_Social Media

Over the last 3 years , with the buzz of social media, online marketing , cutting cost, a wave of unethical business methods and “companies”  raised like never before, the ideal of ” if it will not work it will not hurt ” does not apply here !

We consider the 3 mistakes below as  mistakes that can be avoid when you start  an Internet marketing campaign and SEO:

Allowing designers to do SEO:

Many web designers claim they are Internet marketers gurus , when they have little to no experience in this industry, the industry is constantly changing and  evolving, day after day making it extremely difficult for all to follow, unless you are dedicated to stay ahead.
Ignoring Local Search:

Local search is using different algorithm than organic search, it helps ensure the client’s position above the organic search.
Hiring without exclusive deal:

The biggest mistake you can make is to hire an individual or company to SEO your site who is likely to be retained by your competitor for the same or similar service. Read your contract and insist that a clause be written that the company you hire will not provide services to your competitor for a specific period of time.  Contour Marketing & Media, for example, will not provide services to your competitor for 3 years which ensures the highest quality SEO and business integrity.

_Engage Your Community

The real-time micro-blogging network Twitter offers you the opportunity to engage in ongoing conversations with stakeholders so you’re aware of issues and concerns in real time providing users an opportunity to target a broad audience like no other social media tool.  I’m not suggesting that you rely solely upon Twitter in terms of social media activities but I do think there is an added value to dedicating some efforts to “tweeting”.

The power of “RT” is comparable to screaming from the top of a city sky scraper-your tweet (promotion/service) has a greater opportunity to  find its way to a screen in the distance increasing your brand awareness.  Bottom-line if you have a half hour a day, spend it  cursing Twitter searching for your target, they are there waiting to hear of your product or service.

_Social Media Pays Off

If you’re not using social media to promote your business, you’re company is not reaching its potential.  It’s just that simple.  Signing up for an account on Facebook and Twitter does not mean your company is “engaging” in social media.  A company’s  mere presence on such networks does not necessarily mean they are engaging in social media.

It is important for one to define business goals and objectives and include social media in the overall process and road mapping.  Getting lost in social media without direction only informs your others of your preference for a decaf latte mid-day.