fishing pole (Facebook) and bait for the end of the line (Twitter). Twitter (the bait) leads your customers to Facebook… Facebook (the line) guides them to your Website (the pole)… and then you have a completed connection. With no bait, line or pole the fisherman are out of luck… and vice versa. Schwanke suggests these simple steps for beginners. This pertains to AFIA members just as easily as Retail Stores and Consumers! 1. Step One… Don’t Be Afraid… Setting up a Facebook or Twitter Account is easy! You’re not going to BREAK Anything… you’re going to get connected to your customers and people with similar interests! 2. Check out the Book Facebook, The Missing Manual for a Simple Overview of how to navigate Facebook. 3. Create a Facebook page for YOURSELF as an Individual - your Personal Account… Do this FIRST! 4. Create a Facebook Fan Page for your Company. Do this next! Here’s the reason for setting up two pages: each account has an different use. You may “FRIEND” people with your Personal Account. Invite your friends to become your “FANS” for your business page, along with promoting your page at your place of business - “become a fan on Facebook.” You’re already on the way! Next, bait the line with TWITTER. Twitter is MICRO Blogging. You’ll be creating “TWEETS” - 140 character teasers that you send out into the TWITTER World! 1. Don’t be afraid… again… Twitter is just an abbreviated form of Facebook! 2. Check out the Book Twitter Tips, Tricks and Tweets for a simple overview of how to navigate Twitter! 3. Set up a Twitter Account for yourself - this will get you acquainted with Twitter and “Tweeting” 4. Learn to offer valuable information and direction to more content on your Facebook Page… from Facebook you can post pictures, blogs or other valuable information from your website. It’s simple - just remember the fishing analogy … you need each portion of this chain to make a connection! This seminar was so popular J will be giving a similar program in June during a new 5-hour workshop called InStore LIVE! The Workshop for Successful Retailers. J will be presenting in the last hour. Attendees will pre-register; a $99 tuition fee includes 5 seminars in succession, workbook and refreshments. As an added incentive, participants will be reimbursed a portion of their hotel expense the night of the seminar. Watch for more details soon, and make sure your customers are aware of this valuable resource during their June trip! Until then, start experimenting with Twitter and Facebook. Social Media Marketing is valuable and best of all it’s FREE communication that can send customers swimming straight to your door!
AFIA Newsletter - Q1 \| 2010