The Science of Social Media Marketing , the presentation designed by HubSpot’s Dan Zarrella, is still a front-runner for Slideshare's World's Best Presentation. In a recent webinar , this presentation gave rise to a number of thought-provoking questions, some of which we wanted to address here and, hopefully, help you in development of an effective social media strategy.
For a novice launching a Facebook page for their organization, do you have any advice on how to get people to "Like" you?
The most effective way to accumulate Facebook “Likes” is by triggering some form of positive interaction. For instance, you can do that by creating a separate Facebook tab that features a compelling offer (e.g. a free ebook, training session, consultation) and sending it to people who “Like” you. Or consider launching a contest in which a post on your Facebook page could lead to an award. (HINT: In order to post on a company wall, you will have to “like” it.)
Can social media be anti-social? Non-social? Too-social?
One can demonstrate antisocial behavior on social media in the very same way one can be antisocial on a crowded bus. This behavior would include talking about yourself or being negative in your posts and updates. It could also mean dismissing established social media etiquette or inability to maintain long-term relationships. On the bright side, we believe one can never be too social on social media.
What tools do you use in tracking specific metrics from social media networks?
There are a bunch of paid tools, such as Trendrr and Radian6 , which you can use to measure engagement and track buzz around your brand. HubSpot also offers a social media monitoring platform as part of our marketing automation software. But if you are looking for a quick and easy way to evaluate your social media influence for free, try out Twitter Grader .
Should we create a landing page tab on Facebook?
Definitely create a landing page tab on your Facebook page, if you haven’t done so already. Use this piece of online real estate to call people to action the way you would on your site. Consider featuring special offers and exclusive deals on it. Make sure your Facebook page conveys a message that people want to be associated with in order to increase your reach and following.
What is the best way to engage influencers?
Start by researching your industry for the thought leaders you want to be connected with. As Dan shared during his webinar , usually a gesture as simple as showing attention to these influencers is strong enough to get the relationship going. You can do that by either addressing them directly on social networks or mentioning them in a blog post or a video. The chances are they will notice you and respond positively.
When using social networking tools, you should be personable, but not tweet about yourself. How do you reconcile the two?
If you are going to create a message that spreads, Dan noted, stop talking about yourself. Yet you shouldn’t lose your personality and stop sharing curious facts about your hobbies and passions. Revealing a newsworthy piece of data about your favorite beer or music band, for instance, is not the same as sharing that you are going to bed or brushing your teeth.
Do you have more questions about social media marketing? Post them in the comments below and let's see if Dan can address them!
Denish Verma 11:05 AM on November 24, 2010
Its really nice Webinar..Thanks to Hubspot....
Charlie Scala 12:16 PM on November 24, 2010
It is against Facebook's promotions guidelines to launch a contest in which a wall post leads to a chance to win a prize.
tom 12:42 PM on November 24, 2010
And, its also against many state laws as it falls under gambling/lottery statues.
However, sending people to your website for special shopping sales is an ideal way to balance "sales pitches" on Facebook versus your own website, where customers expect it.
I also get people to signup for newsletter (easily not exhausting registration information) and show them around the website.
Lastly, we balance social media across all platforms, FB, TW, LI, etc. to show we are engaged in a number of activities like you suggested.
Keepy writing, we are all eager to learn.
Cheers, TC
Magdalena Georgieva 1:03 PM on November 24, 2010
@Charlie: That is a good point, thanks for bringing it up!
Zach Cole 2:43 PM on November 24, 2010
Great tips here! "What is the best way to engage influencers?" is an incredibly common question, and I would argue that there is no one best way. Instead, there are many best ways. Like the article says, find the key influencers in your market, and speak to them on their level, through their preferred medium.
tom 6:26 PM on November 24, 2010
Wish there was a way to edit my comments, so I could delete the spacing and fix a typo.
A long time ago, coffee cups were thought to have the longest-lasting marcom impact as they sat around for a long time.
I was reminded recently that even the even the lowly roadside billboard still has an impact especially when you are stuck in traffic and not much else to do.
My fav, yet untapped, marcom is at the gas-pump. Seriously consumers spend a long time pumping gas with little else to do and now really boring little B&W messages. I see cool videos could be pushed out to specific locations providing something of far more value than what they do today and to the benefit of the gas station and nearby businesses.
Cheers, TC
Shriharsha Bhat 1:48 AM on November 25, 2010
Thanks for posting this! I had registered for the webinar but unfortunately missed it! I was thinking of having an offer for our fans on FB and this article just strengthens my belief...
40deuce 12:53 PM on November 25, 2010
There's some great advice in here Shriharsha. Thanks for sharing.
Cheers,
Sheldon, community manager for Sysomos
40deuce 12:55 PM on November 25, 2010
My apologies, I meant to thank Magdalena, but my eyes were drawn to the comment above mine for some reason.
Sorry
Makati Directory 10:52 PM on November 29, 2010
As always, the key is too avoid spamming and trying to center posts around helpful information that is worthy of being re-posted. Remember, the average facebook user has 130 friends that you won't ever reach unless they re-post. It is unlikely a lawyer offering his services to his social media feed will even get taken seriously, but a lawyer who posts "5 useful tips to avoid incriminating yourself" is likely to get re-posted, alot.
Charlie Seymour Jr 8:39 AM on December 02, 2010
Perhaps if more people thought about Social Media the way I saw people (when I was a kid) talking over the backyard fence.
= They shared what went on during the day
= They shared tips (laundry, raising kids, how to cook a better/quicker dinner)
= They got to know each other.
Relationship building is key. Always.
Charlie Seymour Jr
http://RepairYourOwnLegendNow.com