1. Small Business & Social Media
Where Is Everyone & Do You
Need to Be there, too? Pinterest
Facebook
YouTube Linked In
Twitter Blogger Google+
By Cathy Rubey
Owner, Creative Partner of InGe, Inc.
630-302-5206 Cathy@InGe-Inc.com www.InGe-Inc.com @ingeinc
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November 6, 2012 Oak Brook, Illinois

2. Social Media -- What’s That?
Social Networks, social networking, and social media all
refer to websites with different themes and platforms where
members can interact and exchange ideas and artifacts.
Members can represent themselves individually or author a page
or channel which represents their company, brand or organization.
“Weblogs” or “blogs” are hosted webpages that generally are used
as outlets for written materials and articles.
A strong social media strategy will allow you to engage with your
audience in a meaningful way, rather than just broadcasting your
message in a broad and unfocused manner. As a business owner
or manager, you should have a basic understanding of these
outlets and if applicable, a basic presence. Why?
According to the 2012 Social Media
Marketing Industry Report , 90% of
the marketers reported they would
either be increasing or maintaining
their presence.
Takeaway: You need to be there
too!
And...mobile phone users are only
going to increase = more exposure!
Small Business & Social Media 2

3. So Where Should I Be & Why?
Facebook
Create a profile for yourself.
Create a page for your business.
It’s great for brand exposure and customer relations.
Link page to your website.
If people are looking for you, they will start to look there. You can
control what information is public and searchable and by whom
(friends, friends of friends, public).
Who Needs to be There: Everyone trying to build awareness and
grow connections.
Youtube
Create a profile for yourself.
Create a channel for yourself or your business.
Build brand through video, video blogs, and tutorials.
Embed or link videos applicable to you or your business.
It’s the 2nd largest search engine after Google.
Who Needs to be There: If you can find a way to incorporate video
into your marketing, DO IT!
Google+
Create a profile for yourself.
Create a page for your business.
Add contacts to specific circles.
Google loves its own products so be there!
Who Needs to be There: Everyone
Small Business & Social Media 3

4. Twitter
Create a profile for yourself.
140 character “tweets” about 1) yourself or brand; 2) current events or
“retweets” RT; 3) personal info or comments = Rule of Thirds.
Great for customer service and responding to clients.
Great way to stay up on news and current events (election results)
breaking news, etc. Add a button to your website and link.
Who Needs to be There: Everyone trying to build awareness and grow
connections through content creation. If you have a customer service
function, this can be used as an arm of that.
Linked In
Complete your profile.
Consider this your online CV, resume’, and online business card.
Complete a profile for your business.
Link employees or partners to the business.
Add your website and other online locations.
Search engines love this website too.
Who Needs to be There: If you’re building business connections, job
search anytime in the next 10 years, want to build online authority in a
business segment.
Wordpress/Blogger
Create an account.
Start writing about applicable topics, issues, and events.
Link to your website and other networks.
Write about your expertise or experience in your field.
Link to other experts and comment to build your own following.
Add Youtube video and pictures to your posts and link to your channel.
Who Needs to be There: Content creators and authority builders.
Small Business & Social Media 4

5. What’s Next - Now What?
! ! ! !
Pinterest, Instagram, Foursquare, Groupon
These networks are gaining popularity so stay informed on their
growth and reach.
SO, you have a basic understanding of the social media outlets and
channels, NOW WHAT?
1. Define and find your target audience;
2. Understand the customs and lingo of each SM outlet;
3. Engage and provide value (bring something to the
conversation besides self promotion).
4. Remember, it’s a conversation between you and your
connections.
Final Thoughts:
Make sure all your channels link to each other and a central website.
Have all of your pages and profiles incite the same call to action
(call, email, visit, etc.). This creates a solid digital presence and
awareness for you and your small business.
Schedule regular updates and notifications. Delegate. Monitor.
Remember that once profiles and accounts are created, it takes just
a few minutes a week to monitor and add content.
For more information about how Social Networking and digital
marketing can benefit your small business, feel free to connect or
call!
630-302-5206 Cathy@InGe-Inc.com www.InGe-Inc.com @ingeinc
Small Business & Social Media 5