How can we build our business by Social media?

[Utsav]

Social media is related to Social Networking Sites but I am little bit confuse how can we build our business with help of Social Media. this is good for business but confusion is there how how how
through the Social Media is this really possible., If yes than HOW. please explain me i so confuse i keen to know it

[Jake]

A lot of social media work seems to be about branding, shaping the public's feeling for your company and products, Social Marketing seems to be a longer process. Even Google seems to be shifting their ranking criteria toward social proof in place of backlinks.

This Business Week article from a couple of years ago may be worth a look:
Social Media Will Change Your Business
http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnfl...908252.htm

Here's another somewhat dated resource listing 100 social tools
http://steve-dale.net/2008/03/31/top-100...dia-tools/

[Tom B]

There are a couple of steps to building your business through social media:

1) Get local- get your business listed on the top local directory sites. When people Google your business or relevant key words, you can show up on page one if you've completed several of the free, important online local search directories.
2) Video marketing- people would rather watch your message via a video than read an article. Creating videos and posting on your web page and YouTube channel are great ways get your information seen. A bit of advice: create a list of your 10 most frequently asked questions and create a simple answer to these questions. Put on your site and YT and syndicate.
3) Blogging- create a blog that helps you establish credibility and legitimacy in your industry (how to blogs or blogs that answer questions). Do not promote your product or service, rather provide valuable information relative to your industry.
4) Facebook Fan Page- separate your business from your personal relationships by creating a facebook fan page. Then you can join multiple related groups in FB.
5) Create a LinkedIN account- create a professional LinkedIN account, get some references and join relevant groups.
6) Create a Twitter account and promote links to your blogs, videos, etc...
7) Utilize a software tool to allow you to manage these multiple accounts from one simple location. The quicker and easier engagement is, the more likely you are to do it consistently and effectively.

Social media sites are simply vehicles for disseminating information. Following these above 7 tips should help you out.