Thursday, June 14, 2012

Social Media Branding and Entrepreneurship


Although the generation over 35 does not understand it, there is an entirely new business model that relies on social media branding as a complete method of targeted marketing. Hollie Turner is a leader in this field of entrepreneurial social media branding, and this article will explain some of the ways in which she and others have been able to use social media in order to solidify the brand of a business online.
1) Brand localization and specification 
 Branding a business online is an exercise that requires specificity. Through the process of optimizing a website for longtail keywords, the business will naturally brand itself in a more targeted fashion. Many of the most recent updates of major search engine algorithms reward localization and specificity in keyword optimization. This means that if you are a business selling cat food, you will receive a higher search engine ranking if you actually specify the location and type of cat food that you sell by optimizing your website to that keyword specifically.
For instance, instead of optimizing your website to the term “cat food,” businesses today are finding much more success in branding themselves by optimizing their website to “organic chicken cat food Boston.” This helps search engine queriers determine if your business can solve their immediate needs, which prioritizes it in search engine rankings.
 2) Branding a business as quick on the draw 
One of the main advantages of social media is its ability to quickly connect a business with its customers. For instance, if a customer leaves a bad review on a restaurant, the restaurant can be immediately notified, even while the customer is still in the building. They can then take steps to rectify this wrong as quickly as possible, giving them a definite leg up when it comes to customer service.
Any business that is able to handle customer complaints with this type of efficiency will brand themselves indelibly into the minds of their market. Social media helps businesses become quick on the draw when it comes to customer service, which definitely increases customer loyalty and decreases bounce rates.
3) Branding of business as technologically advanced 
 People always want to know that they are dealing with a business that has the edge when it comes to technology. Social media can help a business appear as if it is on the cutting-edge of its industry. For instance, would you want to attend a dentist with an up-to-date website or one with a website that had a slow load time and no social outreach? What does this say about the equipment that dentist may use?
When it comes to branding, there is no reason why you shouldn’t be utilizing social media platforms.  They provide several easy and free ways in which to strengthen your brand, and can easily allow you to reach millions of users in a matter of minutes. If you wish longevity and success, then focus on building and maintaining your brand, and be sure to integrate social media into your efforts.

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