The secret’s out that social media can be used to the advantage of businesses and organizations of just about all walks. And even though for some owners the details are still sparse and the benefits are unclear, there’s a growing willingness to open up shop in an unfamiliar land. As long as it will pay off.

So does it pay off?
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Just about every discussion about social media includes the famous, or infamous, question: “What’s the ROI on social media?”

You may be getting closer to having an answer for your clients or your boss. A study from Wetpaint and Altimer Group confirms that communicating with customers through social media correlates with better financial performance.
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The more things change, the more they stay the same. It’s a trite expression, but in the world of business, it’s never been more relevant than it is right now.

Consider the most significant business tools and technologies that have emerged in the past 10 years. For that matter, look at just the past three years. We’re operating in a more advanced marketplace than we were 36 months ago.

Scores of new business owners every day are becoming increasingly aware of the benefits of online tools such as e-commerce, blogging, and social media avenues like Twitter and Facebook. Advertising budgets, too, are phasing out phone book ads in favor of modern solutions such as pay-per-click (PPC) ad campaigns. (more…)

While online marketing isn’t magic and it isn’t free - it’s becoming much more affordable and effective than traditional marketing.

Of course, marketing online doesn’t mean you can forget all the elements of any good traditional campaign. You still need to have something to say. You need to have a product or service to offer. And you need to deliver your message to the right people.

But if you choose to do all of these things online - through a blog, a social media site, or one of many other channels - it’s generally going to be a lot cheaper than sending that same message on the radio, in a newspaper, or on TV.
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Business owners are starting to come around, at increasing rates, to the idea of social media. Whether it’s blogging, using Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, or any other number of applications, companies are beginning to recognize the unique value that social media provides.

But as with every emerging technology and business tool, there is a certain margin of risk involved. Unless you know what to avoid.
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Social media. Two small words that have set off a whirlwind of conversation and activity.
It’s everywhere, and it’s being used by everyone, from businesses and individuals to teenagers and grandparents.

You might not think you know much about it, but in reality, you might know more than you think.
Directly or indirectly, you might even be participating already! (more…)