Summer Doldrums are a Great Opportunity for Social Media Marketing By Ed Mayuga

For many people across the US, suffering through this current heat wave, it can be difficult to be motivated to do anything outdoors.  This is a perfect opportunity for small business owners to sit inside their air-conditioned offices and think strategically about how their marketing efforts have generated (or turned away) business this year!  Often the hardest thing is getting started, and the soaring temperatures, summer vacations, and the general economic downturn, makes it even more difficult.  I experienced a little of this malaise earlier last week and on a whim, decided to completely change and reformat my company web site (check it out at http://ammcommunications.com).

This was relatively easy for me because I use WordPress, and I had a feeling of accomplishment when I finished it yesterday, however, it got me thinking that other small business owners might be experiencing the same thing.  I read a great deal, and the blog posts that I find most helpful are those that give me a “call to action” and help me outline a plan moving forward.

Here is a three-point plan to get you started:

•     Look at your web site – If your web site hasn’t been updated or changed in the last two years, now is a good a time as any to make a change.  It could be as simple as changing the colors and fonts, but the important thing is to get started now. Remember, a good web site markets for you 24/7.
•     Analyze your customer materials – Changes to your web site, competition, business hours, or new employees may necessitate a change and update of your materials.  You could create new documents using Microsoft Publisher or hire a freelance graphic designer to do it for you.
•     Find ways to generate publicity – What have you or your business accomplished so far this year? Did you reach some new milestone, receive an award, or land new business? Even minor accomplishments are newsworthy. This is where social media tools can help you create online content that links back to your web site to drive traffic.

This is just a rudimentary list to get you started, but often the first step is the hardest to take.  If you are a novice at creating your own “buzz” there are lots of online articles, such as those on “It’s Your Biz”, to give you some fresh ideas.  Why not spend some time reading, bookmarking, or printing them? Before you know it, autumn will arrive with cooler temperatures, and more sales, will be right around the corner.