Small Business Marketing Tactic: Social Networking Can Add Revenue!

According to a study by Sage Software and AMI-Partners, more than 260,000 small businesses in the US and Canada employ social networking tactics.

51% - Professional social networking (i.e. LinkedIn, etc)

44% - General social networking (i.e. Facebook, etc)

38% - Niche/industry-specific communities

37% - Job Sites

28% - Blogging/microblogging (i.e. Twitter)

The most widespread uses of social media were for responding to customer questions, networking, and reference and educational purposes.

64% - Responding to customer questions

57% - Networking

44% - Reference/Education

33% - Advertising/promotion of business

So, how do you incorporate social networking into your marketing mix, which can effectively generate additional REVENUE?

Here's an idea:

1. Create a conversation with your followers & keep them engaged

2. Provide a VERY DEEP DISCOUNT sales promotion just for them, sell some last-minute inventory

3. Record the sales BUT DO NOT STOP THERE....monitor your list of friends because there is sure to be a spike in the number of people adding you as friend just as soon as their friends let them know of the sales promotion you just offered exclusively to them through your social media friendship.

Social networking - it's a new revenue stream!