It’s old news to say that local and small businesses are using more social media, including Twitter and Facebook, as a way to reach customers because of lower marketing budgets. In addition to its amazing powers of connecting with people in a highly targeted way, social media marketing is incredibly cheap compared to traditional marketing. Check out this great resource
As yet another example of social media’s ability to be an effective tool for local marketing, check out what the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitor’s Bureau is doing as reported in the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. The CVB will be posting “tweets” on Twitter to promote deals at local hotels as a way to spread the word about certain promotions. It will also be a way to build “buzz” around town about what’s happening and where. Additionally, it’s planning a special iPhone App that will allow people to search for nearby bars, attractions, restaurants and hotels by using the built-in GPS finder.
Naturally, the timing couldn’t be better for this decision for the CVB. South Florida will be the place to be in January, 2010, as the area plays host to the Super Bowl. The CVB is hoping its social media marketing strategy is in full gear by the time millions of people come down for the world’s largest sporting event, which now take up two full weeks with the addition of the Pro Bowl being played in South Florida.
As a small business owner, it’s important to continue to understand the power social media and social networking continue to play in the world of marketing. It helps you stay on the offensive in a down economy. And it’s a great way to use as an integrated approach by tying into any current traditional marketing efforts, like direct mail, advertisements, newsletters and brochures. To get even better results, try building a special landing page where you can direct your online guests to go, all tied into your Web site or blog. And don’t forget to offer special incentives, deal and promotions to get people to sign up and provide their email address. This way you’ll be able to build your email list for any online marketing campaigns that are tied in to a rewards or loyalty program.
How are you using social media for local business? Tell us about it here.
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John, we use social media to spread the word about new or soon to expire media coverage opportunities for small businesses. Although a lot of the opportunities are for national coverage, there are some that can land local coverage for businesses, too.