by Martha on January 23, 2012
Think LinkedIn is just a place for job seekers? That LinkedIn has no place in your online marketing strategy?
Think again!
Here’s a Marketing 101 lesson for you:
Go where the people are!
With LinkedIn growing at a rate of 1 person per second, I’d say people are moving onto that site in droves! But, can you really find potential customers or is everybody passing out resumes to find a new job?
LinkedIn is a great place to connect, network, share content and ideas. Here’s a few killer LinkedIn Marketing Tips to get you started:
- Pay attention to your profile. This is one of the most overlooked aspects of any social media site and LinkedIn is no different! The trick here is to use your keywords in your profile headline. After all, you DO want people searching for those keywords to find you, right? Think about it. Most people won’t be searching by using your name.
- Don’t sell. There’s no need. In fact, it’s heavily discouraged. Just be open to opportunities to share what you know.
- Join a group. This is where LinkedIn has it going on! The groups are the happening place. Just find one in your niche and ask to join. Then, be sure and add valuable content to all the discussions going on. It doesn’t take long to reap the benefit of becoming seen as the expert in your niche.
- Start a group. Want to build your fan/customer base quickly? This is the way! Invite all your contacts to join you in your group discussions, encourage them to leave links, network, and invite their friends. It’s a win/win.
- Events. Got something exciting going on? A free webinar, seminar, one-day product deal? LinkedIn Events is the ideal place to advertise. And, don’t forget to promote to your groups!
- Leave your mark. Be sure people know to look for you on LinkedIn. Place your link in your signature, on your e-mails, your biz cards, your site and anywhere else your prospects might be looking. It’s not enough to be there, you have to let people know!
LinkedIn is seen as a social site geared more toward professionals. The conversations tend to be more straight forward without the fluff you see on Facebook and Twitter. (No personal pictures of your kids, your dinner, or your vacation) You will find LInkedIn to be the place for business people!
The best part?
They are all ready to get down to the business of business.
Networking is the game.
Go play . . .
Peace,
-Martha
by Martha on January 17, 2012
OK, we’re ONLY 17 days into 2012, so if you haven’t gotten your productivity mojo on, you’ve still got time to pump it up!
Here’s some ways to get yourself moving in the right direction NOW!
- Write those goals down. And did I mention put them where you can see them every day? There is something powerful about the written word and reinforcing by reading your goals daily will always get you moving!
- Work in small chunks. Break your daily goals down into 1-2 hour chunks and they are easier to get accomplished. Remember to take 10-15 minute breaks between each chunk!
- Be consistent. Rome wasn’t built in a day but it was built by people doing something every. single. day.
- Find a buddy. This has to do with accountability. If you have someone you can tell your goals to and who will hold you accountable, you are more than half-way home!
- Watch out for shiny objects. Distractions can destroy your productivity. Be aware of what yours are, and take precautions. Limit phone calls, social media time, and goofing off time!
- Use the “Rewards System.” Yes, for yourself. Put a reward out there for yourself (something tangible) that you will receive when the job is done.
- Clear your workspace. This one tip can make all the difference. If you are surrounded by clutter, it’s impossible to be productive. Once you tidy up your space, you’ll find your mind and body more inclined to follow your daily plans.
While productivity isn’t the sexiest topic in the world, it is important for your online business success.
So, now you know!
Peace,
-Martha
by Martha on January 13, 2012
I’m in the online marketing business. That means I promote my services and products by using online marketing techniques and I teach others how to do the same.
Don’t we all want more prospects and customers? And doesn’t the word “free” have a nice sound? I’m talking about free ways to promote your products and services.
Here’s a list of easy-to-incorporate ways that I personally use to get the word out about my biz:
- Social Media – you knew that would be number one! If you’re not on the social media platforms, go now and sign up for Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. All are free and will give you the most bang for the buck if you use them right!
- Make a social media splash - This simply means make your presence known! How to do that? Update those statuses DAILY. Get people in the habit of seeing you on the social sites and interacting with you. They will welcome your promotions if they feel you are interested in them! It takes a minimal amount of time and is so worth it!
- Video – This is a fantastic place for people to see and hear you. Videos are all the rage, so jump in and let your personality shine! Hey, if I can do it, you can too! (Best Tweet Tips Video)
- Create a Facebook Page – This is different from your personal profile page and a great place for you to give helpful tips, promote your products AND drive traffic back to your main site. Remember, people expect your page to be all about your biz. Give it to them!
- Be the expert – How to let people know you are the expert? By consistently giving useful content. And think outside the box here. You don’t have to create all that content yourself. You can interview people in your industry, use a guest blogger, reprint a dynamite article or video. The list is endless. Point is to make yourself well-known around town!
- Blog commenting – I’m talking about visiting other blogs and leaving your mark. I mean, your link! Give added value in your comments and people will soon recognize your knowledgeable self and start paying attention.
- Answer – I’m talking about all comments left on your own blog. Also, this goes for e-mails that are in the form of questions, and any comments left for you on the social media sites. Once the conversation starts, you are half-way home to helping someone move into your funnel.
- Freebies – Yes, everybody likes freebies. You can give them away on your site or publish the links in your social media updates. Don’t be afraid you’ll give away the farm. In my experience, the more I give away, the more I get back in the form of customers and clients. Generosity is always seen as a good thing! (How To Be An Expert Blogger)
- Tutorials – What a wonderful way to show people you can teach them what they want to know. Isn’t it great to feel like you are looking over someone’s shoulder?
- Online groups – Both LinkedIn and Facebook are leading the way in this area. Find groups in your niche and chances are, you’ll find a group that needs what you’re offering! And, don’t forget, you can start your own group where you are THE expert!
- Be recognizable – Use the same picture and logo everywhere on the net. If you haven’t done so yet, go to Gravatar.com and upload a picture of yourself so when you leave comments on other blogs, your picture will be there.
The internet is so powerful and your presence needs to be too! Once you get in the habit of incorporating your web presence into your daily business practices, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.
After all, it’s all about the marketing. Right?
Peace,
-Martha
2012 In One Word: What’s Yours?
by Martha on January 2, 2012
Happy New Year!
Have you thought about what 2012 will look like for you? Have you painted that picture of success with yourself as the star?
What does real success look like to you?
Put it in one word.
I challenged people on my Facebook Page to select one word to define what they wanted 2012 to look like for them. They communicated their hopes and dreams for this year into one word.
Mine is “inspired.”
For the last few years, I have been intentionally living an inspired life, and I can’t help it. I want more inspiration in 2012!
Here’s what the FB wall looks like:
One word. What do you want 2012 to be like? Mine is “inspired.”
· · Share · Friday at 11:35am ·
Wow! Plentiful, passionate, fearless, and so many more! What’s YOUR word? Think about it. Then, how about leaving it in the comments on this blog or joining in with the others on the Facebook Page?
Can’t wait to see what your 2012 word is!
Peace,
-Martha
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