Social Media Networks - the ultimate tradeshow… so what about our web site?
“OK. James, so where do I get involved? Should I set up a Facebook account? VOX? Linked In? Damn, there are so many out there! What about my own web site, how does that fit in?” Can’t tell you how many times I get that series of questions.
Social media only works if you’re… well… social. You need to work your social media presence… no matter what the presence, site etc. you choose to work with. Many work them all. Where many tell you that these networks are replacements for your web site, or Free Web Sites, simply not true… what they are are massive tradeshows. You gotta set up your booth, find those you know, get them to introduce you to those they know, set up events/opportunities to present, invite discussion and shake as many hands as you can… what next? Sell them on your wares… If you can’t do it then and there you need to hand them your virtual business card… “call me, we’ll do business” or “let me show you want I can do for you”. Sometimes, many times, the gift of the gab is not enough… and potential clients will want to kick your car’s tires! Here you… well… bring them to your web site.
There are those who work the room really well, for them the sale and/or contact can be started and transaction completed right then and there… Friend #1 links you into friend #2 who needs a site, voila. But for many, there are simply too many names and faces floating by to keep track of them all… many simply don’t know how to start those virtual conversations. But on a day to day reality, when you’re not logged in to converse, your name gets out there when you do the simplest of moves in these networks and even if you aren’t around to shake every hand, folks still visit your profile pages and subsequently your web site. Many of these networks simply don’t have the facilities to show off your products and/or services effectively. You’re web site does.
More importantly your web site is the one, grounded thing that retains your sales pitch. It’s your board room, use it as such, make sure that any of those network/tradeshow friends visit a site that takes them by the hand and shows them what you can do for them. In an interesting article on social media panel and a chat with some of today’s leaders…
the majority of people here said they rely on traditional news outlets and “pre-Web 2.0″ portals like Yahoo News. - Social-media pros: We’re just getting started - Posted by Martin LaMonica, c|net.com News
Simply put, because there is a certain groundedness (new word!) with these sources. Many validate news, happenings, facts etc. they find on blogs. They go to those traditional, pre-2.0 web sites. It is your web site that grounds you and your company in the public’s eye, it makes you legit and touchable. Not just a face in the crowd, not just a handshake and a wink. It makes you tangible.
All these network sites allow for amazing, viral exposure for you and your company… but without a web site you can liken it to handing out business cards with no contact info on them… there simply is no way for you to argue your case to the masses passing by and you can’t talk to all of them. The web site makes sure that NO ONE falls through the cracks.
