Is Social Media Good For A Business?

Social Media sites like Facebook and Twitter have become quite the thing to do these days. Social media sites receive mixed emotions when considered for business use. In many instances, but not all, social media sites can present a perfect medium to develop and promote your branded image. So what should you consider before venturing down the social media trail?

First, whether or not you decide to get a business page on a social media site, your company should create a Social Media Policy that is given to all employees. A typical social media business policy will advise employees to use the utmost discretion when posting about, or not make any reference to, the company, its employees, vendors or customers. This should cover any text, photos, parodies or other public mentions. It is imperative that a business take this necessary step to protect reputations and branding from the detriment caused by unacceptable online behaviors.

The type of business that can benefit most from a social media site is a business that has customers whose friends and family members are prospective customers. By having an individual "friend" or "like" your business page your business automatically gets a referral which can create a "warm lead".

The most productive business use of a social media site is to engage customers and prospects with useful information, let them know about meaningful developments within your company and discuss (business) things of interest to the customers.

In any event, it is very important for a business to view their social media site as a commitment and make frequent posts. Any blog, forum or social media site that is relatively abandoned will quickly lose any popularity. Always post with discretion and leave 'em wanting more!