Question:
I am online a lot but only have so much time. I run a small business (selling stuff I make). If I had to choose my social media outreach, should I focus on Twitter, Facebook or something else? Thank you!Answer:
If I could pick two social media sites to use for small business outreach, they’d be Facebook and Twitter. If I could pick just one, it would be Facebook. In my experience and the experience of my contemporaries who own small businesses, Facebook has attracted a much larger and wider audience.
If you haven’t already, you should set up a business page on Facebook—separate from your personal page---and invite all of your “friends” to join. You should also ask your friends to “suggest” your page to their friends. It will create a Domino effect, which is essentially “word of mouth” online.
For a small business, especially one where you’re selling stuff you make, I think this modern-day “word of mouth” will be priceless. If you have a retail shop for your wares, you might also consider setting up a “Places” page on Facebook, so that people can “check-in” when they visit your store.
The great thing about Facebook is that when someone “likes” your page or “checks in” at your store, all of their friends see this. Again, a Domino effect. Twitter, on the other hand, can be a great promotional business tool as well, but I find it more difficult to attract “tweeps” than Facebook followers. And, if you don’t already know the lingo and how to properly use hashtags, I think Facebook is easier overall.
Maybe focus on FB and get your feet wet with Twitter when you have a little spare time. Before long, you’ll use both as efficiently as possible to help reach your sales goals.
