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One of the major costs associated with running a business is advertising. Advertising can easily cost up to 25% of a business's revenues directly eating away at your profit. Traditional advertising such as direct mail, newspaper ads, radio, and television ads are cost prohibitive for most businesses. Modern forms of advertising online such as YP.com (formerly yellowpages.com)and Google can also be very expensive for a business. What can a business do to cut advertising costs? In this new world of social media there are 5 great sites every business should be on and the good news is they're free! Here they are:
1. Storeboard.com - Storeboard calls itself "The Social Media Site for Business" and it is just that. It is the only site in our list of 5 that is really designed for businesses. Whereas the other recommended sites focus more on the individual behind the scenes, Storeboard puts the focus right on the business. Your icon is your business's logo or an image representing your business. It is easy to upload videos, audios, coupons, blogs, services, and classified ads. Better yet, you can share any media or promotional materials on all of the social media site including the ones below. The site combines the technology found in Facebook, Twitter, Craigslist, and Amazon (you can even post all your products for sale for free) all into one site. The best thing about Storeboard is that it's free to users. Although it's a new site and doesn't have the membership of Facebook, it is a great tool for businesses.
2. Facebook.com - Setting up a business page on Facebook can be done in minutes and is then visible to millions of viewers. You still need to promote your Facebook page but since so many people are already on Facebook, with a little effort you can attract many Fans to your page. The downside to Facebook is that you cannot post media to your Facebook page so that it can easily be seen by your Fans. Many of the postings tend to scroll down your wall over time. Arranging your page more strategically can require assistance or advanced knowledge of Facebook. Still, Facebook is a great way to get the word out!
3. Twitter.com - Twitter is a great way to get your message out to your audience. I recommend customizing your Twitter page with a unique background that represents your business. The more you participate on Twitter and add Followers, the more people will Follow you. You can also use Twitter to identify your friends and customers who are already on Twitter to join your flock. Twitter is easy to use and since many sites incorporate Twitter into your status updates, when you update LinkedIn for example, it wall also be broadcast on Twitter. If you are marketing a local business, use Twitter's search functionality to locate potential partners in your area.
4. LinkedIn.com - LinkedIn is a great way to network with other business people. You can search through your address books and connect with all the people you know who are already on the site. You should completely fill out your profile. Then you can post updates to your status and links to your media. You can also create a business page on LinkedIn where you can specifically post information about your business. Business pages are not that popular on LinkedIn since the focus is more on individuals. It is still possible to do a great deal of networking and promotion about your business through your personal profile. When you post status updates to your LinkedIn account they will also post to your Twitter account as long as you have linked them. Millions of people are on LinkedIn and since they are focused on business, it is a great way to promote your business. You should also search "Groups" and join as many as possible in the fields of your interest. Once you join a group (some have to accept you), you can post updates which will then be shown to all group members - another great way to get your message out there.
5. Fastpitchnetworking.com - Fast Pitch is great for marketing your business and since all the members are specifically there to market themselves or their business, you will find a receptive audience. The site has great tools available to its members such as email blasts, search engine optimization, and also ties in with Twitter, Facebook, and Foursquare. There are some services that require payment such as E-mail management, Press Releases, and Memberships that allow for enhanced services but the charges are reasonable and the fact that they are all available under one roof makes it easy for a business owner.
All businesses that want to increase their Internet presence and save money should be on ALL of the sites referenced above. Why not take advantage of these great sites and start saving money today! Not sure how to use these sites? Bear in mind this is new technology and it takes a while to get used to using these sites but after investing a little time and energy you will reap the benefits: more customers and lower advertising costs!
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About Storeboard.com
Storeboard.com is a social media site for businesses where the emphasis is on business not the personality behind it! A business can create a free profile, upload images, videos, blogs, coupons, services, products and more! There is a classified area as well as a marketplace where businesses can sell their products. Storeboard.com is a fast growing site and is Free!
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